Judy Diane (Buller) Raisl, 79, of Richey died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at the Wibaux Nursing Home. She was the first of six children born to Elmer “Jim” and Caroline Buller. She grew up on the farm on Butler Table. She loved to be outside and would ride her Shetland pony Dynamite to herd cows in the ditches with her sister Bonnie. Anything outside is where she wanted to be. She attended elementary school at the Butler Table School and then went to Richey High School where she graduated with the Class of 1963. After graduation, she worked at the hospital in Sidney as a nurse’s aide for a short time and then went to work as a teller at the bank in Circle. While working in Sidney, she met Alex “Chub” Jackson. They were married July 2, 1965. They moved to Billings and she worked for a bank there. Due to health issues, her husband retired, bought a small hobby farm at Crane and they packed up and moved. She went to work at Pamida in Sidney for about five years. During that time, her husband Chub died. She remarried Dec. 26, 1992, to Raymond “Butch” Raisl. They made their home in Richey. Together, they both took EMT training and became EMT’s for the Richey community. He was the fire chief and she would man the

Ramona Lee (Buckles) Kirn, 93, died Dec. 12, 2024. She was born on May 28, 1931, to David Buckles Sr and Hazel Boyd in Poplar. She had sisters Alice, Mary, Davetta, Sonia, and Patsy as well as their brother, David “Shunks.” She attended Poplar Schools until she met Jesse Kirn. They were married in April 1949 and shared many decades together until Jesse’s death in 2002. Out of this union, they had four children, Jesse Jr., Rhonda, Russell and Thomas. She worked for some time as a nurse’s aide in Poplar Hospital before starting her life as a wife and homemaker. She was an avid arrowhead/ rock hunter, professional calf-puller, the hostess of live card games and a tripe-andchicken cleaner. She was truly a Jill of All Trades, spending many days and evenings working on many crafts or watching soap operas. She always made everyone feel welcome in her home and made sure no one ever went hungry. She and Jesse were never bored — there were always chores to be done on the farm and, in their spare time, they loved to travel to many different places across the country

Abby Loni Rae Steele, 31, of Fort Kipp died Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2024, in Billings. She was born in Billings on Sept. 18, 1993, to Melissa Feather and Richard Steele. She received her early education in Minot and graduated from Culbertson High school. After graduation, she moved back to Minot where she worked as a salesclerk. She loved and was proud of her two children, Norah Jean and Kyler Jr. Family was important to her and she loved her three brothers, Cruz, Tristen and Spirit, and her sisters, Jaquienta and Eloise. After she became sick, she moved back from Minot,

Josh Isaac “Joshy” Blount, 36, of Wolf Point died Dec. 7, 2024, at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point. He was born Aug. 25, 1988, in Wolf Point to George William III and Candace J. Blount. He was George and Candy’s youngest and most cherished child. Though he could not speak in words, he had a unique and remarkable way of expressing himself. His happiness, kindness and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. His gentle spirit and pure soul were gifts to all, offering a perspective of the world that was both beautiful and extraordinary. He had a love for music and sounds. Whether enjoying a car ride or going through the car wash, he found joy in the rhythm of life. He had a way of letting you know when he wanted the music louder or a song changed, often by tugging on your shoulder or rocking back and forth with excitement. Birthdays were especially meaningful for Josh. His radiant smile and the way he rubbed his hands in delight made these celebrations unforgettable. To his family, he was their earth angel-keeping them grounded, humble and profoundly blessed. Despite his challenges, he attended school with determination and support. He began his education in Frazer. Later, he attended Wolf Point High School, where he graduated in 2010 with the guidance of Joe Anderson and the encouragement of his peers. He was a familiar presence at the community events, particularly sporting games along the Hi-Line, where he

Ronald Lambert Sr., 56, of Wolf Point died Dec. 5, 2024, at the Billings Clinic. He was born July 30, 1968, to Martha Shawl Lambert and James Lambert Sr. He spent most of his life in Wolf Point. He worked at A& S in Poplar and Buttrey’s in Wolf Point. He then met Veronica Bigleggins and he helped her raise Alavona and Alvino Spotted Elk, claiming them as his own. In 1993, they had a daughter, Marnita. In 1994, they had Ronnie Jr. and, a year following, had their youngest, Midas Edward. They were married in October 2003 and divorced in 2016. They remained close until his death. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, keeping things clean and cooking.

Raymond 'Butch' Raisl, 78, of Richey died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at his home in Richey. Services are pending. A full obituary will follow.

Kevin George Burshia Jr. (Ista to), 40, died Dec. 2, 2024. He was born Nov. 25, 1984, in Wolf Point to Doris J. Headdress and Kevin G. Burshia Sr. He attended Poplar and Ellendale elementary schools. He also attended Frontier middle school and Wolf Point High School. He ultimately obtained his GED at Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps in Minot, N.D. He was musically inclined, enjoyed singing, mastered the guitar and also played the drums. Alongside his musical abilities, he possessed a world talent for drawing and beading, primarily using the peyote stitch. He also worked with horsehair, skillfully braiding it which allowed him to express himself in another beautiful way. It’s wonderful how he found ways to connect with passions and share them with those he loved. While living in the Chelsea area on the farm, he went hunting and fishing and taught how to skin and gut a deer and fillet a fish. He would also help with farm chores and driving tractor. When he would stay with his grandma Gloria, she taught him a great deal about their culture. She showed him how to dry corn, prepare dry meat, handle ground cherries and pick turnips. He was a great help around the house, completing tasks like painting, fixing fence and doing yard work. He was known for his sense of humor and ability to make others feel welcome. He was also very loving, kind and respectful. He is survived by his children, Jason, Rosaline and Rory; siblings, Heather Martell, Samantha Burshia, Ryan Burshia, Zachary Budak, Michael Budak, Brianne Burshia, Tyree Burshia Mary Burshia and Arthur Burshia; grandmother, Gloria Chopper. He was preceded in death by his father, Kevin Burshia Sr. A prayer service was held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. His funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment will be in the Headdress Family Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Bill Rathert, a beloved husband, father and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2024, at Trinity Hospital with family at his side. He had been struggling for the past several years with health issues. Bill was born to Charles and Frances (Lund) Rathert on Jan. 9, 1943. He grew up in Wolf Point and graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1961. He played football and basketball all four years. He was a starter on the 1961 Class B state basketball team. He married his high school sweetheart, Irene Hentges Rathert. After high school, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. He then went to the University of Minnesota and obtained a mortuary science degree. The family moved to Miles City, Mont., in 1967 where he worked at Graves Funeral Home. In 1970, the family moved to Wolf Point. Bill was a loan officer at Western Bank. In 1977, he purchased his brother's interest in the Ford dealership. He enjoyed people and the car business for over 30 years. Many will remember his laugh, his mischievous pranks, his appreciation of antiques and western art. Due to declining health, he sold his interest in the dealership to Tom Fox. He was also involved in the family farm with his brother, Fred, and later Jim Hentges, his brother-in-law. In August 2023, he became a resident of Faith Home. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Donna and her husband Mervin, brother, Fred and his wife, Kathy. Also, his son-in-law, Ken Schreibvogel. He is survived by his wife, Irene. His daughter, Julie Rathert Schreibvogel, her son Rorey (Nicki) and great-grandchildren Easton and Presley. A daughter Jill (Greg) Page, their children Jon (Hannah), Alex (fiance Trevor Toavs) and Jake (fiance Lexie Pehlke). Also, a daughter, Jana Rathert and a son Bill Rathert. His brother Charles “Chuck” as well as several brother in laws, sister in laws, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He has been cremated and a graveside service will be held at a later date. Waller Funeral Home of Scobey, Mont., is in charge. We would like to thank Faith Home and the staff at Trinity Hospital for their excellent care given to Bill. (Paid Obituary)

JimAnn McGee Smith, 66, of Poplar died Nov. 23, 2024. She was born April 8, 1958, to Carol Johnson Phillips and Jimmie McGee Sr. in Bartlesville, Okla. She spent her youth living in numerous locations throughout the midwest including the tree farm in Iowa where she grew up, graduating from the local high school in Davenport. She lived in various states such as Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas. Kansas is where she met her third husband, Cecil Smith of Poplar. They settled north of Poplar on his family’s homestead where they raised their two daughters. She enjoyed her various arts and crafts, reading, murder shows and puzzles. She was known for her excellent cooking and baking and her cake decorating skills. She was preceded in death by her step-brother, Jimmy Geeding. She is survived by her mother, Carol Phillips and her step-father Gary Phillips of Hanston, Kansas; husband, Cecil Smith of Poplar; two daughters, Kassandra and Kellie; and her step-brothers, Curtis and Chris Geeding. She was looking forward to meeting her first grandchild from her daughter Kellie. It was her wish that there was to be no funeral services and cremation has taken place. The family is considering a celebration of life at a future date.

Scott Swain, 58, died Nov. 26, 2024, in Wolf Point. He was born Dec. 8, 1965, in Wolf Point to Robert J. Swain and Violet Brunelle Winsor. He loved to fish and hunt with his nephews, friends and family. He loved to have family get-togethers and enjoyed playing cards and games. He loved to tease all his nieces and nephews. He was a police officer for the Fort Peck Tribes and the City of Wolf Point and a guard at Roosevelt County. He had many jobs around the Wolf Point area, including A& S Industries. He graduated from Chemawa Indian School in 1983 in Salem, Ore. He earned his associate degree from Fort Peck Community College in human resources and attended the Police Academy in Artesia, N.M. He is survived by his son, Bryce Wallentine Hennert of Kemmerer, Wyo.; sisters, Robin Hendrickson of Poplar, Trish Morton of Dallas, Texas, Georgie Winsor of Hawthorne, Nev., Melody Billy of Wolf Point, Anna Moran of Poplar and Christine Winsor Twiss of Oregon; and brother, Mike Winsor of Missoula. Visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 10. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.