Central Montana Obituaries

In memory of those we've lived with,

loved with,

and learned with.

Our finest regards.

Jon Reeder Wicks, 68

of Lewistown, passed suddenly on Tuesday afternoon, November 6, 2018 at St Vincent Healthcare in Billings, surrounded by his family. Jon was born June 8, 1950 in Lewistown, MT, the son of Joe and Joy (Reeder) Wicks. He married the love of his life, Sandy Waltenbaugh, in 1973 in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Jon was a hard-working, honest man.  He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.  Anyone that met Jon loved him, unless they were dumb enough to make him mad. One of his greatest passions was cars, especially old cars.   He loved to rebuild and race them. He loved the ranch that he owned and operated with his family. He loved to fish and camp and just to be outside.  He also loved great music.

Jon was the rock for many people and he will be greatly missed.

Jon is survived by one daughter, Lori (Rick) Wicks Martin; his mother Joy; one brother Jim (Mary); one sister Jan (Rick) Waltenbaugh all of Lewistown; grandchildren Berkanna (Cody) Wicks Johnson, Summer Elmore and Clayton Elmore; great grandchildren Milo, Rhett and Cade Johnson and several nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his father Joe and his beloved wife, Sandy.

There will be a celebration of life ceremony for Jon in early June and the public will be notified.

Cremation has taken place at his request with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to Hospice of Central Montana, Lewistown Drag Racing Association or the charity of their choice and they may be left at Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

 Bryan Joseph Ayers, age 40

of Denton MT, passed away in a tragic vehicle accident on November 14, 2018.  He was born on January 9, 1978, to his proud parents, Jerry and Cheryl Ayers in Bozeman, Mt. Though Bryan has left us he has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Bryan graduated from Denton High School in 1996.  He remained a follower of Denton athletics and became a member of the Denton Booster Club.  He could often be found on the sidelines of various sporting events coaching or cheering on the athletes of the community.

Bryan attended college at MSU Bozeman and was proud to be a Bobcat fan and MSU Alumni.  Anyone who knew Bryan was a friend, and he made many, many friends at school and during his days of selling farming equipment.  

In 2001 he married Tricia Vincent and together they blessed their families with three boys, Arik, Carson and Keaton.  Even though they divorced in 2010 they became the best of friends and loved raising their boys together. Nothing was more important to Bryan than those boys and every two weeks found him making a long trek from Williston to Montana to watch sports, school events, or just spending time together for the weekend.

Bryan was a friend to many, a cherished son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, and grandson.  Above all he was an amazing father. Bryan also loved the Bobcats, golf, the L.A. Lakers, St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Redskins.  He loved helping with harvest in the summer, spending time with friends and family, and Seeley Lake! His infectious smile and his bear hugs will truly be missed.

Bryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Evelyn Cunningham; grandfather, Daryl Ayers; the boys’ grandmother, Mitzi Richards; and step-brother, Rod Stonehocker.

Bryan is survived by his children, Arik, Carson and Keaton Ayers and their mother Tricia Ayers; his parents, Jerry Ayers and wife Fran, and Cheryl Cunningham and husband Cliff Stonehocker; grandmother, Ora Ayers; siblings and their spouses, Shannon and Rich McGillis, Colin and Jesi Ayers, Edward Cunningham, Keonna Cunningham, Rocky and Chasi Stonehocker, and Kaylee and Dustin Jordan; two nieces, ten nephews and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials for Bryan can be sent to Farmers State Bank of Denton, PO Box 1047, Denton MT 59430, and are requested for Smithsonian Trip 2020, involving his son Arik and sister Keonna, or the Denton Endowment.

Services for Bryan will be held at the Denton Gymnasium, 11 a.m., Monday, November 19, 2018.  A luncheon will follow at the Denton Community Hall.

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