Jan, 80 years old
Jan has lived in Bozeman all her life. She went to MSU for home economics and her career was in the health field, long-term care. Her interests have always been in home economics and health. She loves researching, mostly from the bible, she would prefer someone with similar values and shares her Christian beliefs. Before COVID Jan found that she loved volunteering, since then she has volunteered with the senior center, public library, and Love Inc.
Jan has many interests and likes to keep busy. She had a Befriender for four years but they moved away a year ago and still keep in touch today. Jan loves the consistent, once-a-week meet-up. She loves libraries, touching fabric at fabric stores, feeding the fish at the fish tech center, walking around the park, driving in the country, heading to towns around Bozeman to see what they have to offer, and thrifting! Jan enjoys free events and is always looking to try something new. She can only walk slowly so someone to walk slowly with her is much appreciated. She is always delighted with her weekly visit. Someone who can offer an arm is gentle to her, as well as calm. Jan has a passion for helping live things like plants, pets, and people! Special Consideration: Failing hip which has slowed her down for walking.
Cynthia, 94 years old
Cynthia lives between Bozeman and Belgrade with her Granddaughter. She used to run a daycare and was a dental assistant before retiring. Cynthia adopted two daughters and raised her adoptive grandchildren as well. She has been widowed for 29 years, she does live with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but still feels lonely. She would like someone she can relate to and talk about things to relate about that she remembers from her generation. Cynthia enjoys reading but needs more hobbies in her life. A friend would be a great addition! She would like to get out on the town or have a visitor in the home as well. She is hoping for an older woman so they can relate more. She has never been to the senior center in Bozeman but would love to check it out! Special Consideration: Hearing loss but hears fine with hearing aids and uses a walker to get around.
Glennis, 81 years old
Glennis is from Columbus, Georgia. She moved to Bozeman in 2008 to be near her two daughters who were starting to have grandbabies. Glennis was a school teacher for many years, which led her to go to Japan to teach military families in school. Glennis was a Befriender volunteer years ago, she wants to get to know someone, likes to play games, and occasionally is hoping she could have a Befriender drive her van that carries her wheelchair. She would like to visit Walmart, a grocery store, or other ideas she and her Befriender can come up with. Special Considerations: Glennis was in a horrible car accident, she has some issues coming up with words sometimes, she uses a motorized wheelchair to get around, and has 6th nerve palsy in her left eye.
Dennis, Male, 88 years old
Dennis is currently at Highgate Senior Living where he and his wife live. He is originally from Eastern Montana and was a school teacher and then a school administrator throughout his life. Dennis is very social and loves to crack jokes. He’s very kind and loves human connection. He enjoys playing cribbage, 7’s, and other games in his free time. Dennis is in need of being rematched, his last befriender was so sad to go but life got too busy, and he loved hanging out with Dennis. Dennis loves everyone and everything, he’s excited to play cards with his Befriender and get out into the community to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee. consideration: Dementia
Rodney, Male, 87 years old
Rodney is originally from Texas. He attended the Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas founded by his great-great grandfather. Later attended Long Island University where he earned his third degree in Education and Counseling. Rodney volunteered as an Army Chaplain after college, he was stationed in 11 different posts and even wrote a book about his two years in Vietnam! Rodney retired from the ministry and settled down in Montana with his wife Maria. Rodney loves to bird watch, woodwork, collect knives, and enjoy Montana’s Big Sky! Rodney hopes his Befriender will go for walks with him, hang out at the house, and maybe play some games. Special Consideration: Rodney has Parkinson's so his mobility is limited. Rodney is in Hospice as well, he is still very independent and drives.
Shirley, 95 years old
Shirley has moved all around the U.S. She and her husband ran a ranch in Missoula and have two children. Her daughter is her caretaker and she loves her so much. Shirley was an avid teacher, she taught many different subjects such as Latin, English, and ancient history. Up until 6 years ago she taught bible study as well. Shirley loves her dog Cricket, along with reading and gardening. She would enjoy more socialization and spending time with someone. She is so sweet! Shirley is homebound but would love to go for a drive to look around town and spend time with a friend. She would love to have conversations and spend her days making new friends. Special Considerations: She uses a walker to get around, hearing loss, and short-term memory that has come on recently.
Elly, 84 years old
Elly lives near the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and she is a retired teacher. Elly is originally from Minneapolis but moved here in the 70’s. She has one son that lives in Bozeman and another that lives in Miles City. Elly enjoys birds, music, and art. Elly would like to run errands with her Befriender, she wants to get photos printed, go to the post office, and loves working on crafts. Elly is very calm and likes to stay busy but does spend time alone. She is a part of the Bozeman Choir but her doctor recommended she be more social. Elly has trouble coming up with words so conversation can take some time but she is still very independent in many ways. Special Considerations: Cognitive impairment so hard for her to come up with words but can recall everything.
Gwen, 95 years old
Gwen resides at Brooklyn Spring Meadows, she is so lovely and kind. She loves it when people visit her, it’s not too often she gets company but she considers the staff there her good friends. She appreciates social connection and would love to have a companion with whom she could talk about life and her Christian values. She also would love to get out for a drive and possibly do activities with her. She is wheelchair-bound but is working on building more strength in her hip so she can walk again. Gwen loves to do Art and read her bible. She has a very strong connection with God, he is a big part of her life. She would benefit from someone who has beliefs similar to hers. Gwen also loves Beets and appreciates it when friends bring them to her! Special Considerations: Gwen has some hearing loss and limited mobility but can get around in a wheelchair. She may have some short-term memory as well.
Sonja, 84 years old
Sonja lives alone in Belgrade, her neighbors who were a big support system for her recently moved to Ennis. She calls herself a horseaholic and has a huge passion for them, along with being a 4H leader for 50 years. Sonja said she is lonesome because she is no longer able to drive. She would like to run errands with her befriender and keep socializing with people. She enjoys community activities, telling life stories, and leaving the house. Sonja said her house is hard to get into so she prefers to meet up for outings. Sonja is very social and enjoys human connection. Special Consideration: She was recently diagnosed with dementia, she is still independent but no longer drives due to high blood pressure.
Mike, male, 62 years old
Mike is originally from Las Vegas, he’s been in Montana for thirty years now and lives across from Bozeman High. Mike worked on irrigation systems for his career, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and his four children. Mike enjoys conversation, he is still somewhat independent and lives alone. He spends a lot of time watching YouTube such as cops, arrests, and other videos he finds funny or intriguing. Mike has four children with whom he is still very close. He would enjoy a friend who would like to come in and chat with him. He doesn’t want to get out much due to being on Oxygen 24/7. Mike is charming, he likes to laugh, is not afraid to swear, and visits his Grandchildren. Special Considerations: Oxygen 24/7 which causes him to be short of breath and limits his mobility.
Michael, male, 82 years old
Michael lives at the Gallatin Rest Home, he is very social, loves human connection, and enjoys people visiting him. Michael was a great pool player and loves to talk about his awards. He served 2 tours in Vietnam and was a Navy Chief. He moved here from Utah years ago. Due to a car accident Michael has trouble keeping his balance and uses a walker. He is excited for a Befriender because he likes to help people so anyone to help him is great! Special Considerations: Mobility and since he is at the GRH he is not allowed to leave unless accompanied by a caretaker.
MaryKay, 74 years old
Mary Kay is a longtime resident of Bozeman, she is a mother of two and also a great aunt. She loves sports, reading, and Gallatin Valley History! Mary Kay lives with her daughter behind Main Street. She enjoys socializing and she’s hoping to find a friend who wants to sit and talk at her home, maybe occasionally visit a museum or community event. A Befriender on the weekends is great too! Special Consideration: memory loss so occasionally can’t recall certain events and hearing loss. Her mobility is limited as well.
Marcy, Livingston, 71 years old
Marcy lives in Livingston with her 3 cats, she enjoys socializing and doing different hobbies with people in her home. Marcy is an artist, she worked for Disney as well as owned a stained glass business. Marcy is very isolated, she never leaves her home due to her physical health. Marcy often sits by her landline so she can answer if someone calls. Marcy is a very selfless person but does not have much support. A befriender who would be willing to help with small tasks would be beneficial. Marcy is in Livingston so if anyone knows of someone over there who wants to volunteer, we would love to connect them! Special Considerations: Marcy uses a walker and does not leave her home due to her mobility.
Ginny, 77 years old
Ginny currently resides at Brookdale Spring Meadows but is originally from Illinois. She has 6 sisters with whom she is still very close, they Zoom every Saturday! Ginny is very social, she loves to converse and it’s not hard to come up with conversation when talking with Ginny. She was a librarian at MSU as well as a counselor for many years, she even holds two master's degrees. Ginny appreciates people from different cultures and always wants to learn. She enjoys talking about genetics, big families, and lots of other science-based topics. overall though she said she likes talking about anything and everything. Ginny is a Quaker and would like to discuss religion, she is open to everyone but mentioned she is okay not talking about it either to be respectful. Ginny is great and excited for a Befriender! Special Considerations: Ginny has poor short-term memory so she will ask questions she's asked more than once, but always brings a new fact to the question you repeat. She is also wheelchair-bound but would really like a visitor.
Lorna, 83 years old
Lorna was born and raised in Montana. She moved to Bozeman from Sydney when she was a kid and has stayed ever since. Lorna has a huge musical background, she was an Oboist for the Bozeman Symphony, taught at MSU in the music department, and was her church organist. Lorna has traveled to 19 countries and spent a year in Denmark. She loves traveling, talking about travels, gardening, genealogy, and playing her church organ. Lorna still drives and lives alone. Her daughters live out of town but visit as often as they can. Lorna enjoys laughing and talking about life. Special Considerations: Lorna has recently had trouble coming up with words but still carries on with the conversation just fine.
Karen, 74 years old
Karen lives in Belgrade in assisted living, she moved here to be closer to her Son. She was an ASL interpreter and a special ed teacher. Karen used to play instruments such as the flute, oboe, and bassoon. She is very kind and friendly. She enjoys telling stories and she has had a very interesting life. She possibly would like to attend a Lutheran church with someone but also is okay if her Befriender doesn’t want to do that. Overall Karen needs more social connection, she said she isn’t much of a shopper but more of a chocolate milkshake kind of person. She is looking forward to getting a friend and making new connections. Special Considerations: Karen has Parkinson's which also limits her mobility. She has some cognitive decline from her Parkinson's which can cause some confusion.
Suzy, 79 years old
Suzy was originally from Illinois but moved to MT 40 years ago. She recently was moved into memory care and had a Befriender who moved away. Her husband said Suzy benefited greatly from having a Befriender and a younger volunteer is better for her too. Suzy was a social worker and had her own practice. She loves human connection and being around people. Suzy is obsessed with her dog and is a huge dog lover! A Befriender that will want to get her out of the facility to go for walks, lunch, and to get outside more. Special Consideration: Suzy has early/mid Alzheimer's, she will need someone who can encourage her to do things because she changes her mind often.
Lee, 87 years old
Lee was born in Tennessee, lived in Germany for 4 years, and has been in Montana since the 60s. Lee has a son in Spokane and misses him dearly. Lee was a nurse assistant and home care aide for her career. She likes to crochet, work on puzzles, and occasionally go out if she is up to it. She has a cat and she loves her so much. She also has a special interest in angels and frogs. Lee needs a rematch because her Befriender got too busy due to being a Vet. She loved Lee dearly and was sad to say goodbye. Lee needs someone who can be a support system for her. She is very kind,has a great sense of humor, and loves human connection. She doesn’t have much support out here and it’s hard for her to get to doctor’s appointments. Someone who would enjoy accompanying her to the doctor would also be great! Lee has a car that can fit her wheelchair, she recently got out of the hospital after a long stay and needs more support because she doesn’t have much family in Bozeman anymore. Lee would do well with someone who is comfortable helping her get in the car, strong, and has time to spare. Special Consideration: Lee is homebound and unable to leave home. She walks with a standing walker and is on long-term oxygen.
Rusty, male, 73 years old
Rusty lives at Spring Creek Memory Care and has slight memory loss. He is an US Army veteran who has sailed on various merchant marine ships for about 23 years. Rusty likes to do basically anything outdoors: running, hiking, climbing, bike trips, camping, etc. Rusty is very healthy and is looking for a Befriender to get out in the community with while also sharing some laughs. Rusty has great conversation and a funny sense of humor, he is very kind and has another friend that he’s had for over a year, the staff says he perks up when she visits. She isn’t able to visit him as often as she’d like to. Special Consideration: Memory loss
Mary Beth, 78 years old
Mary Beth is originally from a family in Delaware, she had an extravagant life and had many experiences to share. She currently lives in Darlington Manor close to the senior center. Mary Beth owned a clothing factory and she was a great fundraiser. She moved to Big Timber from Arizona and she felt it wasn’t right for her. Due to Mary Beth’s situation, she has been very isolated from people. She loves to talk about her life experiences and is very open about things that have happened to her. She is super spunky with great taste. She loves to read and wants to start writing a book. Marybeth is in a unique situation and any community she can have is wonderful for her. Her car is broken and she misses her independence. She wants a friend and is glad she called Befrienders!
Alicia, 77 years old
Alicia lives alone off of Durston and 19th. She was born in Peru, she lived there for many years before she and her husband were offered scholarships to attend school in Mississippi. They obtained their masters and moved back to Peru. A few years later they moved back to the U.S. because her husband was offered to be a visiting professor at MSU. This is when he got his PhD. Alicia and her husband loved learning together, they did everything together! They raised three daughters, two who still live in Bozeman. Alicia was a Spanish teacher and takes a lot of pride in her career. 9 months ago Alicia’s husband passed away from terminal cancer, this has been very hard for her because he was her best friend. She loves to talk about him, share life experiences, and all around loves people. She spends her day reading, gardening, listening to music, and watching movies. She doesn’t drive due to being anxious and doesn’t want to burden her daughters with rides because they are very busy. Alicia loves doing yoga, she would love if her Befriender would ever like to join her. She loves human connection and is looking forward to meeting a new friend. Alicia will be in Peru visiting family until Jan 18th, when she’s back she would love to be matched.
John , Male, 76 years old
John recently moved to the Bozeman Lodge, he has had a hard time making new connections due to having back pain which has left him mostly in his room. He is a very social guy and enjoys cracking jokes. John is originally from Tennessee, was an avid skier in Utah and was a math professor at MSU for 42 years. His interests include socializing, gambling, stamp collecting, and listening to music. His favorite artists are Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Meatloaf, he also enjoys country. He enjoys card games, movies, and watching sports (Football and Baseball). John is a very amiable person who would greatly benefit from connection. Special Consideration: John's mobility is something he is working on. He is currently working on his movement with the support of PT and OT at the Lodge. Additionally, he has very early-onset dementia. He is still very with it but struggles a bit with time.
Karen , 81 years old
Karen was born and raised in Montana. She lives in Belgrade across from the high school with her husband. Karen is a wonderful woman with wisdom to share, and life experiences, and is overall looking for a friend to do things in the community with. She enjoys being social and notices when she has company her brain works better. Karen spends a lot of time alone and has been needing someone she can call a friend. She owned her own art business and is a self-taught musician. Karen would love to get back into old hobbies (art, music, community events) she doesn’t do anymore because doing them alone isn’t as fun. She is so kind, easy to talk to, and is so glad she found this program. She has many ideas of things she would love to do with a Befriender such as grabbing coffee, a meal, and going to the heart of the valley...she loves dogs! She likes people with enthusiasm and a positive outlook on life. She is excited to meet her Befriender and make a new connection. Special Consideration: Karen has vertigo and does better in the afternoons than in the morning.
Doug , Male, 72 years old
Doug lives in Bozeman near MSU, he and his wife moved here about 2 ½ years ago. Doug was born in Michigan and then later moved to New Hampshire where he met his wife of 40 years. Together they have 3 kids, all of which live very close. He has built a couple of custom log homes, was a blacksmith, and was a farm manager. Doug doesn’t talk much because of his Alzheimers but he is still a very active man. He enjoys cross-country skiing, going for walks, and looking at photo albums. Consideration: Alzheimers.
Susie , 72 years old
Susie lives at the Bozeman Lodge. Susie was a wedding planner, marketing director, and project manager in TV and film. She has a son who lives in Australia in the army and a daughter who is in nursing school here in Bozeman. Susie enjoys reading, coffee/tea dates, movies, dining out, getting a massage, and getting her hair and nails done. She is looking to make a new friend that will enrich her life, she enjoys asking questions and sharing stories. Susie recently started driving again so would love a friend who could meet up with her, she does need help with her wheelchair to get it in and out of the car. Special Considerations: Due to a stroke 2 years ago, her left arm and left leg are slightly compromised so she uses a hemi-walker. Otherwise, she is very healthy.
Jim , Male, 81 years old
Jim lives in Bozeman with his wife, near the YMCA, and has been here for 20 years. Jim is originally from the East Coast but lived in Minneapolis during his career. Jim was a Pilot for Pillsbury and his family has deep roots in Aviation. Jim’s dad was an Airline Pilot, his two sons are Pilots and some of his grandchildren have become Pilots as well. Jim loved being in the aviation world and found so much joy in what he did. Jim and his family would often come to MT for camping trips which pushed them to make the move to Bozeman. Jim has family that live in the area and also has a Grandson who plays football for the Bobcats! Jim loves going fishing and being active. He is funny and very social! He’s hoping to find a friend who would like to go for drives, maybe take him to Ace Hardware on occasion or work on model aircraft planes. Jim is excited to make a new friend! Special Consideration: Jim has some short term memory loss but is very active and independent. His wife is his caretaker and sometimes needs a break to run errands. Having a Befriender to fill in those gaps would be great!
Last edited:1/14/25
