James 'Jim' Lee Hanks, 67, of Wolf Point died Jan. 15, 2026, at his home in Wolf Point. He was born on April 1, 1958, in Wolf Point, the second of four children born to Frank and Lorraine Hanks. He was raised on the family farm and ranch south of Wolf Point. He grew up riding his Welsh pony, Champ, across the countryside alongside his older brother, Gary, who was on his own Welsh pony, Skunk. They often rode to the Balder Ranch, which Jim would someday come to own. Years later, Velma Balder would laugh about their “tow heads” coming over the hills. Jim attended school in Vida and Wolf Point. He was only 15 when his dad broke his back and it became his responsibility to care for the farm and ranch. Jim was given a work permit to leave school early to take on this responsibility. That was the start of his farming and ranching career that spanned over 50 years. He never lost his love of the land or a straight, new fence line. He later had the privilege of watching his sons continue the legacy as fourth generation farmers and ranchers. In 1976, Jim graduated from WPHS and continued to farm and ranch with his beloved father, Frank. The two of them had been known to make stops at Harry’s and you always knew Jim was there when you heard his laugh. In 1980, Jim and future wife, Cindy, began a relationship. As Jim loved hunting and guns, he wanted Cindy to go with him. After chasing deer around for most of a day, he told her that she couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. Later, he decided to actually have her try and she, unfortunately, proved him right. In September of 1987, Jim and Cindy Forsness were married after Jim had learned of his younger brother Linder’s imminent wedding and wanted to beat him to the punch. Three children were born to this union and they were Jim’s favorite humans. Jim loved fireworks and had been known to use them to wake up a sleeping kid or add some sparkle to their shower. He saw or spoke to his children daily. He was very proud of their accomplishments, especially their college education. Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughter, Shandy (Trent) Moran; son, Jes (Cassidy) Hanks; son, Hayden Hanks; grandchildren, Maddox and Walker Moran; and his siblings, Gary Hanks of Chinook, Mont., Kathy (Hanks) Forsness of Dickinson, N.D., and Linder Hanks of Wolf Point, Mont. Funeral services for Jim will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, with interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point and a luncheon at Harry’s Nite Club. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements. (Paid Obituary)

Della Kay Brown, 65, died Jan. 7, 2026, in Billings. She was born May 24, 1960, in Poplar to Delmar Brown and Florence Youngman. She was a woman whose heart knew no limits. She was deeply compassionate and opened her home and her life to anyone in need. She raised many children and loved them all as her own, never turning away someone who needed care, comfort or a place to belong. Her love was shown through her actions: a warm meal, a bed to sleep in, a listening ear or giving her last dollar if it meant helping someone else. She loved adventures and long drives out in the country, cruising, hunting with her brother Dennis and mom and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Jasy Brown, Danelle Dragswolf, Dellaine Darnell and Ira Darnell Jr.; sister, Nadine Richards; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; the father of her children, Ira Darnell Sr.; and special companion, Robert Brien, of 35 years. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Red Boy; and her grandson, Andrew Jaymes. A wake was held Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Box Elder Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

Frances Bighorn, 80, died Jan. 15, 2026, at NEMHS Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point. A vigil will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Chelsea Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.