Central Montana Obituaries

In memory of those we've lived with,

loved with,

and learned with.

Our finest regards.

Ronald F. Mitchell, Sr., 86

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and husband left this world, September 22, 2020.  He was an extraordinary man.  Ronald F. Mitchell, Sr. was 86.  

A few of his accomplishments are:  he was in the National Guard and at 14 years old was called to go to Korea; he spent his 15th birthday in Korea.  He was a Sheriff’s Deputy, he helped develop Seattle Search and Rescue, he was in the Civil Defense, he was in the Inland Harbor Patrol, he was a Special Commissioned Police Officer, he started his own Electronic Company and sold it to Honeywell, he was on two different Governor’s Advisory Boards, a proud NRA Recruiter and Life member, Range Safety Officer, he built his family a home on acreage, taught too many classes to count on survival, first aid, coast guard safety and business, he lived in Belize and Costa Rica, he started many businesses and was a lifelong entrepreneur with a thirst for knowledge. His work ethic was stuff of legend.  He didn’t finish Jr., but his desire to learn and determination drove him to achieve his Bachelor’s degree and eventually his Doctorate.  

He more than successfully supported his family.  He was a man to admire.  He belonged to many organizations like VUMS (Veterans of Underage Military Service), The American Legion, The Coast Guard Auxiliary, The International Police Association and Kiwanis.  He was a third generation Mason.  He was proud of his children and grandchildren.  

Ron is survived by his wife, Georgia; children,Kathy Tarbox (John), Ron Mitchell Jr.(Debra) and Desiree Mitchell (Jeff); grandchildren, Jesse, Alita, Johnny, Mathew, Roehbe, Scott, Kevin, Ashton, Khale, and Seigher; great-grandchildren, Carmen, JaNae, Jessica, June, Jillenne, Sierra, London, Kalleah, Prestley, Zuri, Beau, Hosanna, Rowan Eli, Emry Allen, Dekota, Rowan Ellis, and Emery Paige;great-great grandchild, Samuel; and dear friend, Gene Couch.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margaret; his brother, Phillip; and his son, Mark.  

Cremation has taken place under the care of Creel Funeral Home.  There will not be a service.  Ron’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com

Helen P. Elliot, 100, of Lewistown died Thursday evening, September 17, 2020, in the Central Montana Health and Rehab Center of natural causes. She was born in Lewistown, Montana, on February 18, 1920, the daughter of John W. and Margaret (Schuster) Peck. She received her schooling in the Manley and Buffalo Schools graduating from Buffalo High School and then attending Montana State College in Bozeman. On December 31, 1940, she was united in marriage to Glen Elliot in Garneill, Montana, on the Meadow Creek Ranch. They lived on the N Bar Ranch near Grass Range where he worked and she cooked. In 1943, they moved to the Meadow Creek Ranch in Garneill where they made their home and raised their family. Glen preceded her in death in 2009 and she continued living on the ranch until 2015 when she moved into Caslen Assisted Living in Lewistown. She entered the Central Montana Health and Rehab Center in January of 2020. 

Helen had a wide variety of interests and hobbies and was never known to be idle for long. She enjoyed baking, china painting, and painting with watercolor and oil. She was an avid gardener, and shared the bounty with many gifts of her homemade relish and jams. Helen was an accomplished seamstress teaching the craft to many girls over three generations of her family and throughout the community. A life-long passion, Helen was sewing well into her late 90s.

She was an integral member of the community. While in Garneill, Helen was active in the Garneill Community Club and was a 4H leader for many years. She was a member of the Judith Gap Methodist Church and the Eastern Star. She has cherished pieces of her wonderful craftwork, individually and attached to ingenious treasures made by her husband Glen, scattered across the country. Helen and Glen made a spectacular team that positively touched many lives. 

Helen cherished her family and friends.Her home always had an open door for guests.She loved interacting with children and had a knack for turning teaching lessons into fun playtime. Friends and acquaintances often commented, “She is always so welcoming with a smile."

She is survived by sons Tom (Bonnie) of Littleton, Colorado; Alan (Sandra) of Great Falls, Montana; Neil (Linda) of Colorado City, Colorado; and daughter Carol (Bob) Laframboise of Trinidad, Colorado; one brother Harry (Julie) Peck of Judith Gap, Montana; one sister Zelinda Songer of Billings, Montana; nine grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister.

The family thanks the many relatives and friends that assisted and visited Helen and Glen. They extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Caslen Assisted Living and Central Montana Nursing for the excellent care Helen received. 

Memorial services for Helen P. Elliot will be Friday, October 2, 2020, in the Judith Gap Methodist Church with committal to follow in the Judith Gap Cemetery. Cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the Judith Gap Methodist Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children or the charity of their choice and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

David Wayne Carter, 80

David Wayne Carter, 80, passed away peacefully September 21, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. David was born February 9, 1940 in Lewistown, MT, to David Eugene Carter and S. Addie Carter. David spent his younger years working on the family ranch contributing to some of his greatest memories, along with spending time with his family and friends. 

David attended Fergus County High School and graduated in 1958. Working for Fergus County, after high school, David decided to put himself through college. He moved to Havre, MT and attended and played football for Northern Montana College. Furthering his education, in 1967, David decided to move to Billings, MT to attend Eastern Montana College. In 1970, David received a Bachelor's Degree in Education. David was always the life of the party; never missing an event and being the greatest friend to so many. David had so many great memories with incredible stories; he truly had the time of his life. 

Staying in Billings he met the love of his life, Gayle Emerson. David and Gayle married September 24, 1977 at First United Methodist Church, in Billings. The two welcomed adaughter, Nicole, one year later. David became an Owner-Operator, making owning his truck and driving a 40 year career. In 1978, he was named Truck Driver of the Year. In 2003, David was excited to welcome his only grandchild, Elizabeth. She coined him not as a grandpa, but as “Bacca”.Elizabeth became his pride and joy.  David has been described as the most loyal, caring, devoted, loving man you would ever meet. His family agrees, and has truly felt all of it. 

David is survived in death by his bride of 42 years, Gayle;daughter, Nicole Berns; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Berns both of Billings, MT;brother,Lonzo (Loretta) Carter of Helena, MT;and plenty of nieces, nephews and cousins. David is preceded in death by his mother and father.

Our Sweet Husband, Father, and Grandfather, you lived your life for us. You always put us first and made sure the three of us were taken care of. A huge hole will be in our hearts forever. Watch over us, and we will always, Drive Carefully. 

Viewing and visitation will be Saturday, September 26th, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Creel Funeral Home Chapel in Lewistown, MT.The Funeral Service will be at 3:00 p.m. with interment to follow at the Lewistown City Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home.  David’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com