Meet the Seniors Waiting for a Friend!
Right now, 33 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.
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.
Dorothy W, 92 years old Gallatin Gateway
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Patti S, 82 years old Manhattan
Patricia lives in Manhattan and needs someone to walk with her throughout the week. She loves conversation and St. Patrick's 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 connection. 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 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Gloria W, 78 years old
Gloria is originally from Iowa and moved to Big Sky to work at Lone Mountain Ranch with her husband. She lives off of Oak Street now. Gloria’s job at LMR was in housekeeping then was promoted to office work later on. All three of Gloria’s children live in Bozeman and she enjoys seeing them. Gloria hopes to play games with her Befriender, go for walks with her scooter, and have conversations. Any day of the week works for her to meet except on Wednesdays. Her favorite games are Sudoku and Yahtzee but is open to learning new games. She enjoys watching the weather and loves her cat Pumpkin. Gloria sometimes might cancel due to not feeling well but overall needs social connection and tells her son she feels lonely. Special consideration: Gloria has chronic pain, she uses a walker and scooter but has limited mobility. Mostly homebound.
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.
Linda S, 88 years old Manhattan
Linda lives in Manhattan, but moved here from Billings a few years ago after living there for 30 years. She has two children. Linda is a retired music teacher at Lockwood Public Schools. She enjoys theater, playing piano, going on walks, exercising, eating out, socializing, playing cards and games, and loves going for drives. She enjoys community events and loves dogs. Linda lacks social interaction and would love someone outgoing to have as a companion to fill that gap. Her Befriender just moved out of town but they had been matched for 3 years! Special Considerations: Does not walk very fast and recently had a mini stroke.
George M, Male, 86 years old
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
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.
Maie S, 84 years old
Maie lives in Bozeman near MSU, she is originally from Estonia and lived in Sweden until she was 24. She was a nurse for her career and now volunteers at her church library. She enjoys thrifting, yard sales, going to the library, and visiting animal shelters but she is open to learning new things to do in Bozeman. She wants a Befriender for more social interaction and connection, she lost her husband and daughter the last few years and needs more friends. She no longer drives so maybe occasionally rides to the grocery store too. Maie is sweet and enjoys people with a sense of humor! Special Considerations: Vision limited in one eye, sometimes balance issues, sores on feet make it difficult to walk sometimes, one shoulder was shattered so pain is pretty constant.
Gib M, Male, 91 years old
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.
Thelma M, 68 years old
Thelma lives in Bozeman and is a mother of 8 children! She loves being a mother and it is her passion. Thelma loves being around her grandchildren and it is one of her great joys in life. She loves houseplants and used to do a lot of cooking before recent health issues changed that. Thelma reached out to Befrienders because she needs a ride once a week to her doctor appointment, she has scheduled with Gallavan so there's only a few other days she will need help. Thelma misses getting out into the community, she loves thrifting, going for coffee or tea shops around town. Thelma is funny, easy to talk to, and has a love for social connection. She is excited to make a new friend and start getting out into the community! Special Considerations: Hard of hearing, low vision, and needs support.
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.
Last edited: 08/25/25
