Community Obituaries
Norma Louise Pangburn, 90, a long-time resident of Lewistown, Montana, died in her home Sunday, 4 October 2026. Her husband, Reverend Ed Pangburn, was with Norma to the moment of her passing, assuring each other this would not be the end for them; they would see each other again, and the reunion would be their most joyous event since marrying in 1982.
The wife, mother, grand- and great-grandmother will be remembered by many for her tireless hours spent in service to her family and communities. Not only Lewistown shared in Norma's smiles, kindness and involvement; Norma and Ed moved to Arkansas, where Ed served as interim minister. Never two people to sit still for even a moment, they traveled and worked their faith in other towns and states, including Twin Falls, Idaho, and Sikeston, Missouri. A favorite excursion twice was to Bar Harbor, Maine, with other couples from their Missouri church to visit and encourage the faith they shared with the community there. Norma's vivacious, generous and helpful personality enthused several of the Christian Women's Fellowship organizations wherever she went, for a day or for years. Trips to Great Falls and Billings were great and adventurous, despite the focus on and concern with Norma's changing health. Hope was to be found in both cities and the medical professionals there, and everyone placed grateful smiles on Norma's and Ed's faces going to and coming from those appointments.
A successful entrepreneur, Norma owned and operated a local store popular with women of all ages in Central Montana. Mode O' Day found success in the steady stream of shoppers, year-in and year-out, and many remember fondly visiting Norma and her store. Fashions came and went at Mode O'Day, but Norma's welcome to everyone who walked through her store's door never went out of style.
Norma was born to Edith Huskey and Henry Harbison on 13 December 1935, in Tuckerman, Arkansas. Her blessings continued to enter her life in the form of three brothers (deceased), son Roger (deceased), daughter, Melissa (deceased), son Wade (Jennifer) Ferdinand of Lewistown, and daughters Ginger (Thad) LaTour of Colorado Springs, Leigh Ann (Greg) Johnson of Polson, and Kelly (Brandon) Watne of Helena. Numerous lights of Norma's life were her six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Norma's life will be celebrated at First Christian Church of Lewistown at 1:00 pm Saturday, 24 October 2026. Her cremated remains will rest in the loving arms of her family, who invite those who knew Norma to further her good work in donating to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund.
The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences can be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com
Etta Darlene Beaudry, 88, of Lewistown, Montana, passed away on October 6, 2026, at ValleVista Manor in Lewistown.
Darlene was born on May 10, 1938 in Conrad, Montana, to Chester and Etta Lorene Whitmore.She grew up north of Conrad alongside her sisters, Bonnie Delphy, Joann Stokes, and Judy Walters. She shared the given name of “Etta” with her mother. The family joke was thatGrandma Lorene passed the name she refused to be called by to her daughter who didn’t really care for it either!
She graduated from Conrad High School in 1956 and attended Montana State College inBozeman for one year.
On July 2, 1957, Darlene married her high school sweetheart, Ben L. Beaudry, in Conrad.
Darlene was an accomplished seamstress. In 1955, she won the Montana State “Make ItYourself with Wool” Contest, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Fashion Revue finals in Fort Worth, Texas. She became one of 11 national award winners and received third prize in the National Junior Division. She continued to share her talent for many years, doing alterations at the 3B’s in downtown Lewistown.
She raised five children while supporting Ben throughout his service as a school administrator in communities across Montana and Washington.
A gifted pianist, Darlene could sit down at the piano and play music in any key requested. Shedevoted countless hours to accompanying school programs, church services, and community events. She also loved teaching children to play the piano and looked forward each year to arecital with her young students.
In later years, she served as an educational aide with the Lewistown School District. Each year, children from Head Start would ride a bus to her home on Valach Road to see the ducks, geese, sheep, llamas, horses, and whatever other little creatures happened to be there.
Darlene treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always kept a camera close at hand and rarely missed the chance to document a family milestone or everydaymoment. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed her summer flowers.
During summer breaks from school, she and Ben would set out in a semi-truck bound for Alaska, carrying whatever load he was hauling.
Darlene is survived by her children, Lori (Don) Thomas, Kim (Ann) Beaudry, Tamie (Jeff) Kolstad of Lewistown, and Korey Beaudry of Lewistown; grandchildren, Laura White, NicoleSchneider, Scott Youngbauer, Jessica Vanderburg, and Andrew Beaudry; her great-grandchildren; her sisters, Joann Stokes and Bonnie Delphy; and sister-in law, Ina AnnThomsen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Lorene Whitmore; her husband, Ben Beaudry; her daughter, Julie Marie Martin; and her sister, Judy Walters.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who blessed Darlene’s life over the years, including the members of St. John’s Guild who faithfully gathered on Sunday mornings to serve breakfast, her co-workers at Head Start, and the compassionate caregivers at the Villa and Valle Vista Manor during her final months.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Leo’s Parish on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow in the Commons. Interment at the Conrad Hillside Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care ofCreel Funeral Home. Darlene’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com
Willa Mae Solf
Willa Mae RaundalSolf was born on March 29, 1940, in Roundup, Montana. She died onOctober 5, 2026. Willa was a true matriarch for her family. All were welcome at any time, and she loved nothing more than a noisy house filled with family.
Willa was an avid supporter of the community, especially the Winnett Swimming Pool. Sheswam up through this last summer. She enjoyed playing in the water and was also amazing on a set of water skis. She enjoyed a new adventure of any kind. As a teenager, her uncle signed her up to drive in a car race. Since she always had a “lead foot”, this suited her just fine. She grew up in Winnett and other than a summer working at the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, she spent her entire life living in Winnett.
During her growing up years, as the middle of three daughters, she was a “hired hand” on her family’s ranch. She enjoyed haying and riding horses. She truly loved the ranch and everything that went with it. She was still managing things up until her death. She considered herself “just a ranch kid” and she “did what she wanted.”
Willa graduated from Winnett High School in 1958, and that November married Bill Solf. They raised three children, Marge Flint, Ron Solf and Barb Solf. She had four grandsons, Kevin Flint, Joe Solf, JaceSolf and Josh Solf as well as one granddaughter, Megan Flint. She had four great-grandsons,Dallon Flint, RM Solf, WryeSolf, and Henrik Solf, along with one great-granddaughter,LeaBelle Flint and one great-grandchild is expected in December.
She often said, “you don’t go home until there is no place else to go.” One of her favoriteactivities was driving a back road from anywhere to anywhere. She loved taking a “wrong turn” and seeing something new. Her biggest fear was her fear of missing out. She was up foranything, and she never wanted to be left out. We always joked that if someone even mentioned doing something; mom was in the pickup before you could finish the sentence. Havinggrandkids just added to her outlets for trying something new. They were the highlight of her life,and her grandkids loved their “grams”.
Willa was preceded in death by her parents, Bob Raundal and Orene Barbee; sister, JoAnn Clark; husband, Bill; son, Ron; and son-in-law, Gary Flint.
Willa will be buried next to her husband Bill in the Winnett Cemetery, Saturday, October 10th, 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Winnett Swimming Pool, the Winnett Ambulance or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care ofCreel Funeral Home. Willa’s family and friendscan share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com
Scott Marvel Seilstad
Scott Marvel Seilstad, 72, passed away on October 4, 2026, at Banner University Hospital inPhoenix, Arizona, with his wife and daughters by his side. A lover of life, he met his finaljourney with remarkable positivity, even through his hardest days. He was a steward of the land,a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a loyal neighbor, and a lifelong Bobcat.
Scott was born in Lewistown, Montana, November 20, 1953 to Marvel and Katherine Seilstad.He grew up and attended school in Denton, Montana. In his early years, the family ranch was special, shared with his parents, sisters, and all his cousins.
Scott began his education with a year at Concordia College before continuing to Montana State University, where he became an Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) and graduated with a degree inAnimal Science. The brothers of his fraternity remained a source of friendship and pridethroughout his life.
In 1977, Scott met the love of his life, Denise, when she moved to Denton, Montana, for her first teaching job. She would become his partner in everything and, later, his greatest caregiver. They would have celebrated 48 years of marriage on October 7.
Nothing brought Scott more joy than his daughters, Kelly and Kendra, and his granddaughters, Lacey and Maddie. He delighted in every moment with them and cheered them on in all theydid. He was endlessly proud of them, and he made sure they knew it.
Ranching was more than Scott's work; it was his way of life. He cared for the land as something entrusted to him, and he gave the same care to his community. He served on his communitycouncil, the local school board, the Montana state school board, the Denton Fair board, and theboard of Zion Lutheran Church Council. He also served on various other boards andcommittees, including the Farm Bureau Board. Above all, he loved his family, his neighbors,and all the friends he met along the way, and he cheered on the Montana State Bobcats everychance he got.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Marvel and Katherine Seilstad. He is survived by his wife, Denise Seilstad; daughters, Kelly (Mike) Markovich and Kendra Seilstad; granddaughters, Lacey and Maddie Markovich; sisters, Susan Seilstad and Kay Seilstad; and many nieces,nephews, family, and friends.
A funeral service will be held Friday, October 16th, 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church inLewistown, MT with a reception to follow at the Yogo Inn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church of Lewistown, MT (https://www.zionlewistownelca.com/) or to the Missoula Children's Theatre(https://www.mctinc.org/give/).
Arrangements are under the care ofCreel Funeral Home. Scott’s family and friendscan share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com