Elizabeth Louise “Betty Lou” Kasten, 87, died April 23, 2025. She was born a twin (sister Elaine) to Louis Aurel and Betty (Smelko) Todut in Sharon, Pa., on April 6, 1938. She grew up near the small town of Brookfield, Ohio, at Yankee Lake. She and her family spent a lot of time at that lake which was owned by her uncle’s family. She graduated from Denver University in 1961 with a master’s degree in ecology and zoology, earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. That same year, during a celebratory trip to France, she met Dave, who was stationed with the U.S. Army in Versailles, France. They were introduced by her college roommate, Mary Meissner (LaRowe), who said, “I know a fella in Paris who can show us the sights.” From this union came a son, Tod (born in Versailles, France), and daughter, Elaine (born in Wolf Point). She and her husband, Dave, did everything together and worked extremely hard to succeed in anything they set their mind to. In 1963, after Dave’s discharge, they moved to Brockway. They started, from scratch, a successful farm, ranch and family. She did not grow up a farm girl, but that soon changed. As a young bride, she quickly learned the ins and outs of ranch life — how to pull lambs and calves, milk cows, drive trucks and tractors, and tend to everything that comes with building a successful agricultural life on the plains of eastern Montana. She was a substitute teacher, gave swimming lessons to many youngsters and raised two children — all while working side by side with Dave on their business. She kept meticulous books and, even into her 80s, she was still helping guide calving and branding. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life. Every family member was unique and appreciated in their own special way. She was deeply active in her community. She served on the Montana Health Systems Agency Eastern Sub-Area Council, the Mid-Rivers Telephone Board of Trustees and was honored as a Montana State University Kellogg Fellow. A dedicated public servant, she passionately represented her region in the Montana House of

Thomas Dean Nelson, 91, of Culbertson died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson. He was born Sept. 21, 1933, to Walter and Nina (Nelsen) Nelson on their family farm northeast of Culbertson. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Dane Valley. As a child, he attended Moothart Country School, east of the farm, and then Culbertson Schools, graduating in 1952. That same year, he joined his father farming and ranching. In 1955, he was united in marriage to Barbara Nicholson at Ebenezer. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work and faith, raising two children, Beth (1957) and Mark (1959). He believed in serving his community. Church and cemetery care were very important to him, always assisting on Mowing Day at the church. He served on several boards, including Ebenezer Church Council, Farmers Elevator, Roosevelt Memorial Hospital, Roosevelt Home Health, Culbertson Museum and Culbertson Area Community Foundation. While farming was his life’s work, he always placed family first. He and Barb cherished family trips, traveling throughout the United States, spending winter months in Havasu, Ariz. In their travels, they touched 48 contiguous states. In 2005, they treated the entire family to a 50th anniversary trip to Washington, D.C. He found great joy in playing golf. Pastimes included gardening and bird-watching — simple pleasures that reflected his appreciation of nature. He loved watching morning sunrises, evening sunsets and all the changes of weather in between. Devotions and reading his Bible were also an important part of his daily routine. He and Barb loved their grandchildren deeply, with “Grandparents’ Night” being a favorite weekend activity. When he became a great-grandfather, he enjoyed watching the children play, keeping a closet full of toys. After Barb’s death in 2013, he remained on the farm for a year, moving to Culbertson in 2014. He became an active