John William Ross passed away March 20, 2025. He was born in Opheim, Montana on December 3, 1931 to Clarence and Marie (Novacek) Ross.

John spent his early youth in Wheeler and Forsyth. He returned to Opheim in the summers working at the blacksmith shop with his grandparents, John and Barbara Novacek.

While working in Opheim, John met the love of his life, Nadine Simshaw. They were married December 6, 1952. They lived in Opheim and raised five children. He taught them all to fish and hunt- which they did whenever possible.

John was involved in the community, always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Volunteer for the Fire Department. He had a lifelong interest in machines and mechanics beginning with a Model T Ford. He worked multiple jobs ending his career as an Automotive Instructor at the Poplar Community College.

John is survived by his wife Nadine, and five children. Stacie Williams (Omie), three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Kelly, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Sara Williams (Craig) two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Craig (Lynn) four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and Scott (Pam) three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Fred Ingram, brother Clarence and sisters Barbara and Nancy.

Condolences for the family may be left online at bellmortuarymontana.com.

John William Ross, 94, of Opheim, Montana, passed away on March 20, 2025. A graveside service will be held on July 21st, 11:00 a.m., at the Opheim cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Opheim Lutheran Church.

Violet Lucile “Vi” Johnson, 91, of Glasgow, Montana, formerly of Fort Peck, Montana, passed away peacefully at Valley View Home on June 22, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Vi was born August 26, 1933 to George and Lena Akkerman in Salem, South Dakota. In 1949, she married Wallace “Wally” Johnson. In 1954, they would move their young family to Fort Peck, Montana where they would settle and raise their four children. Vi made many friendships in Fort Peck Community that would last decades as they often enjoyed the same crafts and talents: sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, painting, bird watching, Bridge, BINGO and gardening. She would plant vegetable gardens and can the produce for the winter months but her treasured gardens were her flower gardens. Vi sewed most of her and her daughter’s clothes and enjoyed knitting sweaters for everyone. She was multitalented she even taught herself to play the piano. She enjoyed going to Ken’s high school basketball games.

As the kids grew up, she started work in Glasgow, first at the flower shop, then the quilt shop and then she started part-time at the Post Office in Fort Peck. Along with working her flowers and sewing kept her busy and with her talents she received several ribbons at the County Fair.

Later she enjoyed socializing with friends while playing BINGO on a regular basis, she was active in the Senior Citizens of Fort Peck, bird watching and going to the grandkid’s volleyball and basketball games, but her favorite was the Quilt Club, where she learned multiple techniques that kept her busy for decades. With the skills she honed there she made several quilts and wall hangings for all the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids as they came along.

Vi and Wally were blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many extended and blended families. Throughout her life she had many pets: dogs, birds, fish and cats but most beloved was her kittens. Even in Valley View, Jax, the home’s cat would spend days in her room.

She is survived by her four children: Richard Lee (Penny) Johnson of Cut Bank, Montana, Marjorie Lynn (Jerry) Bollinger of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jean Marie Pippin (Terry Kinley) of Maple Valley, Washington and Kenneth Ray (Robin) Johnson of Fort Peck, Montana; brother, Marvin (Lois) Akkerman of Mankato, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by a grandson, Jeffrey Allan Pippin in 1996; son-in-law, Mark Lester Pippin in 2003; great-granddaughter, Madison Faith Chatten in 2005; her husband of 61 years, Wally in October of 2010; grandson, Aaron Danne Chatten in 2010 and granddaughter-in-law, Heather Bollinger in 2017.

Family will receive friends 5-7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 30, 2025 at Bell Mortuary with Pastor Bonnie Novak officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Peck Cemetery in Fort Peck, Montana and a reception will follow at the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery. Condolences may be left online for the family at bellmortuarymt.com

David Allen Sage, age 73, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, in Billings, Montana, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born on March 13, 1952, in Poplar, Montana, David was a proud graduate of Poplar High School, Class of 1970, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Montana State University in 1974. A loyal Bobcat through and through, he never missed a chance to say "Go Cats!"

David began his career as a Federal Bank Examiner, but the pull of the land—and the promise of the sky-was stronger. He returned home to northeast Montana and embraced his lifelong calling as a wheat farmer. Rain was music to his ears, and the rhythm of rural life shaped his days and values. His dedication to agriculture was evident in every acre he tended and every board he served on, including as President of the Montana Grain Growers Association from 1993 to 1994.

David was a man of quiet strength, sharp wit, and deep loyalty. He was devoted to his wife of many years, Gayle (Wagenhals) Sage, and proud of his two daughters, Marissa Sage. and Britt (Todd) Ritchie, along with his two beloved grandsons, Logan and Dylan Ritchie, whose energy and curiosity brought a special kind of light to his later years.

He is also survived by his brother Mike (Suzanne) Sage, his sister Tana Harp, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorris Sage, his niece, Melissa Sage, and his brother-in-law, Bill Harp

At David's request, no services will be held. In his honor, you might consider taking a quiet moment to listen to the rain, cheer on the Bobcats, or simply pause to appreciate the open sky.

David's legacy lives on in the fields he farmed, the family he loved, and the community he helped shape. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held for Lois Ann Jenson-Plenger from 7-9 p.m. on June 30, 2025 at Bell Mortuary.

Inurnment will take place at 10 a.m., July 1 at Highland Cemetery.

Lois was born to Roy and Lucille Jenson on October 8, 1940 in Glasgow. She passed away on May 9, 2024 in Hendersonville, TN.

Margaret Ann Potter, 82, of Glasgow, Montana passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on June 15, 2025.

Grandma was born October 30, 1942 to Earnest and Julia Belbeck Riley in Rock Glen, Saskatchewan. At the age of two she and her family moved to Ft. Peck, Montana and later to Nashua, Montana. She had fond memories of the family farm in Rock Glen and frequently traveled to Canada to visit family and friends. Grandma and her sister, Sharon, always had a full agenda scheduled for our family reunions in Canada or in Montana. She was very proud when she was granted U.S. citizenship.

Grandma attended school in Nashua, Montana where she enjoyed learning to sew and attending home economics and science class. Here she developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
In 1958 Grandma married the love of her life Don Potter just six months after their first date. They shared 61 wonderful years of marriage before Grandpa’s passing in 2020.

Side by side they raised three children: Veronda, Sue and Ronnie. She was a wonderful mother, whom made home cooked meals and taught her kids to cook. She took sewing classes and became an accomplished seamstress, sewing late into the night while enjoying the peace and quiet. Grandma also enjoyed baking and decorating wedding cakes for many young couples around the county.
Grandma and Grandpa built a life rooted in hard work, love, family values and community. Grandma was not only a devoted mother and wife but an essential part of the family’s successful farm equipment dealership business, Town and Ranch Service Center. Grandma was very proud of her work at the Mental Health Center and was always happy helping others.

Grandma’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. Grandma enjoyed a cold Bud Light or two and laughing with her friends, she always a good time. She loved camping and spending time at the lake. Grandma held fond memories of her time spent with her bowling friends and always looked forward to her Badland Biddies group. She was also a long time member of the Soroptimist and looked forward to the Block of Bucks. Grandma was an active member of the United Methodist Church. My Grandma was a caring person who always made it a priority to stay connected with friends.

According to Grandma her favorite title was that of Grandma and Great Gram, she didn’t miss an opportunity to spend time with grandchildren. Grandma spent many hours in the passenger seat of their blue Buick car attending their grandkid’s various sporting events. Both her and Grandpa were known all over Eastern Montana as being their grandkids biggest fans. Grandma never passed up an opportunity to hold a baby and always had a good rocking chair at home.

She is survived by her brother Wayne (Sharon) Riley, children: Veronda (Craig) Biggart, Sue (Shawn) FitzGerald, and Ronnie (Debbie) Potter; grandchildren: Brady (Matt) Brooks, Megan (Dustin) Panktraz, Jonathan (Courtney) FitzGerald, Rowena FitzGerald (Keith Milton), Olivia (Luke) Wood, Nick (Kelsie) Stamper, and Jenna Stamper (Jeremy Henderson); great-grandchildren: Bridger and Houston Brooks, Cooper, Wylie and Augustus Pankratz, Taryn, Landon and Peyton FitzGerald, Sophia and Carson Stamper.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Ernest and Julia Belbeck Riley, father and mother-in-law Orville and Rowena Potter, husband Don Potter, granddaughter Julia Frances Funk, brothers William and Doyle Riley, sister Sharon Ozark and brother-in-law Cecil Ozark, nephews Dewayne Ozark, Brad, Jason, and Benjamin Riley.

Grandma’s quick wit, infectious laugh and warmth left a lasting impact on everyone who had met her. She lived life to its fullest and made every occasion fun and light hearted. She always had a way of staying positive and making everyone feel welcome. Grandma will be greatly missed by many, we will continue to gather, laugh and celebrate in her honor.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 6:00p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana. Funeral services will be at 11:00a.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Glasgow, Montana, with Pastor Rick Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. There will be a reception following the services at the Glasgow Elk's Lodge. Condolences may be left online for the family at bellmortuarymt.com.

Hinsdale icon, David Roy Hillman, aka “DoDad,” passed away from natural causes on June 8, 2025, in Glasgow, Montana, at the age of 85.

David was born in Glasgow, Montana, on December 5, 1939, to Roy “Bud” Hillman Jr. and Carrol Carlson Hillman. He attended Hinsdale High School and was part of the Class of 1957. Though he did not graduate with his senior class, David received his GED in 1959 while serving in the U.S. Navy.

David joined the Navy in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1963. During his service, he was stationed on the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Midway, where he worked as part of the hangar deck crew.

In 1964, David married his hometown sweetheart, Cheryl Swanson, in Hinsdale, Montana. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Great Falls, Montana, before returning to Hinsdale to raise their family. Their daughter, Laurel Jane Hillman, was born in October 1965; daughter, Stacie Lyn (Hillman) Canen, in March 1968; son, Bryon David Hillman, in May 1974; and son, Tyler Lee Hillman, in August 1976. David and Cheryl later divorced after raising their children. He never remarried.

Over the years, David held a variety of jobs, including working for the Farmers Union in Hinsdale. He also farmed for several local families; Art Arnold, Jim Arndt, and Jack Barnard, to name a few, and worked for the Civil Service at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. Later, David became a salesman and beer distributor for Glasgow Distributors in Glasgow, Montana, where he worked for 16 years before retiring.

In his spare time, David served as a basketball referee for many years, officiating countless games with his best friend, Gary Klind. He also coached the Hinsdale Women’s Softball team for many years, even leading them to a trip to Nationals in Portland, Oregon.

In his earlier days, David was an avid paddle fisherman and goose hunter, earning the nickname “Captain Goose.” He enjoyed fishing the Milk River, Nelson Reservoir, and Fort Peck Lake, as well as hunting deer and antelope. He was known for teaching most of the kids in Hinsdale how to swim in the Milk River and for his love of water skiing, especially trick skiing and riding a chair on a saucer. He also served as a member of the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department in his early adult years and was a dedicated member of the Hinsdale American Legion Post 45 until his passing.

During his retirement, David remained a soldier at heart. He proudly served as the town’s first line of defense against mosquitoes, driving the fogging machine by night and cruising the streets of Hinsdale by day with a Styrofoam cup of coffee in hand. Locals often joked that you could tell where he’d stopped to visit by the cup he left behind. He took great pride in maintaining the Legion Hall, his home away from home, and keeping the Milk River Park well-mowed and cared for.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Carrol Hillman; parents-in-law, Betty and Magnus Swanson; sisters, Judy (Hillman) Peña and Shirley (Hillman) Martin; infant son, Bryon David Hillman; daughter, Laurel Jane Hillman; sisters-in-law Patti Sanderson and Sharon Swanson; brothers-in-law Mick Swanson, Jim Sanderson, Jim Arndt, Tony Peña, and Doug Martin; nieces Marissa Sanderson, Heather (Swanson) Monson, and Lori Fitzgerald; nephews Russell Swanson and Lindsey Hillman; and many other beloved relatives and friends.

He is survived by his brother, Gary Hillman, his daughter, Stacie (Ray) Canen, and son, Tyler (Christy) Hillman all of Hinsdale, MT; grandchildren, Derek (Michelle) Canen, Naperville, IL, Kendra (Phillip) Luedtke, Zittau, WI, Sawyer (MiShai) Hillman, Cardwell, MT, Danika Hillman, Glasgow, MT and Berkley Hillman, Hinsdale, MT; great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Coen Canen, and Wilder, Sunnie, and Hays Hillman; his aunt, Rosanne Cox; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

David was a dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend to many. He loved his hometown of Hinsdale and its community deeply. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all the Raider, Maverick, and Scottie athletes he avidly followed over the years.

Hinsdale will not be the same without DoDad cruising the streets, keeping an eye on things, and leaving behind his trail of Styrofoam cups.

Service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Hinsdale American Legion.