Meet the Seniors Waiting for a Friend!
Right now, 41 older adults 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.
Seniors Waiting for a Friend
Right now, we have 26 unmatched seniors in Bozeman, 8 in Belgrade, 4 in Livingston, 2 in Three Forks, and 1 in Whitehall — all waiting to be matched with a caring volunteer.
This fall, as the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, you can brighten someone’s world with your time and kindness.
Connection is the best kind of autumn warmth.
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.
Brenda L, 63 years old Match in Progress
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.
Patti K, 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. Special Considerations: Patti has short term memory loss and may have trouble recalling certain events in her life.
Todd F, Male, 52 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 excited to meet his Befriender. 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.
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! 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.
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.
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. Anna typically spends 3-5 hours with her Befriender. 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.
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: Alzheimer's
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. Rich has someone through a paid service that once a week picks him up and they go on hikes around Bozeman, he is very comfortable on inclines and often hikes Drinking Horse. Special Consideration: Alzheimer's.
Audrey A, 92 years old
Audrey lives in Belgrade by herself and her daughter is her neighbor. She is so sweet, social, and continues to stay active everyday. She has a passion for gardening, it’s one of her favorite hobbies. She raised 4 children on a ranch in North Dakota where her husband was a crop duster and her job was to help him mark the fields while he sprayed. They were married for 70 years. Audrey is a social butterfly, often going to the grocery store chatting up a storm with others around her. Audrey needs more social connection in her life because she only sees her family. Someone to sit and talk with her on the porch or go out for lunch. She is looking forward to meeting a new friend and connecting with someone. Audrey is hoping for a volunteer who is 60s+ so they can reminisce about the past.
Kris K, Male, 81 years old
Kris lives by Hyalite and is very independent. His wife passed away earlier this year and his son realized his dad is having signs of being isolated. Kris was in the Navy and also was a dentist. He likes to hike, garden, kayak, and rock hunt. Kris enjoys conversation and new friends. He has six grown children and stays very active. A new friend in Kris’s life would be good for him, he’s intelligent and enjoys conversation. Special consideration: Hearing aids.
George M, Male, 86 years old Match in Progress
George is originally from Anaconda and Butte, he lives in Bozeman with his wife near four corners and has had a great life of travel. George is very sweet, funny, and adores his wife, Deb. He feels so lucky to have met her and said he would do it over again a million times! George spent his career traveling to countries all around the world helping with international development. He had two children who were born in different countries around Africa and he is very close with them. He is a happy guy who loves connection. George would get along great with someone who wants to hangout at his house and occasionally get out into the community whether it’s grabbing coffee or going to a community event where there isn’t a lot of walking. He does great in the early/mid afternoon, someone who could come on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays, but they are flexible. George loves going to the symphony and that is their usual Sunday activity. He is excited to meet his match! Special Considerations: Early to mid dementia, mobility so can’t walk far distances.
Shirley B, 81 years old Match in Progress
Shirley was born in Livingston and was married for 45 years. She lives in Bozeman now near Smith’s. She has one son that she is close with but needs more connection. Shirley loves alternative spirituality, shopping, and animals. She would enjoy going for drives, watching movies…she loves documentaries and she also used to make jewelry. Overall looking for more connection. Her husband passed away this year and that has been hard on her, someone to lift her spirits. She says she is a night owl and stays up until 4-5AM and does not wake up until 1-3PM, so anytime after 3 would be a good time to meet. Special Considerations: Uses walker and oxygen. She cannot stand for longer than 10 minutes due to a bad back. Her eyesight has also declined significantly.
Gib M, Male, 91 years old Match in Progress
Gib lives in assisted living in Bozeman, near REI. He was a carpenter and general contractor for his career and grew up in Northern Minnesota. Gib was married for 69 years and recently lost his wife, which is hard on him because he misses her so much. Gib has 4 kids and was active in his church all his life. Gib loves photography and works on his computer to create a slide show for his friends at his home. Gib loves writing poetry and is very talented, he has funny poems and religious poems, it’s whatever he feels that day. Gib is hoping for a friend that appreciates poetry, nature, and photography! Maybe if they are from MN too! Special Considerations: Some short term memory, uses a walker, and is hard of hearing.
Steve H, Male, 89 years old
Steve lives in Bozeman with his wife out by 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.
Joyce S, 77 years old
Joyce lives by Hyalite canyon, she lives with her husband and their dog. Joyce spends a lot of time alone watching TV and needs more engagement. Joyce used to be an avid sewer, quilter, crafter, and loves to be outside. Joyce had a stroke in 2018 which affected her memory and in the last year she has lost a lot of her independence. Joyce would like to get back into crafting, sewing, or quilting with the help of a Befriender. She is still very mobile and would love to go for a walk or out into the community, so a mix of both; hanging at her house as well as being active. Joyce doesn’t know what to expect from a Befriender but she loves connection and is open to meeting someone who can reteach her some old hobbies or learn together again. Special consideration: mild cognitive impairment due to a stroke in 2018 along with early Alzheimer's.
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 a Befriender that 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.
Betty S, 85 years old Match in Progress
Betty lives near the Gallatin Dog Park, she recently moved here to be close to her son and left long time family and friends back home. Betty’s husband passed away and she expressed feeling lonely, it has been hard for her to make new connections. She would enjoy having a Befriender that could take her for scenic drives, coffee or lunch dates, and sharing about her family life. Special consideration:Betty is able to ambulate using a cane, Hard of hearing.
Janne H, 83 years old On Hold
Janne lives in Bozeman near MSU, she raised her family on the Island of Kauai. Janne is a familiar face in the community. She’s active, curious, and passionate about the natural world. As a retired bookkeeper, Jan has dedicated much of her time to causes she cares about, especially environmental conservation and citizen science. She’s a proud member of the gardening club and regularly participates in birdwatching through the Sacagawea Audubon Society, something that brings her a lot of joy. Janne is someone who thrives on connection and staying engaged. She’s looking for a companion to spend time with, especially during the quieter winter months when it can be harder to get out and about. She loves being outdoors, learning new things, and sharing meaningful conversation. Jan has a sweet dog who loves people but isn’t fond of other dogs, so she would appreciate a friend who enjoys animals and doesn’t mind a one-dog household. She’s friendly, thoughtful, and has a deep appreciation for nature and community involvement.She may be spending part of the upcoming winter away from Bozeman but is eager to make connections when she’s in town. Special Consideration: Jan has macular degeneration, which is causing progressive vision loss, along with hearing loss in her right ear. She’s looking for a kind companion who shares her love of nature, learning, and community, and who can help make the winter months a little brighter.
Ralph S, Male, 85 years old
Ralph recently moved to the 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, one of his sons leaves in the Fall for the south and they are hoping a Befriender Volunteer could attend the class with him and be his corner person. His class is at 1:20, Monday and Wednesday. He also walks his dog, 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 spot 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 connection. 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 80’s. 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.
Beth M, 78 years old Match in Progress
Beth lives off of Oak St near REI. She moved here from Pasadena CA 25 years ago. She has always had a love for museums and learning. She is looking to get back into volunteering but does not have transportation. Beth says she has always been service oriented and would like to continue her passion in serving others. She would love to volunteer with her Befriender once a week and Befrienders staff can assist with what could be a good fit for volunteer opportunities. Beth worked at the Museum of the Rockies and was on the board of directors for the Raptor Center. Beth has a dog named Lucy she loves to walk, she enjoys art and painting, mainly staying busy in her day to day life. Special consideration: Beth lives in independent living but has some memory issues that have recently started.
Andrew S, Male, 67 years old
Andrew lives near the Gallatin Fairgrounds, he is kind and insightful. Andrew has lived an isolated life due to being deaf in one year, he had not realized until his 40s that he was living with a disability. Andrew worked in Asphalt for his career, he loved his job and still checks out the road to see how good of a job they did. Andrew is from Illinois and for 50 years it was his dream to move to MT. He loves camping, going for drives, and one on one conversations. He is able to hear one person in a quiet environment. 2 is company, 3 is a crowd he said. Special consideration: Andrew is deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in another one but can understand what someone is saying if they have a low projecting voice.
Nancy C, 78 years old
Nancy is Spanish speaking only, she spends a lot of time at the Bozeman Senior Center, she would like more people to talk to and make new connections in town. She lives with her daughter.
Jim J, Male, 80 years old
Jim lives near the Bozeman Airport, he is originally from Montana and moved to Bozeman for School. He graduated MSU with a masters 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.
Connie O, 84 years old
Connie lives near the hospital, she was a Befriender senior in 2022 but with life changes she didn’t need a Befriender anymore but had a great experience. Now she is excited to get back into the program, Connie envisions a Befriender that could help her once a week with technology (iphone help) and occasional cooking 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 helping with basic functions once a week, such as returning online orders. Connie is sweet and super excited about making a new friend. Special Considerations: Osteoporosis and short term memory but said she has a notebook that helps her keep track of things.
Dotty H, 85 years old
Dotty lives in four corners and has been in Bozeman since she was 14. She loves Montana and is a very kind woman. She has 3 chickens and her little pug named Scotch. Dotty lives with her son but he works a lot so she spends most of her time at home. She goes on long walks around her backyard and lives on 6 acres. She has a creek that runs through the backyard and enjoys company. She talks to her neighbors but she said she wishes they would want to talk more with her. She has a daughter in Washington that she is close with as well. Dotty is so sweet and we had a great time walking around her property talking about life. Special Considerations: Short term memory so may forget that she asked a question already.
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 that 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. Susan is sleepy most of the time so someone that can be assertive to tell Susan why they are there and over time Susan can look forward to a friendly visit. Special Consideration: Susan has Alzheimers 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.
Thomas L, Male, 75 years old
Thomas lives in Bozeman with his wife, he is in Hospice and needs a friend to spend time with. His wife would like to get out a few hours a week to run errands and Thomas would enjoy a friend to sit with him while she is away. Thomas is a veteran and mostly bed bound now. Special Considerations: Dementia and Bed bound. Some mobility.
Nina S, 67 years old
Nina is a retired music teacher, children's choir director, and piano teacher. She loves music and animals. She lives with her husband between Bozemand Belgrade. Her husband has a standing appointment from 10-11 every tuesday and would love for Nina to have a visitor during this time. Special Considerations: Dementia
Bobbie M, 74 years old
Bobbie lives in four corners and has two daughters. She worked at MSU in the residence halls and enjoyed her career a lot. She is into health alternatives. Bobbie is sensitive to strong smells so strong perfume gives her headaches. Special Considerations: Hip surgery recovery, cataract surgery, and slight hearing loss.
Melvin P, Male, 85 years old
Melvin lives in Belgrade, he was a teacher and a pilot. He used to love rafting and also truck driving. Melvin enjoys going to the Belgrade Senior Center and being around people. His hobbies are News, taking short walks, airplanes, autos, word search, sudoku, telling stories and jokes. He is a huge Denver Broncos fan and is from Colorado. He said he felt lonely so his daughter found Befrienders! Special Considerations: Recovering from radiation therapy.
Seniors Outside of Bozeman & Belgrade
Kaye S,Three Forks 81 years old
Kaye is in Three Forks and lives alone. Kaye has stage 4 breast cancer and has 2-6 months before she passes away:( She would love to have someone to talk to. She enjoys games, church, cooking, and gardening. Special Considerations: Kaye gets dizzy, nauseous and very tired but is walking around still. Her doctor said she will decline quickly. She is on hospice.
Mildred (Mitzi) B,Livingston 92 years old
Mitzi moved here from Maryland a few months ago. She moved to Montana to live with her granddaughter. Mitzi was the primary caregiver for her husband for 50 years who was a paraplegic. Mitzi loves to bake, play games, puzzles, and talk about life and happy times. Mitzi is a wonderful human who loves to talk and share stories. Her granddaughter works through the week and Mitzi would benefit from having a friend to spend time with during the day time. Special Considerations: Uses a cane, mild cognitive impairment.
Marjie J , Livingston,86 years old
Marjie is looking for more support from a friend. She no longer drives and would enjoy getting out to run errands. She used to be a senior companion through the state and enjoyed this a lot. Marjie was told by her doctor she might have Alzheimer's and she realized she cannot remember what she learned in college which is hard for her. She is excited to make a new friend and have a new support system in her life. Special Considerations: Uses a cane/walker, glaucoma, and early Alzheimer's.
David A, Livingston, Male, 70 years old
David is very sweet, he lives in Livingston and enjoys rock collecting and conversation. David is hoping to make a new friend, he likes to laugh and would enjoy getting out to run errands with. Special Considerations: Uses a walker
Jeffrey K, Male,Three Forks, 70 years old
Jeffrey lives in Three Forks with his wife and his main hobby in life was 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.
Carol G, 84 years old Whitehall
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 grew up in New Jersey. She enjoys knitting, crochet, 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 with certain events but can recall the bigger picture.
Last edited: 10/15/25
