Pearl E. Hopkins, 81, of Poplar died Oct. 4, 2020, at the Roosevelt Memorial Nursing Home in Culbertson. She was born Nov. 14, 1938, in Poplar to Mary and Thomas Buckles. She married Robert Hopkins Sr. on Feb. 20, 1959, and together they had seven children: Robert Jr., Vicky Hopkins, Debbie Hopkins, Barney Hopkins, Penny Hopkins of Poplar and Shannon Hopkins of Wolf Point. They also raised a grandson, Dion Hopkins, and granddaughter, Lorraine Hopkins, of Waco, Texas. Survivors also include 16 grandchildren and 21 greatgrandchildren; and sisters, Louise Ell and Gloria Chopper. She graduated from Poplar High School in May 1957. She was a homemaker until her youngest child attended school, then was employed as community health representative. She attended Antioch University/NAES College and received her bachelor of arts degree in 1984. She was a tribal councilwoman serving on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board for 28 years and four months. 1977-79; 1979-81; 1981-83; 1985-87; 1987-89; 1989-91; 1991-93; 1993-95; 199597; 1997-99; 1999-01; 2001-03; 7/2011-10/11; 2013-2015; 2015-2017, she retired in 2017. She had many hobbies. She liked sewing, reading, baking, gardening, canning, making dry meat, doing crafts and, as a homemaker, she loved raising chickens, turkeys, ducks and even wild geese. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their many functions while they were in school. She stressed the importance of getting an education to her grandchildren and the many young people she encountered. She always took the time to listen to the people of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and would try to assist them anyway she could. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hopkins Sr.; son, Kevin Hopkins; daughter, Julie Hopkins; granddaughter, Paulette Bemer; brothers, Camelle, Fred, Raymond and Arthur Buckles; and sisters, Lorraine Red Dog, Rebecca Garcia and Ethel Longee. Private services were held under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel.

LaVal Arnold BigLeggins, 60, of Poplar died Oct. 6, 2020. He was born on April 13, 1960, to Margaret and Donald BigLeggins in Poplar. He spent most of his life in Poplar, where he called home. He loved his music and driving around and hanging with his best friend Lester Menz and all his buddies. He liked cooking for his sister Brenda, who he was living with, always wanting her to eat his cooking. His favorite soup was hangover soup, which he was very proud of. When he lived alone, his nephew Robert Birthmark would check on him and bring him a hot meal. He was always happy and joking with everyone. Everyone knew him by “The Rock.” He loved his wrestling. His favorite one was “The Undertaker.” He would sit for hours, hollering and making everyone laugh. He had three children, Nova BigLeggins of Billings, Lavia BigLeggins of Poplar and John Leggit of Wolf Point. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Rhonda BigLeggins, Carla Olson and Davetta Lester; and one brother, Percy Lester. He is survived by his sisters, Valerie White Hawk, Brenda Good Bird, Veronica BigLeggin and Shannon White Hawk of Billings; two brothers, Richard BigLeggins and Curtis BigLeggins, both of Poplar; and three granddaughters. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Brenda BigLeggins’ residence. Interment was in the Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Patricia “Pat” (Burnison) Henry, 73, died Oct. 2, 2020, in at her home in Wolf Point. She was born Aug. 20, 1947, in Wolf Point to Lowell and Wylma (Kennedy) Burnison. She was raised in Wolf Point and graduated from high school in 1965. While in high school, she met William “Bill” Henry, who was in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Glasgow Air Force Base. They were married Oct. 7, 1965, in Rapid City, S.D. The couple returned to Montana, living on the Air Force Base in Glasgow until Bill’s enlistment was completed. They then moved to Ellendale, N.D., where Bill attended college, later returning to Wolf Point where they remained. They had two sons, Billy and Jason. She enjoyed being around others and helping younger people. While Bill worked at the U.S. Post Office in Wolf Point, she stayed home raising their two boys. She enjoyed helping her aunt Florence “Babe” Burnison at the Kiddie Korner Kindergarten, a private kindergarten where, during that time, many youngsters started their schooling in Wolf Point. She and Bill encouraged their sons to be involved in sports and would follow them through their high school sporting years. Bill became active in the Wolf Point summer youth baseball program. While Bill would be coaching or on the field with the players, she would be busy putting rosters together, conducting fundraisers and running the concession stands. For about 20 years, their summer was “baseball.” She eventually joined the staff at the Wolf Point School System working as an aide wherever she was needed and stayed with the school system until Bill became ill in 2000, at which time Pat left her fulltime position at the school to care for him. She continued to stay by his side, caring for him until his death in 2014. She returned to work at the Wolf Point School System until her retirement. She thoroughly enjoyed the students and fellow staff. She enjoyed her grandchildren, who would stay many a summer with her in their younger years. Pat also loved her furry companion “Misty Sue”, walking her faithfully, in all kinds of weather, up and down Sixth Avenue North. She enjoyed being part of her community, supporting many groups and loved “Wolf Point.” She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Order of Eastern Star and Optimist Club of Wolf Point and always looked forward to time with her many dear friends for a game of dominoes, Scrabble or book club. She also served as a trustee on the county library board. She was an avid reader and would read for hours. She is survived by her sons, Bill Henry, of Vancouver, Wash., and Jason Henry of Great Falls; brother, Robert “Bob” Burnison of Sidney; and three grandsons. A memorial service will be planned when we are all able to gather and celebrate her life. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Alvin “Cubby” Talks Different, 82, died Oct. 5, 2020, at Northern Montana Care Center in Havre. He was born on Feb. 1, 1938, at Fort Belknap to Harry Bear Cub and Louise Talks Different and was adopted by Grandpa Ira Talks Different and Mary Big Beaver Talks Different. He attended school in Lodgepole and the Mission School in Hays. In 1956, he entered the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1957. He married Helen Whitecow on Dec. 19, 1960. In their union, they were blessed with several children. They separated in the early 1980s and divorced 2011. Later, he met Peggy Redboy of Wolf Point and from this union came two children Alvah and Avah Talks Different. He worked for the BIA Maintenance Department, Burlington Northern Railroad, A& S Tribal Industries in Poplar and as a camp crew boss for the Fort Belknap Montana Indian Fire Fighters. After his retirement in the mid-1990s, he ran a small lawn mowing business. He attended Sacred Heart Church at Fort Belknap and St. Thomas Catholic Church in Harlem. Every Good Friday, he was present at the “CrossWalk.” He also enjoyed attending Sundance ceremonies and the sweat lodge to support his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed basketball games, playing the machines at the casino and attending pow-wows with his two granddaughters, Avah and Amira, whom he raised. He is survived by his children, Joan Johnson of Fort Belknap, Alvin Talks Different of Ethete, Wyo., Ralph Talks Different of Fort Belknap, Ira Talks Different of Harlem, Lena Horn of Fort Belknap, Virgil Talks Different of Fort Belknap, Gene Talks Different of Fort Belknap, Ester Lamebull of Fort Belknap, Carol Lavallie of Havre, Edward Whitecow of Havre, Sherman Lavallie Sr. of Fort Belknap, Kim Norquay Sr. of Great Falls, Alvah Talks Different of Wolf Point and Avah Talks Different of Wolf Point; brothers, Ivan Wing of Fort Belknap and Mike Talks Different of Harlem; sisters, Laura Wing of Great Falls, Margaret Strike of Fort Belknap, Carmen Jackson of Fort Belknap and Sivinna Wing of Fort Belknap; and over 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers, William “Bobby” Talks Different, Joey Wing, Sherman Talks Different and Clarence Maroe; sisters, Avis Talks Different and Roberta Talks Different; and grandchildren, Richard Horn, Snowshield Talks Different, Elena Frazier-Talks Different, Javen Talks Different, Alvin “Shafter” Talks Different Jr., Damien Gone and Amanda Messerly. A service was held Oct. 9 at Ira Talks Different residence in Harlem.

The world has lost a GENTLE man with a kind and loving heart. Ronald Dean Johnson was born on Sept. 7, 1955, in Havre, Mont., to Ronald and Marilee Johnson. The family lived in various Montana communities before settling in Wolf Point. Dean received his education there, graduating from Wolf Point High School in 1974. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Years later, he returned to Wolf Point where he met the love of his life, Lisa Loudon. They were married on Nov. 22, 1990. Dean was employed as a cook until health issues prevented him from continuing. The couple remained in Wolf Point until moving to Laurel, Mont., in the fall of 2012 and continued living there until his passing on Oct. 7, 2020. During their time there, Dean worked at his sister- in-law’s tanning salon. She stated that he was her “bestest employee.” Dean was well known for his great sense of humor, which was a source of joy to all who knew him. He loved music, watching his favorite pro football the Las Vegas Raiders, following the MSU Bobcats’ football team (especially when his cousin, Brayden Konkol, was on the roster), he and Lisa both were avid Nascar fans — he supported Jeff Gordon in every race while Lisa would cheer on Jimmy Johnson. He enjoyed spending time with his many nieces and nephews. Dean and Lisa shared a love of their cat, “Little One” until her passing earlier this year. Dean was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Marilee Johnson; and fatherin- law, Tim Loudon. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lisa Loudon Johnson; father, Ronald Johnson (Sue); mother-in-law, Diane Loudon; sister, Dawn Garfield; brother, Lance Johnson (Debbie); sister-in-law, Kristee Loudon Rossol; brotherin- law, Lynn Loudon (Nikki); and many much-loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other extended family members. Dean was a very important member of Lisa’s family for 30 years. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be announced at a later date. (Paid Obituary)

On the morning of Oct.5, 2020, Tamra “Tammy” Lynn Hayes passed away suddenly at the age of 62 in St. Peters Hospital in Helena, Mont. She is the first daughter and second child of Francis Belgarde Hayes and Leatrice Joy Green Hayes. Tamra was born in Glasgow, Mont., on Dec. 14, 1957. Her naturally curly hair embraced her head like she embraced life. Due to her natural poise, professional photographers offered her a modeling position in when the family lived in California. Her parents did not feel it was appropriate for her at the time. Tamra lived in a variety of states. She participated in the “Hayes Olympics,” a family activity involving running, biking, jumping and throwing objects. She loved staying with her grandparents in Oswego, Mont. She assisted in helping her grandparents with their family business and various animals from dogs and cats to monkeys and geese. She joined her siblings in raiding the rhubarb of grandma and jumping on hay bails of grandpa. She met her grandparents’ foster children and lifelong friends Jackie Silva Johnson and Dorene Finley. In Wolf Point schools, she met lifelong friends Grace Pipe and Jackie Pipe Chase. Education being a lifelong pursuit of her father for his children, she attended Brigham Young University, Montana State University, and University of Montana. She attended many trainings for her profession as a CPA. She worked within the state of Montana and with the IRS at Billings. She owned and ran her own business from her home. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint’s church and made many wonderful friends through the church. Some of her mother’s family were also members, and she attended with those family members while at BYU. Tamra’s hobbies included collecting coins, crochet, Snoopy and Elvis items, and the Helena Indian Alliance activities. She was a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Montana and ran for various offices within the tribal government. Tamra was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Michael Hernandez. Tamra is survived by her daughter, Tina Hayes Fox; her brother, Henry Hayes; her sisters, Nora Hayes, Frances Hayes and Robin Hayes-Hernandez; and her nephew, Kerby Hayes. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1260 Otter Road, Helena, Mont. Dedication of the grave will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. Please do not send live flowers due to allergies. Please make donation to Helena Food Share, The Lewis and Clark Humane Society or the Helena Indian Alliance. Special thanks to St. Peter’s Dialysis Unit, Big Sky Cremation and Twitchell Funeral Services, Bill Snody, Robin Hayes Hernandez, Frances Hayes, Nora Hayes, Grace Pipe, Jackie Pipe Chase, and Lana Zigan. Please send family condolences to 2892 Stacia Ave. Helena, MT 59601. (Paid Obituary)