Obituaries

Flora Helen “Iron Lady” Miley

Flora Helen (Dunham) Miley, 84, was born Oct. 25, 1922, to Henry C. “Doc” and Harriet M. (Dent) Dunham in Hillmont, on the Dunham Place just outside of Big Piney. She attended school in Big Piney with the exception of a couple of years of high school in California.

Flora was married to Roman Piernick for several years then divorced. Flora was married to Truman Miley on Feb. 1, 1941, in Colorado Springs, Colo. She owned the first telephone company Big Piney ever had. Flora later sold the phone company so she and Truman could buy their first Douglas B-18 airplane and start Big Piney Aviation in 1950.

Flora was active in the community and an extremely business-savvy woman. She was the mayor of Big Piney for one term, from June 1987 to June 1989.

Flora was a delightful person to be with. She fought for the things she knew were right. Flora lived through much tragedy in her life and became known as “Iron Lady.”

She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Flora is survived by her sons: Roman C. (Adrianna) Piernick and Robin C. (Ola) Miley, both of Big Piney; granddaughters: Lisa R. (Tom) Piernick Ames of Pavilion, Tiffany Ann Miley (Steven) Parks of Riverton, Utah; grandsons: Staff Sergeant Roman C. (Jacqualine) Piernick Jr. of Germany and Ft. Bragg, NC, and VanRyan Hill of Big Piney; great-grandchildren: Chancellor Dennis Ames, Shelby Helen Ames, Jaqlyn Parks, John-Paul Parks; and various other relatives around the country.

Flora was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Iris Dunham, Otho Dunham, Cleveland Dunham and Robert (Bob) Dunham; her husband, Truman E. Miley; and sons: Dennis K. Piernick, Paul C. Miley and Bret C. Miley.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Congregational Church in Big Piney. Dick Kalber conducted the services. Interment followed in the Plainview Cemetery.

Marjorie Ann Antonsen

Marjorie Ann Antonsen, 83, of Billings, Mont, and formerly of Bozeman, Mont., passed away Nov. 10, 2006, on the Marine Corps 231st birthday, to go see her favorite Marine “Phillip.”

 She was born April 8, 1923, in Bonhamtown, NJ, the daughter of Frances “Frank” and Helena “Lee” (Miller) Richter.  She was raised in Bonhamtown and graduated from Snyder High School in 1941.  She received nurses training before her enlistment in the Marine Corps.

Marge served in the United States Marine Corps from May 1943 to August of 1944. While in the Marines, she met Phillip Sidney Antonsen and they were united in marriage on March 22, 1944, at Camp Elliott in San Diego County, Calif.

Shortly after they were married she went to live with her husband’s family and lived on the Antonsen family ranch.

Marge worked at the hospital and as a private duty nurse for Malcom Story’s mother and Freddy Levitt for 32 years; she also helped at the family ranch.  She also worked for Life of Montana – Marge was the first female insurance salesperson to sell $1 million of insurance for Life of Montana. She retired at the age of 65.

Marge enjoyed fishing and hunting with her family and friends.  She was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi, Foresters, Marine Corps League Gallatin Valley Detachment and American Legion Post No.14.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law: Ruth Lee and Ed Giebel of Pinedale, Margaret Ann “Mike” and Andy Wick of Billings, Carol and Hubert Simanton of Whitewater, Mont.; son and daughter- in-law Theodore  “Thee” and Joan Antonsen of  New Orleans, La.; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Frank J. and Kathryn Richter of Guntersville, Ala. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip, daughter Elizabeth “Betzy” Miller and son Patrick T. “Tom” Antonsen.

Marge will be remembered for her wonderful smile and never meeting a stranger.

A funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Interment followed with military rites at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, 1019 Neptune Street, Billings, Mont., 59105.