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.