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
Seniors in Need of a Befriender
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 from California. He has two daughters and two sons; he is very close to his family. 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 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. The staff said he may do better with a female because a male makes him act macho, haha! Mark is funny, loves to work out, and takes his 93-year-old friend in a wheelchair on a walk every day! 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 lives 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
Pat V, 86 years old, Match in Progress
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.
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.
MaryBeth T, 79 years old
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.
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!
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. 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 widowed and has no children. She is very close to her niece, who lives in Belgrade. 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. June’s husband was a cop and loves to tell stories about their past. She would greatly benefit from having a female volunteer who could sit with her and keep her company! 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, 85 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 with whom she can chat and go out to lunch. 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.
Marta D, 93 years old, Match in Progress
Marta lives near Hyalite Canyon. She recently moved here from Germany to live with her daughter. Marta is very sweet and is so excited to have a weekly friend to visit with. She enjoys playing Chess and reading. Going for drives and sharing a meal. She used to teach German and English. Marta doesn’t know anyone in town and expressed to her daughter how lonely she feels. Marta is currently matched with a volunteer, but would enjoy someone who can meet with her more consistently. She is so looking forward to making a new friend! Special considerations: Uses a walker, hard of hearing.
Donna I, 71 years old
Donna lives in Bozeman with her husband and two dogs. She was born in California, but has been in Montana for 40 years. She used to be an architect, and also studied entomology. She is a sweet lady who enjoys chatting, cooking, listening to audiobooks, being outdoors, listening to music, and going thrifting. She is looking for a friend to do things with as she spends most of her time alone since her husband is very busy with work. She and her husband have been married for 52 years and have 2 sons who do not live in the area. She and her husband enjoy traveling, but do not get to travel as much anymore. She is looking forward to finding a friend who can take her thrifting and cook with! Special Considerations: Donna is mostly blind, but gets around great!
Mary H, 79 years old
Mary lives in Bozeman with her husband, who is her sole caretaker. Mary and her husband have been together for 60 years. They moved to Montana in 1969 and have been here ever since! They have 2 sons who live in the area. They both are from North Dakota and have moved around a lot. Mary was an elementary school teacher for 28 years. Mary’s husband is looking for someone to come over and keep her company so he can go and run some errands. Mary mostly spends her time watching TV as she is now unable to ambulate. She would like a female volunteer to chat with. Special Considerations: Mary has dementia and has very limited mobility. She may need some redirection during conversations, but she is a super sweet lady!
Janet J, 86 years old
Janet is from Idaho Falls, ID, and moved to Bozeman last year to be closer to her daughter. She lives in the Springs. She has 3 daughters and lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She used to enjoy riding snowmobiles, racing cars, and golfing. Now, she enjoys putting outside on the golf green, eating ice cream, watching TV, and spending time with her boyfriend. She also enjoys spending time with her middle daughter, whom she relies on. Her daughter is looking for someone to spend time with her, as she is lonely and tends to cling to her boyfriend and daughter for socialization. She doesn’t get outside very often, so encouraging a short walk to the store or even sitting outside would be very beneficial! She wants to stay as independent as possible and doesn’t like the idea of “being helped,” so approaching this as just a friend who wants to spend time with her would be best! Special Considerations: She has Alzheimer’s and can’t hear very well. She can hold a conversation very well and likes to talk about her children, but may ask you the same questions a few times. After a few times of meeting her, I think she will become more comfortable and start to remember you as time goes on. She is still living independently.
Jackie S, 93 years old, Match in Progress
Lives near the hospital in assisted living. 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. She loves people and talking about her life. 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, has some short-term memory and isn’t allowed to leave the facility, but can go for walks.
Vickie D, 75 years old
Vickie lives at Brookdale with her husband. She enjoys the Green Bay Packers. Vickie doesn’t get out very much and isn’t interested in any of the activities put on at Brookdale. The activities department at Brookdale wants a friend for Vickie, so she has some more socialization. Special Considerations: Limited mobility.
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.
Nettie U, 93 years old
Nettie is so sweet; she comes to the senior center most days of the week for tai chi and good friends. She lives with her daughter and their children. She was recently asked by her grandson questions about her family history. She realized that when she was younger, she used to live in a tiny little shack, but she never realized that her family was poor because they were so rich in love! Nettie decided she wants to start writing her memories down and could use a Befriender to help her with this. She would like for a Befriender to come to the Bozeman senior center and work on it since her daughter's house is full of kiddos! Special Considerations: Nettie uses a walker and has hearing loss.
Victor, 92 years old, & Marjorie, 79 years old
Victor and Marjorie are a big part of Befrienders! They love to attend events with us. Victor was in the book we created this year, and they are a lovely couple. They love to go on little road trips together, but it can be hard just the two of them, so they are hoping for a Befriender to accompany them. Victor was born in Spain but came to Mexico as a refugee. Victor was a professor at MSU and taught electrical engineering to students. He has two children living in Europe (Norway and France). Victor recently went to Spain to see his children and family in April. He loves to travel, read history, do woodwork, and go for walks. Victor recently did a hike as well! Victor is very social and loves smart people. He is hoping to extend his friendship circle and is excited to meet his Befriender! Victor would also prefer someone who is left-leaning politically because he likes to discuss this topic. Marjorie is still very active and looking to grow her circle. She wants to meet a younger friend and loves to socialize. Jorie was a teacher throughout life, teaching 3rd, 8th, undergrad, and grad students. She did research for the Miami public schools and managed a farm in California. She currently enjoys bowling, reading, hiking, and traveling. Special Considerations: Victor uses a walker, and Jorie is his caretaker and wife. She jokes that she is Victor's Befriender.
Sheryl B, 68 years old
Sheryl lives near the Loaf’ n Jug on Main. She is originally from Nebraska and grew up on a farm. She is a big Chiefs fan, and her Sundays are for football. Sheryl never had any children and is hoping for a Befriender who will help her organize her home. She needs to go through old paperwork and throw it away, wants to get rid of a bunch of clothes, and help put her sheets on her bed (she does everything else but can’t get the sheets on her bed). Sheryl loves friends with a raunchy and quirky sense of humor; she loves to laugh at ridiculous things. She would enjoy grabbing an occasional meal somewhere that is not expensive. Special Considerations: CPAP, on oxygen, mobility sometimes limited. Still drives.
Virginia S, 62 years old
Virginia lives in Bozeman behind Lowe’s. She is looking for someone who can keep her company and possibly help her with light housekeeping tasks. She used to love traveling and adventures when she was younger. She still enjoys doing arts & crafts and gardening. Special Considerations: She uses a motorized wheelchair due to leg amputation. Her mobility is limited.
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 Match in Progress
Diane lives in Livingston. She is a silent movie enthusiast and also loves music. She used to run a website for silent movies. She has one son and recently had a stroke, which has limited her mobility. She talks with her cousins often. 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 wheelchair 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 Match in Progress
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.
Dave L, Male, Livingston, 84 years old
Dave lives with his wife in Livingston. His wife is very independent; she is Dave’s caretaker and needs some respite so she can run errands or go to her small groups. Dave was a contractor, had a hobby farm, and drove a truck for 10 years. They have 7 children and 14 grandchildren. Dave likes ot be outside, go for walks, and go for drives. He does well between 1-3 before his nap, and another possible meeting time could be Fridays, anywhere from 5-8, but Carol knows that’s an odd time for most people on Fridays. Special Considerations: Dave has frontal lobe dementia, so he has a hard time coming up with words and doesn’t want help from outside people, but with consistency and redirection of why the volunteer is there, he could really benefit from a new friend to go for walks with him, drive around town, or grab some coffee. He walks slowly but loves to be outside. He will sit in the sun in his chair and be there for hours just relaxing.
Dennis M, Big Sky, Male, 75 years old
Dennis lives in Gallatin Gateway with his wife. He used to be an Eagle Scout and a financial analyst. He enjoys listening to classical music, hiking, and furniture building/working in the shop. Special Considerations: He is diagnosed with dementia and has short-term memory.
Kathryn R, Livingston, 77 years old Match in Progress
Kathryn used to be a flight attendant for 30 years, and she loved it! She loved being able to travel so much! She has two daughters, one who lives in Livingston and one daughter who is estranged. Her husband of 50 years sadly passed about 5 years ago. She does have a boyfriend that she sees monthly, as he lives in Helena. Kathryn was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about four years ago, resulting in losing the ability to drive, but still lives mostly independently. She enjoys going for walks, drinking coffee, birdwatching, being outdoors, and going for drives. Kathryn really enjoys being social and talking to others. Special Considerations: Alzheimer’s and arthritis.
Patty W, Manhattan, 69 years old
Patty lives in a retirement home in Manhattan. She was born and raised in North Pole, Alaska, and has recently moved to Montana due to her memory loss. She has dementia and aphasia, and has been feeling anxious and lonely due to this. She enjoys gardening, church, animals, walking, exercise, socializing with others, and music. Special Considerations: She is a little unsteady on her feet so slow walks with linked arms would be best. She also is very hard to understand due to her aphasia.
Ron K, Male, Manhattan, 69 years old
Ron lives in Manhattan and is originally from Minnesota. He is funny and enjoys company. Ron is hoping ot have some help bringing groceries into his house or working on his truck together. He loves hunting, fishing, shooting, and enjoying the outdoors. Ron used to be a hunting guide and moved out west to go to guide school. Ron still drives but could use some support with heavy lifting and other small tasks. Special Considerations: Ron uses a walker and has shortness of breath, so he uses oxygen.
Last edited: 4-28-2026
