Obituaries

Floyd Michael Scott

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Floyd Michael Scott, 72, of Glenwood, Mont., formerly of Moore, passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones. Floyd was born on March 10, 1949, in Lewistown to Howard and Katherine (Aldrich) Scott. He attended Warm Springs Country School and graduated from Fergus High School in 1967. He was active in 4-H, horse club, and rifle club. Floyd and Iris Van Berkom were joined in marriage on July 3, 1970 in Denton.

Vereen Rose Lang

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Vereen Rose Lang, 92, of Lewistown, passed away at her home on Dec. 7, 2021. She was born on March 23, 1929 to Albert and Kathryn (Boatz) Duffner in Cat Creek, Mont. Vereen spent the majority of her life South of Forest Grove, Mont. on Surenuff Road. Her siblings were her best friends and companions. The family had strong work ethics and was disciplined in their responsibilities. Typical of that era, times were often very tough but, with their mother’s incredible skills and strong faith, the family survived many hardships and learned lifelong skills. Their love for their mother and one another was second to none.

Terrylee Finlayson Buhre

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Terry Finlayson Buhre passed away Dec. 11, 2021 in Lewistown due to complications from COVID-19. She was born Feb. 17, 1946 to Hilda (Weingart) and Bob Cecil. After her mother later married George Dusko, she was adopted by him. She grew up in Sand Coulee and attended school at Centerville High School, graduating in 1964. She married Lawrence Finlayson in 1964 and had four children, Karla Ann Butcher of Winifred, Ronald (Tracy) Finlayson of Geyser, Laura (Kris) Steichen of Great Falls, and Lawrence Jr.

James E. Lewis

James E. Lewis, 88, passed away Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. A Celebration of James’ Life will be held at 2 p.m. at the Trade Center in Lewistown on Dec. 27, 2021. An obituary will be shared when complete.

Ollie David Smail

Ollie David Smail, 91, passed away Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23 at the Creel Funeral Home Chapel. An obituary will be shared when complete.

LaVaun Louise Nelson

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LaVaun Louise Nelson, 67, of Moore, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 in Billings Clinic Hospital of natural causes. She was born Oct. 4, 1954 in Malta, Mont., the daughter of Ben and Ginny (Larsen) Fewer. She received her education in Malta, graduating from Malta High School in 1972. She found her soulmate, Melvin “Pete” Nelson and they were united in marriage on Nov. 19, 1973. They made their home near Moore since 1975 where they raised their family. They had four children, Ted, Eric (Sarah), Bradley, and Troy.

Vereen Rose Lang

Vereen Rose Lang, 92, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. A Celebration of Vereen’s life will be held at Harvest Fellowship (Church of the Nazarene), Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at the Lewistown City Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Central Montana Hospice. Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Vereen’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Knapp

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Jerry Knapp, 91, passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 with family by his side at the Central Montana Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lewistown.

Betty Mae (Stilson) Maruska

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Betty Mae (Stilson) Maruska died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 1, 2021 at the Valle Vista Skilled Nursing Facility in Lewistown, Montana at the age of 83.

Kenneth Ray Swingley

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As the stars blanketed the sky and quietly lit his path home on Friday Nov. 26, 2021, Kenneth Ray Swingley photographed his last still-shot. He held on tight to his wife until he was safely across.

Born in Hamilton, Mont. on June 27, 1944, the second of two boys to Gerald and Nellie (Charbonneau) Swingley, it was Lewistown (the dead-center and melting pot of Montana culture) that raised him. An outstanding athlete, he originally excelled in basketball later turning his talents toward serving in the National Guard.