Donna Mae Ricker, 76, died Dec. 15, 2025, in Grand Forks, N.D. She was born April 27, 1949, on the Fort Peck Reservation, the youngest child born to the union of Helen LeCaine and Joseph Ricker. She was a proud Hunkpapa Lakota woman who cherished her heritage. She served as a bridge to the past for her family, faithfully sharing her family’s stories and history with her children, grandchildren and nephews. Her life was a powerful testament to redemption, resilience and the transforming power of God. The Bible speaks of those who are “more than conquerors” and this described her perfectly. She faced life’s profound challenges with strength and refused to let them define her. Instead, she became an Overcomer. She turned her life around, emerging as a woman of deep faith and strength. She loved to share His goodness with others, testifying to the liberty that only God can give. In her restored life, she poured her heart into being a devoted mother, particularly to Jodahana Deserly, with whom she made her home in Devils Lake, N.D. She is survived by her children: Jodahana Deserly of Devils Lake, N.D., Brian Ames Ricker Alexander of Dallas, Texas, Danielle Ricker, Jimmy Bobbit, Ladahna Mae Jones of Chicago, Ill., and Richard Aubery of Pismo Beach, Calif.; brothers, Ronald Ricker of Wolf Point and Tommy Christian of Poplar; sister, Lori Japp; and numerous grandchildren She was preceded in death by sons, Burton Deserly and Joseph Jones III; sisters, Peggy, Betty, Tweety and Barbara; and her brother, Arnold. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Burial was at King Memorial Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Roberta Joan “Bobbie” Boyd, 93, died Dec. 15, 2025, at Billings Clinic in Billings. She was born June 18, 1932, in Wolf Point, the eldest of eight children born to Helen Sparks and George A. Boyd, Jr. She was raised on the family ranch 15 miles north of Brockton and attended school in Brockton and often stayed with her paternal grandmother, Nellie Blackdog Boyd, who lived closer to town. After graduating from Brockton High School in 1951, she attended college in Bozeman, earning a degree in nursing. While working at the Wolf Point hospital, she met future husband, Emory Emerson. They married in September 1953 and, from this union, they had four children: Roxanne, Roy, Eugene and Robert. They made their home in Brockton until their divorce in 1965. She and the children traveled and lived a nomadic life. They visited many states, among them California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon and Washington. She worked in various jobs throughout those years using her expertise as an experienced seamstress and talented cook/ baker to teach — teaching seemed to be her forte throughout her life. In her later years, children fully grown, she returned to further her education at Montana State University Northern in Havre, receiving her RN degree. She nursed in Havre and Malta after graduation. She worked at A& S Industries as an occupational health nurse until their closure. She went on to work at Kicking Horse Job Corps in Ronan, teaching the nursing students until she retired. She inherited her renowned father’s artistic talent. She painted and won awards and used different mediums. Her rocks with nature and animals being coveted by the lucky owners. She painted until her failing eyesight caused her to set her brush down. She was a proficient crafter and made stuffed bears and dolls for her grandchildren as well as being a skilled seamstress sewing clothing for her daughter, Roxanne, and school shirts for the boys, much to their chagrin. Following once again in her father’s footsteps, she became a cattle rancher and her son Roy was her steadfast partner in the venture. She lived in the beautiful mountains of Moiese, before moving home to Poplar and, finally, north of Brockton, with her beloved Herefords. In her final years, she enjoyed simple living: overseeing the running of the ranch, cooking and baking for her son and friends. She enjoyed chatting on the phone with her family and friends and was an avid watcher of bull riding. She was preceded in death by her brothers, George Jr., Eugene and Daryl; and her sisters, Winona and Judy. She is survived by her children, Roxanne of Idaho, Roy Emerson Sr. of Brockton, Eugene Emerson of Oregon and Robert Emerson of Alaska; brothers, Lionel Boyd and Terry Boyd; sister, Patricia Menz; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 29, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Interment was at Brockton Riverview Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Rocky Garfield, 63, of Terry died Dec. 8, 2025. He was born Aug. 20, 1962, to Ernest Garfield and Nancy Gladys Comeslast. He met longtime partner Catherine Wilson in April 2009 — this is when their friendship blossomed. He would sit in the backyard and play his cheap flute. After he was playing that cheap flute, he got good at it. So, a very good one was bought and he fell in love with it. While living in Lansing, Tenn., the idea of starting Spirit Wind was born. Spirit Wind did performances at schools, libraries, scout troops, private events and local pow-wows. Rocky would play the flutes and Catherine would play the drums. He just loved the children. They had Boy Scouts come to their house and camp for four days. They would show them how to make dream catchers, chokers, many other things and played Native games. Then, the couple decided to come back to Montana. He wanted to be with his family, but life was cut short. He is survived by his sister, Winnifred “Winnie” Schafer; brothers, Randy lambert of Philadelphia and Ernest Comeslast; son, Noah Breckenridge; and soulmate, Catherine Wilson. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Vera Jean Comeslast and Glory Overby; and brother, Kenny Comeslast. A viewing was held Monday, Dec. 29. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Jade Ryan, 40, died Dec. 25, 2025 in Billings. The funeral service will be announced at a later date pending the completion of the arrangements with Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Lawrence R. Palazzo, 92, of Glasgow died Dec. 17, 2025. Services are pending,

Dale Warren Romo, 76, of Bainville died Dec. 12, 2025. He was born Oct. 26, 1949, to Paul and Ella Halvorson Romo in Williston, ND. He joined older brother, Lawrence; and soon brothers, Leland and Alan, joined the family. Growing up on the farm south of Bainville, he and his brothers drove to their grandparents’ house before and after school to milk their cows. He first learned how to ride by hopping on a dairy cow and letting the cow leave the barn. His father died while he was in seventh grade and the boys took over the farming operation with the help of their Uncle Lester. Throughout high school, he was active in basketball, football and FFA where he won gold in the livestock judging competition at the National FFA convention in Kansas City. During this time, he discovered his love for music. What started out as the Dale Romo band turned into the Shotgun Creek band. Music was a staple throughout his life. After graduating from high school in 1967, he went to college in Billings. Shortly after that, he decided to further his education of being a mechanic, transferring to attend Northern College in Havre. While at Northern, he met Rochelle (Rocky) Berge. After college, he moved back home to the farm and joined the National Guard. This was his second attempt; the first time he tried, he was told he looked too young. He was active in the National Guard for 27 years and inactive for an additional 14 more. In 1970, he and Rocky got married in Wolf Point. They had three children: Paul in 1973, Cody in 1975 and Danielle in 1978. The brothers purchased their first piece of property, often referred to as the Rhea place. This was the start of the Romo Brothers partnership, which became a very large part of his life. He quickly became the goto mechanic and was always ready to lend a hand when

Sybil Doris Erickson, 76, died Dec. 13, 2025, at Billings Clinic Hospital. She was born in Poplar on Oct. 31, 1949, to Florence Mae Weinberger Bighorn and Ernest Clark Bighorn Sr. She was the fourth born of her siblings: Ernie, Jackie, Crystal, Alda and James Bighorn. Her father named her after his only sister, Sybil Lambert. Being born on Halloween, she was affectionately known as “boo boos” by many of her friends and family. She attended school in Brockton and received her GED. She later attended Cook Christian Training School in Tempe, Ariz., where she loved being with her Bighorn relatives. She also spent time in Riverside, Calif., and Billings in her younger years. She married Keith Erickson Sr. and, to this union, she raised three children, Joe, Keith and Kristen. Together, they operated Chief Drive-In. She worked at the Smoke Shack and Tribal Express over the years but, ultimately, dedicated over 30 years of her life working as a paraprofessional where her patience, kindness and commitment left a lasting impact on countless students. Her work extended far beyond the classroom and she played an important role in helping raise many along the way, offering guidance, encouragement and unwavering support. She was a woman whose heart and home were always open. She never turned anyone away and raised numerous children, loving each of them as her own. She always had a spare room or couch for anyone. Known for her

David E. Brownlee, 79, of Wolf Point passed away Dec. 10, 2025. He was born Feb. 9, 1946, the youngest child of Helen Louise (Styre) and James “Jim” Brownlee. Attending school in Wolf Point, he received awards for trampoline and swim teams and graduated in 1965. From 1967 to 1970, David served his country in Viet Nam and was always proud of his time in the Army. After returning home, David worked many jobs, including Dad’s Bar where he continued to “help out” for many years. In 1985, he started his career at the Montana Department of Transportation, staying there until he retied 25 years later. In 1982, David married Valerie Marquardt. He met the love of his life in 1983 when his only child, Jordanne, was born. He was a good dad and always made sure she had everything she needed (or wanted!). David always enjoyed time spent with friends and family, especially playing pool with “the guys” or golfing with his

Ryan Jaron Schumacher, 19, of Wolf Point died Dec. 18, 2025. He graduated from Wolf Point High School in 2024 and attended college at Montana State University - Bozeman to pursue architecture and civil engineering. He later decided to instead pursue a career in music and was studying to become a music teacher with plans to attend college in Missoula. He loved the arts and participated in music classes, drama class and speech and drama competitions in high school. He had such a love for music and participated in band, pep band and the various choirs in high school, as well as marching band at MSU - Bozeman. He spent his free time composing and playing his many instruments filling the entire house with music. He was also a member of Northern Lightning and enjoyed playing the various venues in the community. His many talents allowed him to travel on tours and perform in Chicago and Kansas City. He was also selected to participate in the David Potter and Edwin Furshpan Native American High School Program, which allowed him to travel to Boston and study at Harvard University. He enjoyed these travels and aspired to travel to and eventually live in Ireland. In earlier years, he spent a lot of time with his grandfather Michael watching old

Lewis Martell Sr., 63, died Dec. 16, 2025, at Poplar Community Hospital in Poplar. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Interment followed at Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.