Meet the Seniors Waiting for a Friend!
Right now, 30 older adults in our community are hoping for someone to talk to, laugh with, and share stories. They’re veterans, gardeners, retired teachers, musicians, nature lovers, and lifelong Montanans. What they have in common is the desire for connection, and the wait can be lonely.
As summer approaches, Befrienders sees a wave of senior applications, individuals seeking companionship and support. A weekly visit from a friendly volunteer can make all the difference.
This summer, brighten someone’s world with your time and kindness.
Connection is the best kind of sunshine!
Lee C, 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 calls her my Queen. 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. They still stay in touch and helps when she can. 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. 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.
Karen S, 78 years old
Karen resides at the Gallatin Rest Home. She grew up in Missoula and then lived and taught 2nd grade most of her life in Ashland, MT. The community is primarily Native American and she has taught several generations of Native American students and has deep bonds to the community. Karen’s husband passed away a few years ago. She became bedridden because of her weight, but when she moved to Gallatin Rest Home, their staff and rehab got her walking again. Her daughter and two grandkids (20 & 24 years old) live in Belgrade. She is looking for a friend to talk with, play cards or pinochle with, and give her general encouragement to get walking again! In recent months she has become depressed, so someone to lift her spirits is great too! Special Consideration: Karen is not allowed to leave the facility she lives at and she does have some memory loss so may be confused about certain events at times.
Dorothy W, 92 years old
Dorothy moved to Montana from Illinois. She lives with her granddaughter in Gallatin Gateway, her house resides on the river at the entrance to the road to Big Sky. Dorothy 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 in IL, 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. She loves social connections and is excited about this new journey in Montana. Special Consideration: On a walker but has to use a motorized Wheelchair for distances greater than 100 feet.
Sonja B, 84 years old
Sonja lives alone in Belgrade, her neighbors who were a big support system for her 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 outside for outings. Sonja is very social and enjoys human connection. She has been on the list for almost a year and someone to lift her spirits, someone to listen to her can go a long way. Special Consideration: She was recently diagnosed with dementia, she is still independent but no longer drives due to high blood pressure.
Brenda L, 63 years old
Brenda lives in Bozeman at Brookdale Spring Meadows. Grew up in Dillon and lived at Seeley Lake. Brenda has an older brother who lives in Bozeman. She has lived at Brookdale Spring Meadows for 13 years, due to having multiple strokes, but has recuperated well. Brenda is very enthusiastic about getting a Befriender and spending quality time with someone. Brenda enjoys going for rides, walks, loves to shop/window shop especially at thrift stores. She enjoys collecting rocks and painting them. Brenda is funny, social, and enjoys making a new friend. She likes to be busy and would like an energetic Befriender.
Todd F, Male, 51 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. Todd is very active, he has a guide dog and three cats that he very much enjoys, Todd is very social and likes to crack jokes. He recently assembled the Montana Association of the Blind Convention here in Bozeman. Todd enjoys making people laugh, cooking dinner for his family, and listening to Podcasts. Todd would enjoy someone with a sense of humor, someone to go for walks with, and grab lunch too. Todd is blind so while his family is away at school and work, he spends time at home alone. He would like some company during the day and he gets along great with women, sometimes he has a hard time befriending men but is open to whomever! 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.
Patti K, Bozeman, 84 years old
Patti lives by the Les Schwab on Frontage in Bozeman. She used to work in Yellowstone National Park, and went to school in Billings. Patti also used to play organ for multiple churches in her past. Patti has 5 cats and she loves to listen to music, watch the TV, and read. She would love someone that can come visit her in the early afternoon. She would also love to occasionally get out while her son is at work. Patti is very sweet and loves company. She has spent most of her life in Billings, Montana and loves it there. Her son currently takes care of her at their home. She loves interaction, and is also interested in going out and spending time downtown. Patti has a Befriender who visits her each week but will be gone for summer and could use another friendly face spending time with her. Special Considerations: Patti has short term memory loss and may have trouble recalling certain events in her life.
Mike C, Male, 78 years old
Mike is very sweet, he has some disabilities that limit his ability to get out, make new friends, and spends much of his time alone. He lives with his wife and their son near MSU and he enjoys gardening, reading, his dogs are very important to him, he 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 making new connections. Special consideration: Has aches and pains which limit his ability to be active for long periods and is deaf so hard to hear people when talking but uses creative listening to understand what is being said. When our staff met him he picked up on everything we were saying.
Barb V, 72 years old On Hold til May
Barb lives in Churchill by herself and is a fun, outgoing individual. She is a retired nurse and has three sons, and 13 grandchildren. She has 1 cat and 1 dog that she loves so much! She grew up in Michigan and is a lovely lady. She doesn’t get much social interaction these days which has been hard for her. Her hobbies are quilting and using other creative outlets to engage herself. She lives out of town and doesn’t have as much social interaction anymore. Special consideration: Recovering from a knee injury so some mobility loss but gets herself around town just fine.
Gwen L, 95 years old
Gwen resides at Brookdale 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! Gwen has Befriender that loves visiting with her each week, but she will be leaving in May for the summer, Gwen could benefit from someone visiting this Summer. 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.
Jackie S, 90 years old
Lives in High Country Care. Jackie is from Oilmont, a very small town north of Shelby. She said that water was scarce and expensive growing up and they did not have a bathroom for quite a few years. Jackie’s mom was a wonderful cook and taught her everything she knows! She would sometimes make multiple loaves of bread a day for her family and loved making pies. Jackie became a nurse at a nunnery in Havre. She was an avid tennis player and had a group she’d play with up in Great Falls. Jackie would like someone to share some good food with, go for walks, and knit or embroider. She also loves to sing, so someone to sing with her and encourage her to do music. Special considerations: Dementia so isn’t allowed to leave the facility but can go for walks.
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 can be very pessimistic at times due to his stroke but it is easy to banter back with him, someone encouraging and positive would make a great Befriender. 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.
Shelley B, 85 years old
Shelley is from New York and has been in Bozeman for 10 years. Her son lives nearby but Shelley could use more social connection. She lives at the Gallatin Rest Home, someone to sit and talk with her, watch heartland or another show she is watching with her can help break the ice. Shelley loves horses and makeup. Someone to make her laugh, sit outside in the courtyard, and converse about life. Maybe even do make up together! Special considerations: dementia and mobility is limited.
Gerri C, 75 years old
Born and raised in Illinois, has been in Bozeman since 2005. Gerry is spunky and sassy! She appreciates the people around her and one of her best attributes is that she is so funny! Gerri lives alone in Bozeman and has no connections to her family except for her oldest son in Illinois. Gerri has a current Befriender who has become family to her, Erin helped Gerri get her two cats and helps with anything Gerri needs. Because Gerri is so isolated, she needs more connection in her life to lift her spirits, as she said “the more the merrier!”.
She needs people to talk with and show her she matters. Gerri has had a whirlwind of a life with many hardships but she keeps an open mind and a positive attitude. Special Consideration: Gerri has Afib which causes her to be extremely tired. She also is extremely isolated and only sees Meals on Wheels people every day.
Pat S, 83 years old
Pat was born in Minnesota but has lived in Bozeman since 1978. She has one son in Idaho and one daughter in California. Pat lost 12 significant people in her life during the COVID pandemic and is lonely, she lives alone off Huffine and could use company. She has a dog, Kacey who is very friendly and keeps her company. Pat is a member of the Museum of the Rockies and loves to attend traveling exhibits or lectures that take place there. She loves learning new things and being outside of her comfort zone. Pat enjoys sports, especially the Bobcats and Vikings. She’s done a large amount of volunteering for various Bozeman causes. She’s open minded, has a wise outlook on life, and enjoys people. She would like someone to attend community events, go to lunch, play games, garden, have good conversations with, and or help her figure out some of her phone features!
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 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, someone who can help advocate for her and assist in grocery shopping, running errands, and having genuine conversations.
Anna H, 91 years old
Anna lives by the Bozeman airport. Anna was born in Switzerland and came to America in her 20s. She studied at a college in London and tremendously enjoyed learning. When Anna moved to the U.S. she decided to go to California, bought a truck, and explored the U.S. for many years alone. She met a lot of people and had a lot of cool experiences. She has always had more male friends than females but is open to whomever. She was a deep-sea fisherman down south, she loved fishing. Anna used to scuba dive and mountaineer as well. Anna loves to experience life, she recently was told she no longer can drive and this has changed her way of life a lot. She loves going to the Rodeo, symphony, going for walks, and talking about life experiences. Anna loves cats and her cat Cleo is her main companion. She is very down to earth and appreciates cultures. Anna’s favorite thing is nature, someone who loves nature like her would be great. She doesn’t have any family but has a few friends in the area that she sees from time to time. Expanding her circle is what she needs. Anna has always been a very active and social person, she is looking for a friend that wants to get her out into the community, she likes going to ski movies, the rodeo, and just being active in the community, she needs more support and days go by where she doesn’t visit with anyone, she misses her independence and not being able to drive has limited her. Special Consideration: Anna has hearing loss and glaucoma which limits her visibility. She also has had some pain in her neck that has affected her balance.
Bonnie M, 82 years old
Lives in Belgrade along the Frontage Rd. Bonnie is in the house most of the time. She lives with her son and needs more support with her bedroom chores. Bonnie has had Befrienders in the past couple of years, they have moved away but keep in touch with her weekly. 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 lovely, 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! She is hoping for someone to help her with putting her laundry away, she folds them but can’t put it in the closet, she also is hoping they would want to sit and talk with her too. Special Considerations: bad left leg, and arthritis. She uses a wheelchair to get around. Would possibly want an older volunteer, but not too picky.
Mona H, 93 years old
Mona lives in the Bozeman Lodge, and is very excited by the idea of having someone come to visit with her. She grew up in upstate New York, but has lived in several states throughout her life, Texas for 56 years. She is the mother to five children, but has no family in the area, which leaves her feeling very lonely. Mona spent numerous years volunteering for church, schools, and drove cancer and dialysis patients to appointments. Her hobbies include good conversation and long visits, oldie’s music from the 20’s and 30’s, short walks and sitting in the sunshine! Mona calls herself a double extrovert and is thrilled at the idea of having a friend! She doesn’t know much about Montana but wants to learn more, she likes getting out into the community, she recently went to TJ Maxx and had a blast! She doesn’t necessarily want to spend money but she likes to look at different store options! Special Considerations: Poor Vision due to Macular Degeneration, uses a walker.
Kent L, Male, 67 years old
Kent lives in Belgrade with his wife, they have a very cool family dynamic with Kent’s wife’s ex husband who also lives with them! Kent is from Oregon and worked as a semiconductor and then worked as a manager opening various sports shops around town. Kent is hoping for a friend to go golfing or fishing with. He needs more social connection and misses his 4 kids and grandkids back home in Oregon. He is so kind and can make friends with anyone. Special Considerations: Alzheimers
Patti S, 82 years old
Patricia lives in Manhattan and needs someone to walk with her throughout the week. She loves conversation and St. Patricks day because of her name. She loves dogs and golf. Her favorite food is reubens and she recently moved here from FL because she is experiencing memory loss. A Befriender that is patient and can help redirect her when she gets confused, for example she may not understand what a Befriender is but if they say I’m here to go on a walk with you, she will be excited. Special considerations: Early dementia and sometimes can be emotional because of recent life transitions.
Sheila L, 80 years old
Sheila lives at the Bozeman Lodge, and is very lonely and needs more social connections. She has a dog, Max, that she loves and spends most of her time with. Sheila was an elementary school teacher for 35 years, and continues to spread joy through her interactions with others. Her hobbies include watching TV, self-care/self-help activities, caring for her dog, and trying to cheer up other residents! Sheila is very excited to have a Befriender to make her day brighter and have more interactions in her day! Special Consideration: Has a walker and power chair due to back pain.
Susan B, 77 years old
Susan lives at Brookdale Spring Meadows. She is originally from Montana and used to love anything art! She loves animals and has a cat, Skippy Jane that she adores. She has three children and used to teach 3rd graders in Three Forks. Susan is very funny, quick with humor and sarcasm. She could use a friend who is also quick with humor and can banter back with her, someone funny and free. Her daughter works full time but checks in with her mom throughout the week; they are very close. Susan needs someone to go for walks with her or someone to sit and have conversations with. Special Consideration: Susan has Alzheimer's so someone who can do the initiating to tell Susan they are going for a walk would be good. She uses a walker, but her mobility has gotten better.
Rich F, Male, 64 years old
Rich recently moved into a memory care off of Oak St, This is a new adjustment for him, and he has had a very active lifestyle his entire life. He was a wildlife biologist and loves being in nature, whether it’s a drive up to Hyalite or bird watching at Story Mill. He is very kind, calm, and active. Someone to hike with, enjoy MT scenery, possibly cross-country ski in the winter, or go on coffee outings. Rich doesn’t know what to expect from a Befriender volunteer, but someone who can pick him up and help him enjoy the outdoors again. With consistency and a new friend, Rich could get a lot out of this experience. He is not a big fan of Bozeman, but he doesn’t know much about it either, he said. With more time outdoors, he could learn to love this town and have someone to look forward to seeing each week. Special Consideration: Alzheimer's.
Jeanne M, 71 years old
Jeanne lives in Highgate Senior Living. Jeanne is originally from the northwest of Great Falls and has called Bozeman home for many years. She graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Justice Studies and Family Science. Jeanne spent part of her career as a caregiver for individuals with Alzheimer’s, which shaped her deep compassion and patience. She enjoys simple, meaningful outings like going shopping, grabbing coffee or a meal, or taking scenic drives through the countryside. Jeanne also likes to stay active with light exercise. In the past, she loved hiking local trails and still enjoys being out in nature, though she notes she moves at a slower pace now. Special Considerations: Jeanne is partially blind and has limited mobility on her left side, but that hasn’t stopped her from staying engaged in life and community.
Shirley B, 90 years old
Shirley recently moved to the Bozeman Lodge, her family is in the process of moving out of state, and she is hoping to make new connections. She has two sons who were in the Marine Corps, and after they were out of the house, she became a travel agent. She loved her travels overseas and has volunteered a lot throughout her life. She loves gardening, and Roses are her favorite. She is hoping to have a friend that she can go get her nails done with, someone to talk with, and make a new connection. She has a little dog, Annie, who is her light. Special Consideration: Uses a cane to walk and has some back pain.
John C, Male, 92 years old
John lives near MSU at an assisted living facility. He grew up in Queens, NY and was in the Navy. After the Navy, John was trying to make it as an actor! When this didn’t work out, he packed his bags and started his journey west. He graduated from Quincy College with a degree in History. John loves history and enjoys talking about it. He was a history and theatre teacher for many years in Casper, WY. When John retired, he moved to WA and was an avid sailor, sailing all over the Pacific NW. John moved to Bozeman two years ago with his daughter. He remains active, attending a boxing program at the YMCA three days a week and going on walks daily. He is very independent. He just wants to go on short trips to get out of the home, go to a bookstore, or get an ice cream. John loves sports, huge Yankees fan, he loves going to Bookstores and thrifting. Special Consideration: He is hard of hearing. He uses a cane for ambulation of short distances but needs a walker for longer distances. He is 92 with Parkinson’s, and he takes good care of himself and remains fairly active.
Livingston Seniors in Need
Stephen E, Livingston, Male, 85 years old
Stephen lives in Livingston at an assisted living, he is an upbeat guy who enjoys making friends. Originally he was from Detroit but has lived in Montana for a long time. Stephen loves making friends and enjoys when people come to visit. He wants to engage in more activities and have conversations with someone.
Saundra L, Livingston, 83 years old
Saundra lives in Livingston at an assisted living, in the past she has waited tables, worked as a school secretary, worked in real estate, and also became an insurance secretary. Saundra also has 2 sons. She often feels lonely and spends a lot of time in her room. She isn’t an extrovert but when someone comes in to talk with her and sit, it helps her feel better. Saundra loves cats, music, and loves to have conversation when she isn’t tired. Special Considerations: Has some vision loss.
Last edited: 06/25/25
