Marla Jane Murray, 71, of Bridger died April 20, 2022. She grew up in Culbertson, where she met Chester Murray her surviving spouse of 53 years of marriage. Together, they had three daughters, Susan Fassler, Becky Harper and Melanie Murray. That lineage led to 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Growing up, her two favorite things were her grandmother Violet Olson and her horse, Penny. She had a gift when it came to connecting with people and everyone left feeling special from her in some way. She had a heart of compassion combined with forgiveness that enabled her to see the good in family, friends and the community around her. She worked hard all her life and was at work at the time of her death in a tragic fire. That loss will be felt by all, but if she could leave any legacy it would be Love the Lord and those around you. She was predeceased by her parents, Melvin Olson and Barbara Olson; and her brother James Olson. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Fassler, Becky Harper and Melanie Murray; and her sisters, Donna Sitter, Beverly Davidson and Julia Kempf. A funeral service was held Saturday, April 30, at the Bridger Elementary School.

Lyle Knudsen, 81, of Bainville, Mont., passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the Billings Clinic in Billings, Mont. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston, N.D., is assisting the family. Friends may sign the register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com. Lyle’s funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 2 p.m. (MST) at the Bainville School in Bainville, Mont. Pastor Lane Vannatta will officiate. Lyle will be laid to rest in Bainville Cemetery in Bainville, Mont. Visitation will be held at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Williston on Friday, May 13, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m. (CST) and one hour prior to the service time on Sunday. The funeral service will be livestreamed. You can view Lyle’s service directly on his obituary page on Fulkerson Stevenson’s website at www. fulkersons.com. Lyle Hartvig Knudsen was born on Feb. 20, 1941, to Hartvig and Hazel Knudsen. His father passed away when Lyle was just five years old. He was raised on the family farm just north of Bainville along with his siblings Gerald, Wayne, Naoma, Beulah and Orabelle. Faith and family helped them through those tough times. Lyle attended Bainville School and graduated in 1959. After high school, he worked as a farmhand and, in 1961, his sister Beulah introduced him to a coworker named Mary Madson. They were a perfect match and, in 1962, they were married in Ronan, Mont. They farmed north of Lanark and started a family. In that same year, Lyle joined the Montana National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank of E-5. He proved to be a good role model as his three boys all joined the National Guard when they got older. In 1970, Lyle moved his family to Ronan, Mont., where he worked as a shop foreman for a Chrysler dealership. Eastern Montana called them back to Bainville in the mid ‘70s where Lyle started Knudsen Repair Center where the Welcome Stop is presently located. Lyle decided to get into the oil business in the ‘80s and started Knudsen Contract Pumping. Along with his sons, Lyle worked many years in the oilfield and also worked as a school bus mechanic and bus driver for the Bainville School. Lyle was mechanically minded and because of that talent many people would call or stop by the house asking questions about their vehicle issues for years after the repair shop had closed. Lyle was a hardworking man his entire life. He found joy in the simple things each day. He enjoyed deer hunting, toe tapping gospel music and following the activities and growth of his grandchildren. Lyle was an active member of Bainville Faith Fellowship Church. He along with other members helped to purchase, move and setup the church in its current location. Lyle loved to travel with Mary whether it was on an Alaskan cruise, to see his sister Beulah in California or on the back roads of Montana. He would take Mary almost daily to the Welcome Stop for coffee and a visit with friends followed by a drive in the side by side to check on the town. He was a good and true partner. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Hartvig and Hazel; siblings, Gerald, Wayne, Naoma and Orabelle, and daughter-in-law, Jayne. Lyle is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary; sister, Beulah; daughter, Sherry Welty; sons, Lane, Mike (Melissa) and Brent; grandkids, Whitney and Tyler Welty, Joel (Kristen) and Seth (Mari) Knudsen, Christian and Torgun Knudsen; and great-grandkids, Jane Knudsen and Lilah Welty; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. (Paid Obituary)