Todd F, Male, 50 years old
Originally from Fargo, ND, Todd pursued a business degree in Mankato before settling down with his wife and two kids in Four Corners. Despite being blind, Todd's adventurous spirit remains undimmed. He loves outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and walking, finding solace and joy in nature. Spending most days alone, Todd hopes to make a new friend who shares his love for the outdoors and loves to chat. Special Consideration: Todd is blind which limits his social interactions and he spends a lot of time at home alone while his family is at school and work.
Jan R, 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.
Gay B, 69 years old
Gay is very independent and stays very active. Gay lives near MSU. She moved to Bozeman 7 years ago and spends her time volunteering at Love Inc., 2nd Hand Thrift, and the Gallatin History Museum. Gay stays very active and has many hobbies. These include hiking, singing, dancing, socializing, movies, and cooking. Gay still drives herself and would prefer a single friend because most of her friends have husbands or wives. She has a lot of free time in the evenings and would enjoy a friend who would like to do activities with her. She was hoping that her Befriender would like to make dinner, go outside for a hike, movie theater, and be open to other activities too!
Mary H, 90 years old
Mary lives alone near Hyalite Elementary. She spends a lot of time alone and is in much need of socialization. Mary moved to Montana from Texas to be with her husband. She lived in Three Forks for 37 years before moving to Bozeman 16 years ago. Her daughter is a pharmacy tech assistant and is also in school. Mary sees how busy her daughter is and would like more socialization. Mary likes getting out of the house for a walk, church, socializing about life, and visiting with her family. Mary is very generous and offers Pie, milk, or candy when visiting with her. She is considering moving to assisted living but for now, she wants to stay in her home. Special consideration: Mary’s still mobile, she walks around without assistance but is wobbly.
Catherine O, 72 years old
Catherine lives in Three Forks with her Husband. She enjoys quilting and babysitting. She was a stay-at-home housewife throughout life and would enjoy someone coming to visit her each week. She likes to get out of the house with her husband and enjoys meeting new people. Special Consideration: Catherine is on home health and uses a wheelchair.
Gloria W, 78 years old
Gloria is originally from Iowa and moved to Big Sky to work at Lone Mountain Ranch with her husband. She lives off of Oak Street now. Gloria’s job at LMR was in housekeeping then was promoted to office work later on. All three of Gloria’s children live in Bozeman and she enjoys seeing them. Gloria hopes to play games with her Befriender, go for walks with her scooter, and have conversations. She would enjoy befriending an older woman, any day of the week works for her to meet except on Wednesdays. Her favorite games are Soduko and Yahtzee but is open to learning new games. She enjoys watching the weather and loves her cat Pumpkin. Special consideration: Gloria has chronic pain, she uses a walker and scooter but has limited mobility. Mostly homebound.
Sian P, 54 years old
Sian is so enjoyable to talk to, she has a very positive outlook on life and enjoys human connection. Sian graduated with a degree in Music and plays instruments such as the Piano and French Horn! Sian lives near World Market and still drives. She enjoys going to Eagle Mount for water aerobics and meeting new people. Sian was in a car accident which has caused her to have physical limitations. She needs more support and could use a friend right now. She is hoping that her Befriender would enjoy grabbing coffee, listening to music, gardening, and someone to brighten her day. Sian wants a friend who is down to earth, laid back, supportive, and encouraging. She loves people and is excited to make a new friend in Bozeman. Special consideration: Due to her car accident she has had various medical conditions pop up for her.
Susie S, 71 years old
Susie lives in Bozeman. 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 and possibly go to Eagle Mount once a week for a water class. 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.
Peggy B, 89 years old
Peggy moved here from Upper Michigan a few years ago, she was an administrator for Social Security and worked her entire career in the federal gov. Peggy resides in assisted living behind the hospital. She is still very mobile but needs her walker when going for a long walk. Her memory isn’t always great but mostly just scheduling/dates. Peggy has a great sense of humor and many interests. Peggy loves current events, the US, world history, humor, gardens, and light exercise. She also used to be an avid bridge player so she can be convinced to play games. Peggy loves to visit, she becomes much more engaged and alert when she hangs out with someone. She is looking forward to meeting her new friend! Special Consideration: Uses a walker when going for long walks
Lee C, 86 years old
Lee was born in Tennessee, she lived in Germany for 4 years and has been in Montana since the 60’s. Lee has a son in Spokane and misses him dearly. Lee was a nurse assistant and homecare 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 she loves 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 strong beautiful southern accent, 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! Special Consideration: Lee is homebound and unable to leave home. She walks with a standing walker and is on long-term oxygen.
Betty J, 72 years old
Betty was a nurse's aide before she had her daughter. She was a stay-at-home single mom for many years and currently resides in Belgrade. She loves dogs and used to love reading before she developed macular degeneration. Betty loves socializing but was diagnosed with Huntington's disease which has limited her ability to leave the home. Betty loves animals, music, and game shows. She is excited to see people again and meet a new friend. Special Consideration: Huntington's Disease, hearing loss, vision loss.
Cynthia S, 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 her life experiences with. 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 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.
Dorothy W, 92 years old
Dorothy recently moved to Bozeman from Illinois. She is moving in with her granddaughter in Gallatin Gateway and would like more social support. Dorothy is lonely and wishes she had someone to paint with her. Maybe go to Arts on Fire occasionally. One of her closest friends is also from a senior support group similar to Befrienders. Since she had to move to Montana she no longer can see her but they stay in touch. Dorothy worked at a fabric store most of her life and very much enjoyed it. Special Consideration: On a walker but has to use a motorized Wheelchair for distances greater than 100 feet.
Ellie T, 90 years old
Ellie lives in Bozeman, three blocks from the senior center. She often walks to the senior center to see friends and keep herself busy. Ellie has three children but only one lives in the Gallatin Valley. She loves gardening, used to do a lot of quilting, making friends, and socializing. She is very sweet and loves to talk about life experiences. Ellie is hoping her befriender will want to run errands occasionally, sometimes go to the Dr, and also make a new friend she can look forward to seeing. Special Consideration: Uses a cane to get around but still walks.
Elsie M, 60 years old
Lives in Gallatin Rest Home on Durston. Elsie was an elementary school librarian and taught English. She is an exceptionally empathetic and open individual! She instilled these values into her children and hopes her new adopted grandson will be raised similarly. Elsie is in need of being rematched, her last befriender is still in her life but can’t be as consistent. Listening to audiobooks, embroidery, knitting, cooking, Sarah Bareilles (music), and playing Bingo although not for the prize. She has a husband and daughter who live in Bozeman but don't visit her often. She is young for a rest home and needs someone who will want to hang out with her each week. She enjoys visitors. Special Considerations: Has a disease in her cerebellum that slowly deteriorates her mobility, speech, and respiratory actions
Mark G, Male, 61 years old
Mark retired 8 years ago and moved to Montana. He has two daughters and two sons. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. Mark had a stroke 3 years ago and he now lives at an assisted living facility in Bozeman, near the hospital. He is unable to do the things he loves outdoors and a Befriender that wants to go outside, maybe go fishing, and keep him social! He is significantly younger than the other residents so having someone younger to talk to would benefit Mark as well. Mark gets along with women better and enjoys conversation. Special considerations: Mark had a stroke three years ago. Before his stroke, Mark struggled with Alcoholism, so it’s important that if someone takes him out they avoid places that serve alcohol.
Carol G, 84 years old
Carol lives in Whitehall and is in need of being rematched. Her previous befriender lived in Helena but the drive was too much for her. If there is someone who lives near or maybe knows of someone in Whitehall who would like to be a befriender, spread the word! Carol is very sweet and grew up in New Jersey. She enjoys knitting, crochet, sewing, needlepoint, lunch, going shopping, cards, and genuine company. Special Considerations: Both hips replaced - electric wheelchair, lost sight in one eye. no car
Glennis R, 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 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.
Torin W, male, 50 years old
Torin grew up in foster care, he had a hard upbringing. He has had jobs such as being a dishwasher at Bridger Bowl. Torin is very sweet and appreciative of human connection. He spends a lot of time alone but has many hobbies such as oil painting, photography, libraries, animals, nature, and music. He would like a friend who could take him to the library or heart of the valley. Torin is a calm soul who really could use a friend, he is very lonely and doesn’t have many visitors. He has a car but only uses it for emergencies like going to the hospital. He would love to get out into the community but he is so lonely he said even a visitor to his home would make him happy. When I asked Torin what he would like in a befriender, he said “Anyone willing to do this, is the match for me.” Torin is a great guy and is excited to make a Befriender. Special Considerations: Torin has been dealing with Medical stuff but tries to keep his spirits up.
Shirley P, 89 years old
Shirley lives at the Springs in independent living, She is from eastern MT but has been in Bozeman for more than 40 years. She has 1 son in Bozeman and recently decided she no longer wants to drive, She has had a full life with lots of traveling experiences, which took her to places such as New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Japan, and Ireland to name a few. Shirley served on Committees and spent a lot of her life volunteering. She hopes to get out into the community with a Befriender, and go to lecturers, presentations, or even a concert! Shirley is looking forward to meeting her match! Special Considerations: Uses an electric wheelchair but is still mobile in short distances.
Mary Beth T, 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 her 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 talks a lot 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. Someone who likes to read, write, and talk would be a great fit for her. Her car is broken and she misses getting out into the community. She is hoping her Befriender would want to get out into the community with her. She wants a friend and is glad she called Befrienders!
Ronald L, male, 76 years old
Ron lives in Manhattan. He is a retired English teacher as well as a drama teacher! He loves fly fishing, black labs, Yellowstone/Tetons, Shakespeare plays, and old movies (westerns). If a volunteer has a dog, he would love to meet them! Ron is in need of being rematched, his last Befriender moved away in June. His last Befriender loved spending time with Ron, he’s very sweet and loves to converse. He loves to eat out as well. Ron is so sweet and cute, he is excited to meet a friend and share his stories. Special Considerations: Ron is legally blind, he can see some shapes/shadows. He uses a walker and his hearing is not great.
Jeanne B, 88 years old
Jeanne lives in Belgrade at an assisted living. She enjoys singing, music, and playing Bingo. She loves card games and word finds as well. Jeanne is very pleasant and loves to visit. She enjoys young adults a lot, someone to play games with would be a great match for her! Special consideration: Jeanne has dementia which causes her to have short-term memory loss.
Bonnie M, 82 years old
Lives in Belgrade along the Frontage Rd. She would like to go out for drives, coffee, and shopping. Bonnie is in the house most of the time. She lives with her son and moved here recently. Bonnie has had a few Befrienders in the past couple of years, they have all moved away but keep in touch with her every week. Her last Befriender would spend 3-5 hours a week taking Bonnie to Walmart, the mall, out to eat, and other things Bonnie liked to do. Bonnie is really sweet, she appreciates her befrienders and that they take the time to volunteer out of the goodness of their hearts. She feels lucky to have found such great friends and is excited for her next friend!
Special Considerations: bad left leg, and arthritis. Would possibly want an older volunteer, but not too picky.
Dennis E, 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 needs 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
Lori P, 41 years old
Lori is a single mom in Belgrade, she is blind which limits her from meeting new people and getting around town. She has a 6-year-old son with Autism and ADHD who needs a lot of support as well. Lori is involved with Eagle Mount and Cub Scouts, and has many hobbies! She loves Lord of the Rings, hiking, skiing, rafting, and playing board games. Her favorite is Scrabble! Lori is really social and open-minded, she is neurodivergent and accepts anyone and everyone for who they are! She likes bubbly people and someone who is okay with a 6-year-old with lots of energy! Lori is hoping that her Befriender will be someone who on occasion can help bring her to doctor appointments, her son to Cub Scouts, and someone to do activities with (Grab coffee, play scrabble, go to events). Lori lives with her friend who is her in-home aide and she has a few friends in the area that can help support her. She is trying to build her social network but it is difficult because she is fully blind. Special Consideration: Lori is blind which limits her. She is very positive and loves human connection.
Keith P, Male 82 years old
Keith lives near Four Corners and has 2 kids. He was in the Army and is a retired airline employee as well. Keith is originally from Wyoming and decided to move to Montana for work. Keith is also a volunteer at the History Museum and the Ellen Theatre. Keith loves traveling and uses stained glass panels. Special Considerations: Keith has macular degeneration and may lose his license soon. He is interested in a befriender who can bring him around so he can remain involved in the community. He also cannot walk very far but is interested in someone to hang out with. Although he is fairly mobile sometimes he does get dizzy.
Barbara B, 91 years old
Barbara lives at The Springs in Bozeman. Barbara moved from Colorado to be closer to her family. She has a daughter in Cameron and a granddaughter in Bozeman. Barbara is very focused on being healthy and participates in swim aerobics and yoga. In Barbara’s past, she was a special education teacher and owned an antique import business. She is spontaneous and is looking for a befriender who is interested in bringing her out at night to go to Bozeman events, as she does not drive at night. She enjoys free or cheaper activities, as she is on a budget. She also enjoys knitting and recently started quilting. Special Considerations: Barbara has vertigo and uses a cane for extra support.
Ginger Z, 79 years old
Ginger lives near the MSU campus and used to be a social worker and teacher. She has been married for fifty years and has a son who lives in California. Ginger likes to read, listen to music, work outside, and sing. Ginger enjoys going out to lunch and writing letters to her family and poems. Special Consideration: Ginger has age-related macular degeneration which has become a problem recently and has affected her ability to read.
Rodney S, 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 E, 96 years old
Shirley is 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 dogs along with reading and gardening. She would enjoy more socialization and spending time with someone. She is homebound but would love to go for a drive, along with spending time with a friend. She would love to have conversations and work on activities as well. Special Considerations: She uses a walker to get around, some hearing loss, and short-term memory that has come on recently.
Rose R, 81 years old
Rose lives near Bogert Park. Born in Brooklyn NY, she lived on the East Coast until 1998 and then moved to a retirement community in California. She was married for 57 years- and unfortunately lost her husband during the pandemic. She used to volunteer for her local Women’s league and taught religious education in the catholic church. Rose loves to paint acrylics, knit, line dance & play bingo at the senior center. She also is a voracious reader, a tennis fan, and the most excellent Italian cook. Rose does not drive, so she walks to the library and post office. She is looking for a Befriender who can drive her to the grocery store and the mall. Rose has an endless supply of great stories and wisdom to share.
Lois T, 84 years old
Lois lives by Safeway in Bozeman. She is originally from Livingston and she has 3 daughters. Lois loves sports, especially football. She is a Dodgers fan but says that she loves all teams and enjoys watching sports as well. Lois used to work as a Secretary for a realtor and also has experience in banking. Lois would enjoy someone who would talk to and visit her each week. She is incredibly sweet and loves conversation. Lois may occasionally want to get out but is mainly interested in having someone to hang out with. Special Considerations: Lois has very limited mobility and pain in her knees. She also has some memory loss.
Elly S, 84 years old
Elly lives near the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and she is a retired teacher. She has one son that lives in Bozeman and another that lives in Miles City. Elly enjoys birds, music, and art. Special Considerations: Elly is homebound
Shirley V, 90 years old
Shirley is originally from Billings, she was a teacher for 30 years, and she taught English and History from grade school to the college level. Shirley enjoys her solitude, she spent many years traveling the world alone and still enjoys her alone time. Shirley is hoping that her Befriender could help her with her phone, fill out forms, and read things that she cannot do anymore. She would also like to go to the museum, theater, or other events in town occasionally but overall needs someone to be her eyes because she has macular degeneration. Shirley is very sweet and looking forward to creating a friendship. Special Considerations: Hard of hearing, macular degeneration but still drives.