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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 friend 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, but overall, she gets lonely because she is homebound. She used to love traveling and adventures when she was younger. She still enjoys doing arts & crafts and gardening. She loves connection and new friends, and she is very nice and excited for this opportunity. Special Considerations: She uses a motorized wheelchair due to leg amputation and doesn’t have a prosthetic, so she is mostly confined to her room. Her mobility is limited.
Gerri C, 78 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 the family except for her oldest son in Illinois. Gerri feels like she will be a burden to her befriender because of occasional tasks like going to the grocery store with her or even chatting for a while. A befriender who can show their enthusiasm to be with Gerri would be best! She is just so great and funny! 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 is also extremely isolated and only sees Meals on Wheels people every day. With encouragement, she will leave the house again.
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.
Jerry F, Male, 78 years old
Jerry recently moved here from Colorado. He moved into an assisted living off of Oak and doesn’t know anyone in town. He is a retired college professor (business) and dean of workforce development (Indiana, Go Hoosiers!). He was also a HS teacher, Park Ranger, and Coach (tennis and football). Born and raised in Indiana. Lived in many places - Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Texas, Massachusetts, Colorado, Montana twice. Divorced. Two boys, one of whom is a stepson. Not currently speaking with his sons, but he would like to. No communication with my ex-wife either. No other family or friends nearby. His hobbies are numismatics (coin collecting), camping, fishing, hunting/ shooting, watching movies, anything old west, and civil war, travel, and national parks. Jerry is having difficulty getting moved into his new apartment (unpacked, organized, settled). His speech therapist tries to help him when she is there, but there is a lot of work to do. Special Considerations: Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, diabetes, arthritis. Uses a power w/c, able to drive, has significant pain which limits him quite a bit. Able to transfer on his own. Cognitively mostly intact, strong memory skills.
John M, Male, 66 years old
John lives in assisted living near the hospital. He used to be a truck driver and lay asphalt. He also helped his brother with his sporting goods store. He loves to play golf, talk about auto mechanics, loves animals, hang out at the beach, and talk basketball. John is very sweet and funny; at his home he likes to sit in the sun and enjoy the fresh air. He is excited to have a new friend to make memories with. Special Consideration: Uses a walker
Mac M, 65 years old
Mac lives near Bozeman High and would like someone to visit so she can have more socialization. She lives with her 11 year old teacup poodle, Barbie, who she loves dearly! Those two go everywhere together. She is a veteran, and she used to volunteer with Family Promise, Love INC, & the Symphony. She loves to do diamond art and cross-stitching. Mac is looking for a volunteer that has a good sense of humor, likes to laugh, and can brighten her day when she is feeling down. She is hoping to make a new friend that might enjoy going to Wednesday bingo with her in Belgrade, go shopping, or just sit and chat with her. Mac has a sarcastic sense of humor and enjoys making others laugh! Special Considerations: Mac uses oxygen as she has lung cancer and is on hospice.
Martin S, Male, 75 years old
Martin lives in memory care off of Oak St. His wife visits him 4 days a week, but is hoping for another visitor to accompany him on walks or other hobbies he has. Martin was raised a Quaker in the Twin Cities; he also attended a Quaker farm high school in Iowa. He went to Graduate school for one year of philosophy and worked for many years as a reporter, then a copy editor. Walking--vigorously if he feels up to it; reading or being read to--Martin has books--poetry, humor, non-fiction, fiction. Scrabble, trivia, Family Feud, and crossword mind games; watching movies; watching Steven Colbert and other late-night comics; watching sports and the Olympics; and music. Martin likes to follow the news closely and still wants to hear it, but it is hard to get PBS at his home--other residents often have game shows on. His family hopes to get him a radio for NPR. He loved to read the NYT and Billings Gazette online, but currently has no laptop. Also loves extra snacks and food. Loves dogs and cats. Getting out may be important for Martin since he often thrives on walking and enjoys the nearby parks, but needs someone to accompany or drive him to them. He enjoys going out to dog parks or walking, getting a sandwich or treat, or playing games, or perhaps streaming news or Colbert. Special Considerations: Parkinson's with mild-moderate dementia and psychosis. He has hallucinations sometimes, like seeing a dog, etc. These are non-threatening, and he can usually tell they are not real. He is on medication that helps him redirect or be less bothered. He does not act out physically. Whoever is Martin's Befriender, it would be good if they can walk well and comfortably.
Laura J, 74 years old
Laura lives in Belgrade. She recently moved here 7 months ago to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and her 2 granddaughters. She is from Kentucky and has lived there for 73.5 years until her recent move. She taught kindergarten and 1st grade for 28 years. She also taught with the after-school program and vision therapy. She is the oldest of 5 children. Most of her siblings still live in Kentucky with their families. Laura enjoys reading mystery, comedy, and history books, jigsaw puzzles, spending time with her granddaughters, crafts, and word searches. She is looking for a friend as she hasn’t met many people since moving here. Laura is more of a homebody and doesn’t mind. Her son and daughter-in-law want someone to keep her company. She would enjoy occasionally going out for lunch and having someone to run errands with. She also is just looking for someone to talk to at home and play games with. She has two dogs so she wants a volunteer that is okay with dogs! Laura is a super friendly person and is very sweet! She is excited to meet a new friend! Special Considerations: Uses a walker and can’t walk far distances, weak hands, and unable to stand for long periods of time.
Anetta V, 91 years old
Anetta lives at the Bozeman Lodge. She grew up outside of Chicago, but has lived in MT since the 1940s. She was married and has 2 sons. One of them lives in Eugene and the other lives in Portland, OR. When she first moved to Bozeman, she worked at JCPenney’s and Sears. Once she had her two sons, she became a stay-at-home mom. She now enjoys reading, word searches, craft-making, flowers, listening to live music, going to activities at the Lodge, and shopping. A companion would greatly benefit Anetta. She would enjoy getting out of the Lodge for a little bit and running errands, going shopping, going on a drive, or possibly doing things around her apartment. She is a very sweet lady who is super excited about meeting a new friend! She would prefer an older, female volunteer who could meet with her in the mornings after 9 a.m. Special Considerations: uses a walker and can’t walk too far or for too long.
Michael D, Male, 71 years old
Michael lives at the Bozeman Lodge. He is from San Francisco and moved to Bozeman 20+years ago. His sister and her family also live in Bozeman. He was a Catholic priest for 40 years. He enjoys wood carving and being outside on a nice day. He also used to enjoy traveling and cycling. He would enjoy having someone come to the Lodge and help him answer his texts and voicemails on his phone. He would also enjoy writing letters, but struggles to use his hands. Special Considerations: Parkinson's, uses a wheelchair, and has nerve damage from a spinal surgery.
Angela R, 92 years old
As a young adult, Angela worked as a telephone operator in Montana. She moved to Southern California, got married, had 4 children, and was a stay-at-home mom. She lived in Buena Park and Yorba Linda, California, raising her young children. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, arts/crafts, spending time with her family/extended family, swimming in their pool, and having holiday parties. After her children grew up, she moved back to Bozeman, Montana. Anglea worked as a food server at Hillcrest Retirement Home and then moved on as an intake admissions clerk at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital until her retirement at 78 yrs old. Her husband passed away a few years later, and from then on, she has been a bit lonely. Angela enjoys chatting, telling stories, reading, and old country music. She was recently diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, which was a bit of a shock for her, as she has been very healthy and active up until this point. However, she is living independently, eating healthy foods, and doing daily exercises to improve my heart and quality of life. She would love a friend to have visits with and to get outside once in a while for shopping, lunches, and maybe Sunday church. Special Considerations: She is currently walking with a walker due to arthritis in her knees and congestive heart failure. She also wears hearing aids.
Ann M, 78 years old
Ann just moved from Livingston to Bozeman at an assisted living near campus, 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. She had a Befriender in Livingston, and her friend was so sad that she is moving; they had such a good time together! Ann is very sweet. 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.
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 with whom she is close as well. Dotty is so sweet, and we had a great time walking around her property talking about life. Dotty had a Befriender who recently moved away. They had a great time together going for walks, grabbing coffee, and laughing. Special Considerations: Short-term memory, so she may forget that she asked a question.
Mary F
Mary lives in Bozeman with her daughter who works full time. She has 2 other children as well. Mary used to be a book keeper. She enjoys reading, bowling, and going to thrift stores. She was also a house mother. She is looking for someone to visit with her and make her feel important! Special Considerations: She is in hospice care.
Susan S, 81 years old
Susan lives in Belgrade. She was a medical transcriptionist for 34 years. Susan has a daughter, grandson and great granddaughter. She likes to do puzzles, read, go for drives, likes to window shop and go to little local restaurants for a drink. She also volunteers at her church. Susan would like to have someone to do things out and about with. Special Considerations: Susan doesn't have any mobility issues but does need shorter walks and does not drive anymore.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 is also 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.
Suzee K, Livingston, 86 years old
Suzee is Earl’s wife, and she also would love a Befriender because she is lonely and wishes they had more friends to do things with, such as go for a picnic, walk around town, grab lunch; she is up for anything! She loves God and is open to the world around her. She is so sweet, kind, and loves human connection. Suzee and her husband are very close and have so many stories of their life to share. She is so excited for a new friend and to be in the program. Their daughter lives nearby in Livingston, and they are very close to her.
Bob P, Male, Manhattan, 70 years old
Bob lives alone and is feeling lonely these days, especially since he can no longer drive. A Marine veteran with a big heart and a great sense of humor, Bob is looking for more support and companionship in his day-to-day life. He’s a regular churchgoer and would enjoy spending time with someone who can share conversation, laughter, and maybe a few stories. Bob absolutely adores his five cats, he says, “They are my friends!” and doesn’t mind that his house is a bit messy or smells like cats. He’s sweet, funny, and would really benefit from a caring visitor who can brighten his week and help him stay connected to the world outside his home. Special Considerations: Bob’s housing situation is intense. He lives on Main St, Manhattan, and it is sort of a shack, with hanging debris and open walls to the outdoors. He is very friendly and has a Befriender who owns a thrift store and brings him things, but Bob needs more support since his Befriender has a lot of kids and can’t always meet each week.
Jessie A, Manhattan, 67 years old
Jessie lives in Manhattan. She used to be a respiratory therapist. She enjoys making jewlery, weaving, and making pot holders. She is struggling with social isolation and loneliness and would enjoy a friend to keep her company. Special Considerations: She uses a wheelchair.
Sylvia B, Livingston, 75 years old
Sylvia lives in Livingston. She used to be a stay-at-home mom. She also used to clean houses and mow lawns. She enjoys chatting with others and talking to people online. Her kids are busy with work and one lives in Billings so she would like someone to chat with. Special Considerations: limited hearing and mobility.
Melvin F, Male, Livingston, 90 years old
Melvin lives at Livingston Health and Rehab. He used to be in janitorial management. He also served in the Army. He now enjoys watching sports. Besides his family coming in to visit him, he is often alone and isn’t very social with others. Special Considerations: He has dementia.
Danette T, Livingston, 57 years old
Danette lives at Livingston Health and Rehab. She has 6 siblings! She enjoys playing bingo and engaging in other activities that are put on. She loves to be the star of the show and is warm, kind and funny. She would benefit from having someone to visit with her in a one-on-one setting. Special Considerations: She has a developmental delay.
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.
Last edited: 6-10-2026
