Meet the Seniors Waiting for a Friend!
Right now, Seniors in our community are hoping for someone to share a warm cup of coffee, swap stories, and laugh with. They’re veterans, gardeners, retired teachers, musicians, nature lovers, and lifelong Montanans. What they all have in common is the desire for connection, and the wait can feel lonely.
This spring, as new life begins to bloom, so can a meaningful friendship.
A simple connection today can grow into something truly lasting.
Scroll to the bottom for Seniors Outside of Bozeman and Belgrade
Dorothy W, 93 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 can no longer 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. Dorothy has been on the list for quite some time; she has had a few Befrienders but the drive seems to become a barrier. She could really use a friend. Special Consideration: On a walker but has to use a motorized Wheelchair for distances greater than 100 feet.
Mark G, Male, 63 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,s and a Befriender who 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.
Ralph S, Male, 85 years old
Ralph recently moved to Brookdale Spring Meadows. He was a research hydrologist for 35 years in the US Forest Service. Ralph was an avid skier and served on the Board of Directors for Bridger Bowl. Both of his adult children live in Bozeman and spend time with him. Ralph likes to stay active and would benefit from someone who would like to go for walks with him and his dog, Max (1-2 miles). He also attends Rock Steady boxing at the YMCA, where one of his sons leaves in the Fall for the south. They are hoping a Befriender Volunteer could attend the class with him and be his corner person. His class is at 1:20 on Monday and Wednesday. He also walks his dog at 10 am and 3 pm, if a volunteer can make any of these times work. This would involve simply assisting him to understand the exercises he needs to perform and spotting him while he does them. Special consideration: Ralph has Parkinson’s disease and diminished eyesight. He is very mobile but needs someone to accompany him if he goes on extended walks
Michael S, Male, 74 years old
Michael lives alone in Belgrade and would like more social connections. He is very kind and said he gets along with most people, especially motorheads. Michael graduated with a civil engineering degree from Washington State and started working as a carpenter. He has lived all around the U.S. throughout his life and came to Bozeman in the 80s. He started a construction company and enjoyed using his hands for work. Michael was a civil rights activist in the 60s. He would go down south with groups of people and help bring equality to the areas. His group would go into grocery stores that did not allow African Americans, and he would buy them groceries. He is very proud of his work in equal rights and still advocates for that today when he can. Michael was enthusiastic to make a new friend and have someone to talk to. Special consideration: Michael is very kind; he may do better with a male volunteer. His apartment was a bit unkempt and stuffy. Michael uses a wheelchair to get around and does not drive.
Jim J, Male, 80 years old, Match in Progress
Jim lives near the Bozeman Airport. He is originally from Montana and moved to Bozeman for School. He graduated from MSU with a master's in Animal Science and worked in the Montana Extension Service for 34 years. He was a private pilot and would fly all around MT to avoid the long drives. He has two sons, and one lives in Columbus, MT. Jim is part of the Optimist club, Antique car club, and a member of Hope Lutheran Church. Jim does not enjoy talking about sports because that is all his grandson talks about, haha. Jim's sister lives on the other side of town, and they are very close. He no longer drives and needs someone to help him get out into the community and maintain his hobbies.
Pat V, 86 years old
Pat lives in Belgrade with her husband; she is originally from Shelby, MT. She has 3 daughters and worked in hospitals and then in food services at a school. Pat used to love to garden, cook, and quilt. She is housebound now and needs more support; her husband has early dementia, and he leaves every day and returns after she is asleep. Most days, she does not see anyone. She would enjoy someone visiting her each week because she spends a lot of time alone. Special Considerations: Housebound and unsteady walking.
Beth M, 78 years old
Beth lives on Oak St with her dog Lucy. Beth likes to stay busy and has spent her life dedicated to service. She used to work at the Museum of the Rockies as well as the Raptor Center. She would enjoy a Befriender who can get her out into the community, whether they would like to volunteer together or enjoy community events. Beth is open to anything and everything. Beth has a friend in Bozeman who gets her out into the community, and she is very close with her sister in CA. Beth was recently matched with an MSU student, but she is graduating in the Spring. Special Consideration: Beth lives independently but has some short-term memory issues.
Janet W, 91 years old
Janet lives off of Oak with her dog in a senior living community. She moved here from New Jersey 20 years ago with her husband. She loves going to the symphony and shopping. Janet is excited about a Befriender and doesn’t know what to expect, but wants to meet a new friend. She used to play the harp and organ. She loves to stay busy and enjoys chatting with other residents at Bozeman Lodge. Janet has some short-term memory, so she may need to be reminded and encouraged as to why a Befriender is there; she felt that someone younger wouldn’t want to hang out with her, but after a few visits, she will get in the groove. When she heard about Befrienders, another resident helped her fill out an application, and she is excited that she can make a friend who wants to be in the community with her. Special consideration: Janet has low vision and some short-term memory loss.
Steve K, Male, 64 years old
Steve lives right next to the Bozeman Senior Center. Steve is mostly a homebody but often enjoys watching TV, listening to music (classical, rock, country western), puzzles, going out to eat, and fishing. Steve doesn't have any family locally or friends. He would like to be able to engage more in the community, be more socially involved, and have a companion to spend time with. He used to work for the park and forest service. He loves fish and wildlife. Special Considerations: Steve is hard of hearing on the phone, and he is legally blind, so he can't drive. Steve often communicates best via email.
Colina S, 78 years old
Colina is gone for part of the year but just got back! She travels to Vietnam to visit her son each year. Colina was a nutritionist through the Health Department and worked as a health advisor at Kansas State. She loves coming to the Senior Center and talking to different people. She is so kind, funny, and loves having thoughtful conversations. Her husband likes to stay busy and would like a friend for Colina so he can focus on his work. Special Considerations: Early dementia
MaryBeth T, 79 years old, Match in Progress
Marybeth grew up in Delaware and later spent her adult life living in many states across the country. She has a wealth of stories and experiences to share, along with a deep appreciation for history and the many fun facts she’s picked up along the way. She currently resides at Darlington Manor, close to the senior center. Marybeth has experienced some recent health-related transitions, which have at times led to feelings of isolation, though she truly enjoys getting out and connecting with others. She finds comfort in talking about the many changes she’s navigated over the past few years. Marybeth is spunky and has excellent taste in fashion and home design. She loves reading and hopes to one day write her own book. Since Marybeth no longer drives, getting out can be challenging. She would greatly appreciate a friend who can help with errands and shopping, explore new hobbies with her, and enjoy meaningful, genuine conversation. Special Considerations: No family connections and lacks support/resources.
David L, male, 74 years old
David is originally from Wisconsin. He moved here in 1996 because his sister lives here, but they are no longer close. David lives near the Bozeman Senior Center. 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. Special consideration: His back causes problems, and mobility is limited in some situations.
Michael L, male,83 years old
Michael is a Navy Veteran and a retired mechanic. He lives at the Gallatin Rest Home and is very funny. He loves playing pool and has won many awards for his skill on the table. Michael loves coming to the senior center to play Bingo and have lunch every Tuesday and Thursday at lunch at noon and Bingo at 1:00. His sister used to drive him almost every day to the senior center, but she recently passed away. A Befriender who could pick Michael up and come play Bingo once a week with him would be great! He is very funny and loves chatting with people at the center. Special consideration: Michael will repeat the same stories, but he is very sharp. He is mobile with his walker and transfers in and out of vehicles easily.
Sandy O, 75 years old
Sandy lives in Belgrade near the airport with her husband. She and her husband are both very sweet, welcoming people. They have been married for 50 years and have 2 children together. As Sandy’s dementia has gotten worse, 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, teaching classes in Child and Family Studies. 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 significant 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 by a friend. Susan has lived in Bozeman for her whole life and has two children who 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 her grandchildren! Susan is a very sweet lady who could greatly benefit from a friend! Along with meeting a new friend, she is also looking for someone to help her with grocery shopping and other small tasks. Special Considerations: She uses a wheelchair as she has MS, but is not super limited in mobility.
Pat J, 79 years old
Pat lives at the Springs in Bozeman and is looking for a friend to chat with. She enjoys knitting and crocheting, reading, watching TV, sailing, and talking about travel. She likes to keep to herself most of the time, but would enjoy having a friend to keep her company. She is originally from Southern California and owned a business with her late husband. She also has 2 children and loves them dearly. Pat is a very sweet, funny woman who loves to laugh! Special Considerations: Pat has dementia, but is able to hold a meaningful conversation.
MaryAnn H, 90 years old, Match in Progress
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. Mary sees how busy her daughter is and would like more socialization. Mary likes getting out of the house for 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. She is really quiet when she talks and can be nervous at first, but someone who is social and will talk to her about life would be great! She would love to attend the Befrienders events as well. Special consideration: Mary’s still mobile; she walks around without assistance but is wobbly.
Jack R, Male, 77 years old
Jack lives in Bozeman, near Genuine Ice Cream, with his cat. He grew up in Mennonite/Amish Pennsylvania. He is interested in music, fishing, chess, reading, and has a big interest in oceanography and treasure diving. He also used to have a private pilot’s license. When he was younger, he rodeoed and had a big passion for horses. He is a funny man who loves to laugh! He is super easy to get along with and enjoys talking about his life experiences. Jack likes to stay busy around his apartment by playing the guitar, listening to music, reading, and catching up with his friends. Jack is looking for someone to socialize with and get help with minor household tasks like organizing paperwork. While Jack isn’t super interested in sports, he has a lot of unique and interesting hobbies and experiences!
Diane S, 75 years old
Diane lives at Brookdale near MSU. She was married for 18 years and has no kids. She is looking for a friend to chat with as her family lives out of state. She loves to socialize with others. Diane used to work at MSU in an administrative role and enjoys getting to know students and younger people. She enjoys reading, watching TV, and spending time with her cat! Diane is very funny and loves visitors. She does have some memory loss, so she gets scared when she doesn’t know where she is going. She would love to go for drives and also loves ice cream. Special Considerations: Diane has dementia. She has also lost a lot of weight, so long walks/outings are not a great option at this point.
Lynda R, 80 years old
Lynda lives in Bozeman, off of Huffine and Gooch Hill Rd. She is looking to make a new friend to keep her company as she has been experiencing increased loneliness. She enjoys going to church and spending time with her family. She has a lot of grandchildren, but unfortunately has experienced the loss of both of her children. She would really benefit from having a Befriender! Special Considerations: She has been experiencing more falls recently and has some back issues.
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 Northwest. 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 go to get an ice cream. John loves sports, huge Yankees fan, and he loves going to Bookstores and thrifting. John is very kind AND loves to converse, ask questions, and make new friends! He is excited about this opportunity. 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.
Naida S, 92 years old
Naida lives at the Beehive in Belgrade. She is recently widowed and is in need of a friend. Naida used to teach early education and also taught at MSU. She enjoys reading mystery books, visiting with others, and listening to music. She is looking for a kind, patient friend to visit with her, have lunch, or go to events at the Bozeman Lodge. Special Considerations: Some memory loss, but not diagnosed with any cognitive diseases. She also uses a walker.
June D, 77 years old
June lives at Brookdale Spring Meadows in Bozeman. She is married, and her husband lives in Belgrade. She has no children, but is very close with her niece. She used to be a beautician and a bank teller, then became a homemaker later on. June loves to talk to others, but doesn’t really enjoy being in big groups. She enjoys reading, watching TV (NASCAR, ghost hunting, Curse of Oak Island, and other History Channel shows), and being around dogs. Special Considerations: She had a major stroke in 2018, resulting in some mobility decline. She uses a walker to get around. She has some vision impairment due to her stroke, but it is improving significantly.
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 4-H leader for 50 years. Sonja said she is lonely 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 a Befriender who is leaving in October. Sonja doesn’t have family, and her current Befriender has made a huge difference in her life. She feels grateful for her and has said it has changed her attitude on life completely, knowing she has a friend to count on. Special Consideration: She was recently diagnosed with dementia; she is still independent but no longer drives due to high blood pressure.
Steve H, Male, 89 years old
Steve lives in Bozeman with his wife, out by the Hyalite foothills. He has Alzheimer’s and needs more social interaction. Steve is very sweet and is excited to make a new friend. He really enjoys socializing, whether it’s talking or just listening to someone. He was in the Coast Guard and was a teacher for his career, and loves music. Someone who would want to play chess and who could maybe play their instrument for him, they also have a Piano. Steve would enjoy having someone sit with him rather than going on outings. This would be a good time for his wife, Sherrill, to get back into her hobbies, such as swimming. Steve is from San Francisco but moved here because his wife is from Montana. M, W, or Fri are potential days to see Steve, so they have flexibility. Special Considerations: Alzheimer’s, hard of hearing, and mobility is limited.
Kay M, 87 years old
Kay is from Texas. She was raised on a farm. She was a homemaker. She loved books and so created her own library. I think it was going to be a business, but it became a hobby. She loves learning, reading, books, and collecting things of interest. She loves cats, Hello Kitty, and birds. She has one daughter, two granddaughters, and several grandchildren. She is also widowed, but had a wonderful husband. Her hobbies are reading, watching TV, history, birds, butterflies, & cats. She would enjoy an older female volunteer who she can chat with and go out to lunch with. Special Considerations: She has a hip issue and struggles to get around. It was broken and put back together with screws. Those are coming out, and this is very painful. She needs an operation to fix it, but is hesitant about that process. She is hard of hearing, and her left ear is better at hearing.
Seniors Outside of Bozeman & Belgrade
Jeffrey K, Male, Norris Rd, 70 years old
Jeffrey lives on the Madison River with his wife, and his main hobby in life is working. His wife ran the little farm they live on while Jeffrey worked full-time. Jeffrey’s wife needs a friend for him so she can leave a few hours a week because she is overwhelmed with being with him 24/7. Jeffrey is social, but his understanding has been declining. A friend to spend time with Jeffrey, going for walks or playing games. Special Considerations: Foot surgery and cognitive impairment.
Diane M, Livingston, 67 years old
Diane lives in Livingston. She is a silent movie enthusiast and also loves music. She has one son and recently had a stroke, which has limited her mobility. She is hoping to make a new friend to have someone to talk to, she feels lonely and misses connection. Special Considerations: Limited mobility, uses a walker due to a stroke.
Arleen M, Livingston, 61 years old
Arleen lives in Livingston and is in need of support; she lacks resources and has been disabled for 30 years. Someone who could support Arleen and assist with her tasks, such as organizing, small tasks, snow shoveling, grocery shopping, and seasonal tasks. She also may need help with technology because it does overwhelm her. Special Considerations: Chronic pain, she has anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Also immune-compromised.
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 autobody shop in Manhattan and was also in the Air Force. His hobbies are 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 walking far and sometimes can’t hear in group settings
Joetta H, Livingston, 85 years old
Joetta recently moved to Livingston. She has been a Befriender in the program for a few years. She used to spend her days knitting, drawing, and watching TV. She’s from North Dakota but was born in Colorado. Joetta was working on finishing her Psychology degree and loves to chat about life. Joetta loves playing Dominoes and other games. She hopes to have a visitor and someone to talk to. Her daughter lives in Bozeman, and Joetta lives in an assisted living facility in Livingston. Special Considerations: Unsteady when walking, low vision, and hearing.
Marcy V, Livingston, 72 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 easy-going person, but does not have much support. A befriender who would be willing to help with small tasks would be beneficial. Special Considerations: Marcy uses a walker and does not leave her home due to her mobility.
Ann M, Livingston, 78 years old
Ann lives in Livingston and is looking for a friend to keep her company! She is from Missouri and has a diverse work history. She has 4 children, one of whom has sadly passed. She is also widowed. Ann used to love volunteering. She is a very social person, but has become lonely and is ready to meet someone new. She enjoys crafting, painting, and beading. Special Considerations: She is in the early stages of dementia and has trouble getting her words out sometimes, but overall is very capable and mobile.
Mae M, Willow Creek, 92 years old
Mae lives in Willow Creek. She was a hair stylist all of her life. She taught students how to cut hair in the school system in New Mexico for 20+ years. She is a fascinating lady. Mae lives in a small apartment-type home attached to her daughter's home, and her granddaughter is nearby. Mae lost her partner of 30+ years a couple of years ago. She enjoys socializing with people. Mae is alone throughout the day except for family and the hospice team, who are in and out during the week. Mae needs people. She has always been a people person, and now she is alone and legally blind. Her caregiver, granddaughter, works long hours during the summertime. It would be helpful to have a friendly face visiting Mae who could check on her and provide companionship. Special Considerations: Mae is on hospice services. She is legally blind and uses a walker. Mae doesn't leave her apartment and seems content with her situation.
Last edited: 3-17-2026
