Meet the Seniors Waiting for a Friend!
Befrienders is welcoming the winter months with 130 matches! These seniors and their volunteers have been rediscovering Bozeman, the greater Gallatin Valley, and Livingston together, all creating special memories. However, we still need volunteers to connect with our seniors who have not yet been matched.
These seniors are veterans, gardeners, retired teachers, musicians, and lifelong Montanans, all hoping to share coffee, conversation, and companionship with someone this winter.
Browse the profiles below. A new friend is waiting for you.
Scroll to the bottom for Seniors Outside of Bozeman and Belgrade
David L, male,74 years old
David is originally from Wisconsin. He moved to Bozeman in 1996 because his sister lives here, but they are no longer close. He has a cat named Willy and enjoys listening to music, especially classic rock and classical. David lives at Darlington Manor and still drives himself. He used to enjoy photography but is unsure how to use the new technology. David has been feeling a sense of loneliness and needs people in the community with whom he can partake in activities and relate to. David is funny and edgy.
Sheryl B, 68 years old
Sheryl lives near the Loaf’ n Jug on Main. She is originally from Nebraska and grew up on a farm. She is a big Chiefs fan, and her Sundays are for football. Sheryl never had any children and is hoping for a Befriender who will help her organize her home. She needs to go through old paperwork and throw it away, wants to get rid of a bunch of clothes, and needs help putting her sheets on her bed (she does everything else but can’t get the sheets on her bed). Sheryl loves friends with a raunchy and quirky sense of humor; she loves to laugh at ridiculous things. She would enjoy grabbing an occasional meal somewhere that is not expensive. Special Considerations: CPAP, on oxygen, mobility sometimes limited. Still drives.
John M, Male, 66 years old
John lives in assisted living near the hospital. He used to be a truck driver and lay asphalt. He also helped his brother with his sporting goods store. He loves to play golf, talk about auto mechanics, his love of animals, hang out at the beach, and talk about basketball. John is very sweet and funny; at his home he likes to sit in the sun and enjoy the fresh air. He is excited to have a new friend to make memories with. Special Consideration: Uses a walker.
Mac M, 65 years old
Mac lives near Bozeman High and would like someone to visit so she can have more socialization. She lives with her 11-year-old teacup poodle, Barbie, whom she loves dearly! Those two go everywhere together. She is a veteran and used to volunteer with Family Promise, Love INC, & the Symphony. She loves to do diamond art and cross-stitching. Mac is looking for a volunteer who has a good sense of humor, likes to laugh, and can brighten her day when she is feeling down. Mac is waiting for a Befriender who can take her to Belgrade Bingo on Wednesdays at 10 am, this availability would make the match! Mac has a sarcastic sense of humor and enjoys making others laugh! Special Considerations: Mac uses oxygen as she has lung cancer and is on hospice.
Anetta V, 91 years old, Match in Progress
Anetta lives off of Hunters Way. She grew up outside of Chicago, but has lived in MT since the 1940s. She was married and has 2 sons. One of them lives in Eugene, and the other lives in Portland, OR. When she first moved to Bozeman, she worked at JCPenney and Sears. Once she had her two sons, she became a stay-at-home mom. She now enjoys reading, word searches, craft-making, flowers, listening to live music, going to activities at the Lodge, and shopping. A companion would greatly benefit Anetta. She would enjoy getting out of the Lodge for a little bit, running errands, going on a drive, or possibly doing things around her apartment. She is a very sweet lady who is super excited about meeting a new friend! She would prefer an older, female volunteer who could meet with her in the mornings after 9 a.m. Special Considerations: Uses a walker and can’t walk too far or for too long.
Susan S, 81 years old
Susan lives in Belgrade, just off Main. She was a medical transcriptionist for 34 years. Susan has a daughter, a grandson, and a great-granddaughter, whom she lives with. She likes to do puzzles, read, go for drives, window shop, and go to little local restaurants to eat or grab a drink. She also volunteers at her church. Susan would prefer mostly home activities; however, she would love to play bingo at the Belgrade Senior Center on Wednesdays and get out and about on occasion. Susan is very sweet and is looking forward to doing something for herself by gaining a Befriender. There are two dogs in the house. Special Considerations: Susan doesn't have any mobility issues but does need shorter walks and does not drive anymore.
Brenda L, 84 years old
Brenda lives off Oak in a senior living facility. Originally from Georgia, Brenda is a retired middle school math teacher, devoted wife to Nelson for 53 years until his passing in 2018, and proud mother of Andrew. She resides at The Cottage at Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman. Her interests include reading, education and mathematics, Penn State athletics, and her Presbyterian church community. Throughout her life, she has volunteered through her church and supported Penn State athletics and the School of Music. She values learning, faith, family, and community connection. Special Considerations: Brenda has significant short-term memory loss related to cognitive decline. She remains fairly ambulatory, with good hearing and vision. Conversations may be most enjoyable when focused on the present and familiar interests.
Verlyn R, Male, 93 years old
Verlyn lives in Bozeman and is an Army veteran. He used to live in Salt Lake City and collects rocks, coins, records, and more. He loves talking about his collections and would appreciate somebody who is willing to hang out and listen to his stories! He lives alone with his cat and misses being active and engaged with people. Special Considerations: Verlyn uses a wheelchair. He also has parkinsons and vertigo.
Steve S, Male, 64 years old
Steve has a master's degree in business and agriculture and spent his career as a watermaster in Wyoming, ensuring water rights were fairly observed within the agricultural community. Coming from a Wyoming ranching family, he enjoys talking about agriculture, Western history, and his life experiences. He also loves Christian hymns, children, and pets. Steve is looking for male companionship and would especially enjoy spending time with a younger volunteer who shares his interests and enjoys good conversation. Special Considerations: Uses a wheelchair but is mobile, experienced a stroke, yet cognitively sharp. Prefers to be matched with a male volunteer.
Sandy O, 75 years old
Sandy lives in Belgrade near the airport with her husband. She and her husband are both very sweet, have been married for 50 years, and have 2 children together. Sandy and her husband played a huge part in starting Befrienders; Sandy was on the board years ago and is dear friends with the founder. Sandy now has dementia, and her husband is looking for someone to keep her company. Sandy is originally from California and met her husband while living in Alaska! Sandy studied theatre in college and then went on to be a professor at MSU in Human Development, teaching classes in Child and Family Studies (She was our Program Manager's first professor at MSU!). Sandy loves to talk about travel, academics, and her experiences as a professor. She is looking for someone who can chat with her, play card games, and read books with her. Sandy and her husband are homebodies and enjoy spending time with their daughter’s dog! Special Considerations: Sandy has memory loss, but opens up very quickly. She may get lost in her train of thought and start telling other stories, and will need some redirection.
Susan G, 60 years old
Susan lives in Belgrade by herself. She has a cat that was gifted to her by a friend. Susan has lived in Montana her whole life and has two children who also live in the area. She used to work in a parts and service department and enjoyed working on cars. She spends most of her time inside by herself and is looking for someone to talk to. She is very lonely, but really enjoys talking and getting to know people. She likes to talk about her children and grandchildren! Susan is a very sweet lady who could greatly benefit from a friend. She could use some help around the house with various tasks that she can’t do on her own since she is in a wheelchair. She also enjoys going out to eat. Special Considerations: She uses a wheelchair as she has MS, but is not limited in mobility.
Joyce D, 94 years old
Joyce lives in an assisted living facility off of Oak St in Bozeman. Joyce lived in Kansas for 93 years before moving to Montana in 2025 to be closer to her family. Joyce was a primary and ESL teacher for 35 years, and also taught internationally in China, Honduras, and Mexico. She wrote 2 books about living in China. Joyce’s interests and hobbies include card games, languages (specifically Chinese and Spanish), and she used to love gardening. She also enjoys being a great-grandmother, poetry, and used to love world travel. Joyce would LOVE to play Bridge with someone and is also interested in playing other games. Since Bridge requires four players, there may be other residents at the facility who could join in too. Special Considerations: Wakes up after 1:00 pm. She is living independently and has food delivered since she has a mild choking issue. Joyce also has mobility issues and does not like to leave her apartment.
Raymond S, Male, 83 years old
Raymond lives in Belgrade at an assisted living facility and needs socialization as well as a little more activity in his life! He has a large family: four children, four granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, and a great-grandson on the way! He is an Army veteran. Raymond misses his dog and his cat and is experiencing loneliness. A Befriender who has a dog to bring by and sit on the deck in the sun. He likes bingo, pinochle, card games, and long drives. He also loves to reminisce about the days when he could hunt and fish. Raymond is so sweet and would greatly benefit from a new friend. Special considerations: Raymond cannot drive, has difficulty walking (he uses a walker), and has trouble hearing.
Ronnie P, Male, 74 years old
Ronnie lives near downtown Bozeman and has two sisters who live in the area and are big advocates for him. Ronnie has some cognitive delay; he enjoys telling stories that may not always be true, such as being a cop in CA, but someone to go along with his stories would be awesome. He is funny and has two pet prairie dogs that come to visit him most days, haha. Ronnie would also love to go to Taco Bell! If a weekly Taco Bell was the connection, that would make his day! Ronnie will need to be matched with a male volunteer. Special Considerations: forgets some things.
Roy D, Male, 74 years old
Roy lives in Belgrade with his nephew’s family. He moved here from Chicago in June. He is a huge Chicago Cubs and Bears fan; he loves everything Chicago, and his career was as a motorman for trains. Roy’s family is working on ways for him to be more connected to the community, as they are both business owners and he needs more social connection besides them. Roy had a stroke when he was 38, which has limited his independence. He is very sweet and loves to drive his motorized wheelchair. Roy likes to laugh, and he can get along with anyone. Special Considerations: He has limited use of his right arm and leg. Roy can have a hard time coming up with words and has a speech therapist working with him.
Janet J, 86 years old
Janet is from Idaho Falls, ID, and moved to Bozeman last year to be closer to her daughter. She lives in the Springs. She has 3 daughters and lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She used to enjoy riding snowmobiles, racing cars, and golfing. Now, she enjoys putting outside on the golf green, eating ice cream, watching TV, and spending time with her boyfriend. She also enjoys spending time with her middle daughter, whom she relies on. Her daughter is looking for someone to spend time with her, as she is lonely and tends to cling to her boyfriend and daughter for socialization. She doesn’t get outside very often, so encouraging a short walk to the store or even sitting outside would be very beneficial! She wants to stay as independent as possible and doesn’t like the idea of “being helped,” so approaching this as just a friend who wants to spend time with her would be best! Special Considerations: She has Alzheimer’s and can’t hear very well. She can hold a conversation very well and likes to talk about her children, but may ask you the same questions a few times. After a few times of meeting her, I think she will become more comfortable and start to remember you as time goes on. She is still living independently.
Connie O, 84 years old
Connie lives near the hospital. She has been in the program since 2022 and has had a great experience. Connie envisions a Befriender who could help her once a week, hopefully on a Friday, with technology (iPhone help) and occasional cooking of healthy meals together. Connie enjoys her bible study group, oil painting, and going for walks. She is originally from Massachusetts but spent 60 years in Kalispell! She used to harvest vegetables, and her life was surrounded by nature’s abundance. She hopes to have a friend to help her navigate her Apple products. She has short-term memory and knows this, so she may not be able to retain a lot, but she can help with basic functions once a week, such as returning online orders. Connie still drives but is driving less now, so someone runs errands with her as well. Special Considerations: Osteoporosis and short-term memory, but she said she has a notebook that helps her keep track of things.
Kay R, 91 years old
Kay lives near the hospital. She is a born and raised Montanan, having grown up in Paradise Valley. When she still lived out there, she would take her horses on walks from Mill Creek to Chico and all around. She retired after a career in the Forest Service and is a lifetime horsewoman. She has barrel-raced, kept time for rodeos, and participated in many horse shows. She would love a Befriender to take her shopping, to lunch, maybe even a cruise around town, just to keep her week exciting. She believes commitment is important and would benefit from a volunteer that lives here year-round!
Special Considerations: Kay uses a walker. She does not drive.
Mary E, 89 years old
Mary is a retired high school English teacher who also worked with MSU’s Department of Education, the Board of Regents, and Thrive as a CAP Coordinator. She previously lived on a ranch and loved riding horses. Mary enjoys reading, gardening, animals, games, good conversation, and discussing politics. She is a widow who is looking for friendship and companionship. Mary hopes to have a friend who is older, has a quiet lifestyle, and has similar interests too her. Mary is a calm person who would benefit from a natural friendship. Special Considerations: Mary lives independently and walks with a cane. She is somewhat lonely and does not get out as much anymore, so regular visits and companionship would be especially meaningful to her.
Kathleen P, 81 years old
Kathleen is a warm and social woman who worked as a nurse for over 40 years. She is very passionate about church and also about knitting but has recently lost the ability to do so. She is a very sweet woman and a great conversationalist who would enjoy feeling like she has purpose in someone’s life again. It would be ideal if she found a Befriender to go to bible study with. She hasn’t found a good group here yet, but would absolutely love to go. She recently moved from Georgia to live with her daughter and is hoping to build new friendships and feel more connected in the community. Her daughter and son-in-law own a veterinary clinic on their property; with that being said, pets can be put away, but the pet hair is there to stay. She uses a wheelchair much of the time but can use a walker and enjoys short walks. Special Considerations: Kathleen has early dementia and may need occasional reminders. She prefers an older female visitor.
Carol J, 78 years old
Carol lives near MSU by herself; she has lived in Bozeman most of her life and spent the beginning of her life in SoCal. She was a social worker with youth as well as an elementary ed teacher. She has one daughter who lives in Bozeman and another daughter in MI. Carol enjoys socializing; she is chill and would like to grab lunch with a Befriender, play cards, and is up for anything. She also loves animals. Overall, Carol could use some more connection in her life and is just excited to make a new friend! Special Consideration: Signs of early memory loss.
Peggy B, 91 years old
Peggy moved here from Upper Michigan a few years ago to be close to family. Peggy graduated from Michigan with her husband and was an administrator for Social Security. She worked her entire career in the federal government. Peggy resides in assisted living behind the hospital. She is still very mobile but needs her walker when going for longer walks. Peggy has a great sense of humor and many interests. Peggy loves current events, the US, and world history, humor, gardens, and light exercise. She also used to be an avid bridge player and can be convinced to play games. Since moving to Bozeman, she has enjoyed going to the symphony with her granddaughter, riding around town, and learning what Bozeman has to offer. She is looking forward to meeting her new friend and is excited for this opportunity! Special Consideration: Uses a walker when going for long walks.
Joanne M, 83 years old
Has lived in Bozeman for 7 years. Prior to that, she lived in Big Horn, Wyoming, and grew up and worked in New York City. She was a librarian and an elementary school teacher. Her son’s family lives in NYC, and her daughter lives in Bozeman. Joanne has Macular Degeneration and is losing her eyesight. She would like someone to help her read, look through her mail, help with organizing bills, and fill out forms. She also has a lot of files that she needs help going through. She used to read all the time, was a member of the Audubon Society and the Raptor Center before her eyesight started to go. Joanne is funny and loves to give back. She still drives, but only to places she knows well. Soon she will have to stop driving. She traveled the world and is grateful for that now. She is also a born-again Christian, but does not push her religion on anyone. Special Considerations: Low vision, needing support with tasks because she can’t see any of her files.
Mike C, Male, 80 years old
Mike is very sweet. He has some limitations that limit his ability to get out, make new friends, and spend much of his time alone. He lives with his wife and their son near MSU, and he enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with his dogs, which are very important to him. He also enjoys sports and loves going camping in his camper. Mike is considered deaf and uses hearing aids, but can’t always comprehend what people are saying, so he uses creative listening to understand people. Mike is friendly and enjoys talking about life. He used to do a lot of woodwork and went to school for Philosophy. He would enjoy making a friend he can go to community events with, spend time talking with, and make new connections. Special consideration: Has aches and pains that limit his ability to be active for long periods, and has limited hearing.
Diane G, 79 years old
Diane lives in Bozeman near Valley West Park. She is widowed and has two adult sons who live out of state. She was a career teacher and loves to read! Dianne is passionate about gardening and her Christian faith. She needs connection to alleviate the loneliness she has been experiencing recently and would love to have some conversations, coffee dates, and genuine human interaction. Special Considerations: Diane has age-related mobility issues and some occasional memory problems.
Seniors Outside of Bozeman & Belgrade
Edmund Z, Male, Manhattan, 88 years old
Edmund lives in Manhattan with his daughter. He has 2 children who live locally and 1 in AK. When Edmund was told about Befrienders, he thought it was a great idea and felt it would help with the alone time when his daughter is at work. Edmund owned an auto body shop in Manhattan and was also in the Air Force. His hobbies include reading, watching birds and animals, walking, talking, hunting, and metal detecting (treasure hunting)! He also mentioned dancing when his wife was alive. He and his wife used to spend their winters in South Padre in a 5th wheel! Edmund is looking forward to meeting a new friend! Special Considerations: Tires easily when walking far, and sometimes can’t hear in group settings
Dennis M, Big Sky, Male, 75 years old
Dennis lives in Gallatin Gateway with his wife. He used to be an Eagle Scout and a financial analyst. He enjoys listening to classical music, hiking, and furniture building/working in the shop. Special Considerations: He is diagnosed with dementia and has short-term memory.
Patty W, Manhattan, 69 years old
Patty lives in a memory care home in Manhattan. She was born and raised in North Pole, Alaska, and recently moved to Montana to be with family due to her memory loss. She has dementia and aphasia, and has been feeling increasingly anxious and lonely. She has a son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter who live locally, and 2 daughters who live out of state. She enjoys gardening, church, animals, walking, exercise, socializing with others, and music. Patty is very family-oriented and enjoys sports, especially soccer. Special Considerations: Fall risk, as she is a little unsteady on her feet due to osteoporosis, so slow walks with linked arms would be best. She is also very hard to understand due to her aphasia. Prefers a female Befriender. It would work best if a volunteer could come between 2 pm-4 pm, as that is when she feels most lonely!
Ron K, Male, Manhattan, 69 years old
Ron lives in Manhattan and is originally from Minnesota. He is funny and enjoys company. Ron is hoping to have some help bringing groceries into his house or working on his truck together. He loves hunting, fishing, shooting, and enjoying the outdoors. Ron used to be a hunting guide and moved out west to go to guide school. Ron still drives but could use some support with heavy lifting and other small tasks. Special Considerations: Ron uses a walker and has shortness of breath, so he uses oxygen.
Bob P, Male, Manhattan, 70 years old
Bob lives alone and is feeling lonely these days, especially since he can no longer drive. A Marine veteran with a big heart and a great sense of humor, Bob is looking for more support and companionship in his day-to-day life. He’s a regular churchgoer and would enjoy spending time with someone who can share conversation, laughter, and maybe a few stories. Bob absolutely adores his five cats; he says, “They are my friends!” and doesn’t mind that his house is a bit messy or smells like cats. He’s sweet, funny, and would really benefit from a caring visitor who can brighten his week and help him stay connected to the world outside his home. Special Considerations: Bob’s housing situation is intense. He lives on Main St, Manhattan, and it is sort of a shack, with hanging debris and open walls to the outdoors. He is very friendly and has a Befriender who owns a thrift store and brings him things, but Bob needs more support since his Befriender has a lot of kids and can’t always meet each week. Bob has no desire to move because he loves his 7 cats.
Jessie A, Manhattan, 67 years old
Jessie lives in Manhattan with her daughter. She used to be a respiratory therapist. She enjoys making jewelry, weaving, and making pot holders. She has also lived in many places, including Alaska and the East Coast. She is struggling with social isolation and loneliness and would enjoy a friend to keep her company. Special Considerations: She uses a wheelchair. Her daughter runs a doggy daycare and boarding business out of their home, so there are usually a few dogs always present. Their home is also unkempt and a little stuffy.
Carol G, Whitehall, 84 years old
Carol lives in Whitehall and needs a Befriender. If there is someone who lives near or knows of someone in Whitehall who would like to be a befriender, spread the word! Carol is very sweet; she has a great sense of humor, and she grew up in New Jersey. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, lunch, going shopping, cards, and genuine company. She is always up for an adventure, whether it’s grabbing lunch or a drive around town. Special Considerations: Carol uses a walker and is very independent when navigating her mobility. She has some short-term memory issues with certain events, but can recall the bigger picture.
Victor Mossotti, Male, Big Sky
Victor lives in Big Sky with his wife Kathleen. He has his bachelor's degree and was a Research Scientist with a PHD. Victor loves science and math! Special Considerations: Victor has Alzheimers but is mobile.
Debra S, Three Forks, 73 years old
Debra lives in Three Forks and spends a lot of time alone. She needs more friends and would like someone to talk to. Her spirits have been low, and she knows that social interaction could help with that. Debra enjoys watching TV, playing games, and loves dogs! She is now mostly homebound and no longer drives. She has a Befriender, and they have been matched for 2 years, but now that Debra’s health has changed, she needs a friend to visit her at her house. She’s excited to meet her Befriender and is looking forward to more social interaction with a new friend! Special Considerations: Homebound and oxygen.
Last edited: 10-13-2026
