Jan R, 80 years old
Jan has lived in Bozeman all her life. She went to MSU for home economics and her career was in the health field, long-term care. Her interests have always been in home economics and health. She loves researching, mostly from the bible, she would prefer someone with similar values and shares her Christian beliefs. Before COVID Jan found that she loved volunteering, since then she has volunteered with the senior center, public library, and Love Inc.
Jan has many interests and likes to keep busy. She had a Befriender for four years but they moved away a year ago and still keep in touch today. Jan loves the consistent, once-a-week meet-up. She loves libraries, touching fabric at fabric stores, feeding the fish at the fish tech center, walking around the park, driving in the country, heading to towns around Bozeman to see what they have to offer, and thrifting! Jan enjoys free events and is always looking to try something new. She can only walk slowly so someone to walk slowly with her is much appreciated. She is always delighted with her weekly visit. Someone who can offer an arm is gentle to her, as well as calm. Jan has a passion for helping live things like plants, pets, and people! Special Consideration: Failing hip which has slowed her down for walking.
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 Soduko and Yahtzee but is open to learning new games. She enjoys watching the weather and loves her cat Pumpkin. Special consideration: Gloria has chronic pain, she uses a walker and scooter but has limited mobility. Mostly homebound.
Lee C, 86 years old On Hold
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 homecare 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 she loves her so much. 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. She loved Lee dearly and was sad to say goodbye. Lee needs someone who can be a support system for her. She is very kind, has a strong beautiful southern accent, 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! Special Consideration: Lee is homebound and unable to leave home. She walks with a standing walker and is on long-term oxygen.
Cynthia S, 94 years old
Cynthia lives between Bozeman and Belgrade with her Granddaughter. She used to run a daycare and was a dental assistant before retiring. Cynthia adopted two daughters and raised her adoptive grandchildren as well. She has been widowed for 29 years, she does live with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but still feels lonely. She would like someone she can relate to and talk about things to relate about that she remembers from her generation. Cynthia enjoys reading but needs more hobbies in her life. A friend would be a great addition! She would like to get out on the town or have a visitor in the home as well. She is hoping for an older woman so they can relate more. She has never been the senior center in Bozeman but would love to check it out! Special Consideration: Hearing loss but hears fine with hearing aids and uses a walker to get around.
Dorothy W, 92 years old
Dorothy recently 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 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.
Ellie T, 90 years old
Ellie lives in Bozeman, three blocks from the senior center. She often walks to the senior center to see friends and volunteer. Ellie has three children but only one lives in the Gallatin Valley. She loves gardening, used to do a lot of quilting, making friends, and socializing. Ellie is hoping her befriender will want to chat and hang out. She lives alone and would like to socialize more. Ellie has conservative views and likes to discuss them. Special Consideration: Uses a cane to get around but still walks.
Elsie M, 60 years old
Lives in Gallatin Rest Home on Durston. Elsie was an elementary school librarian and taught English. She is an exceptionally empathetic and open individual! She instilled these values into her children and hopes her new adopted grandson will be raised similarly. Elsie is in need of being rematched, her last befriender is still in her life but can’t be as consistent. Listening to audiobooks, embroidery, knitting, cooking, Sarah Bareilles (music), and playing Bingo although not for the prize. She has a husband and daughter who live in Bozeman but don't visit her often. She is too young for a rest home and needs someone who will want to hang out with her each week. She enjoys visitors. Special Considerations: Has a disease in her cerebellum that slowly deteriorates her mobility, speech, and respiratory actions.
Glennis R, 81 years old
Glennis is from Columbus, Georgia. She moved to Bozeman in 2008 to be near her two daughters who were starting to have grandbabies. Glennis was a school teacher for many years, which led her to go to Japan to teach military families in school. Glennis was a Befriender volunteer years ago, she wants to get to know someone, likes to play games, and is hoping she could have a Befriender drive her van that carries her wheelchair. She would like to visit Walmart, a grocery store, or other ideas she and her Befriender can come up with. Special Considerations: Glennis was in a horrible car accident, she has some issues coming up with words sometimes, she uses a motorized wheelchair to get around, and has 6th nerve palsy in her left eye.
Torrin W, male 50 years old
Torin grew up in foster care, he had a hard upbringing. He has had jobs such as being a dishwasher at Bridger Bowl. Torin is very sweet and appreciative of human connection. He spends a lot of time alone but has many hobbies such as oil painting, photography, libraries, animals, nature, and music. He would like a friend who could take him to the library or heart of the valley. Torin is a calm soul who really could use a friend, he is very lonely and doesn’t have many visitors. He has a car but only uses it for emergencies like going to the hospital. He would love to get out into the community but he is so lonely he said even a visitor to his home would make him happy. When I asked Torin what he would like in a befriender, he said “Anyone willing to do this, is the match for me.” Torin is a great guy and is excited to make a Befriender. Special Considerations: Torin has been dealing with medical issues but tries to keep his spirits up.
Shirley P, 89 years old
Shirley lives at the Springs in independent living, She is from eastern MT but has been in Bozeman for more than 40 years. She has 1 son in Bozeman and recently decided she no longer wants to drive, She has had a full life with lots of traveling experiences, which took her to places such as New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Japan, and Ireland to name a few. Shirley served on Committees and spent a lot of her life volunteering. She hopes to get out into the community with a Befriender, and go to lecturers, presentations, or even a concert! Shirley is looking forward to meeting her match! Special Considerations: Uses an electric wheelchair but is still mobile in short distances.
Dennis E, Male, 88 years old
Dennis is currently at Highgate Senior Living where he and his wife live. He is originally from Eastern Montana and was a school teacher and then a school administrator throughout his life. Dennis is very social and loves to crack jokes. He’s very kind and loves human connection. He enjoys playing cribbage, 7’s, and other games in his free time. Dennis is in need of being rematched, his last befriender was so sad to go but life got too busy, and he loved hanging out with Dennis. Dennis loves everyone and everything, he’s excited to play cards with his Befriender and get out into the community to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee. consideration: Dementia
Lori P, 41 years old
Lori is a single mom in Belgrade, she is blind which limits her from meeting new people and getting around town. She has a 6-year-old son with Autism and ADHD who needs a lot of support as well. Lori is involved with Eagle Mount and Cub Scouts, and has many hobbies! She loves Lord of the Rings, hiking, skiing, rafting, and playing board games. Her favorite is Scrabble! Lori is really social and open-minded, she is neurodivergent and accepts anyone and everyone for who they are! She likes bubbly people and someone who is okay with a 6-year-old with lots of energy! Lori is hoping that her Befriender will be someone who on occasion can help bring her to doctor appointments, her son to Cub Scouts, and someone to do activities with (Grab coffee, play scrabble, go to events). Lori lives with her friend who is her in-home aide and she has a few friends in the area that can help support her. She is trying to build her social network but it is difficult because she is fully blind. Special Consideration: Lori is blind which limits her. She is very positive and loves human connection.
Keith P, Male 82 years old
Keith lives near Four Corners and has 2 kids. He was in the Army and is a retired airline employee as well. Keith is originally from Wyoming and decided to move to Montana for work. Keith is also a volunteer at the History Museum and the Ellen Theatre. He loves traveling and uses stained glass panels. He would like a friend he can rely on when his vision goes away, he likes to be active in the community and is very easy to get along with. Special Considerations: Keith has macular degeneration and may lose his license soon. He is interested in a befriender who can bring him around so he can remain involved in the community. He also cannot walk very far but is interested in someone to hang out with. Although he is fairly mobile sometimes he does get dizzy.
Rodney S, Male, 87 years old
Rodney is originally from Texas. He attended the Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas founded by his great great grandfather. Later attended Long Island University where he earned his third degree in Education and Counseling. Rodney volunteered as an Army Chaplain after college, he was stationed in 11 different posts and even wrote a book about his two years in Vietnam! Rodney retired from the ministry and settled down in Montana with his wife Maria. Rodney loves to bird watch, woodwork, collect knives, and enjoy Montana’s Big Sky! Rodney hopes his Befriender will go for walks with him, hang out at the house, and maybe play some games. Special Consideration: Rodney has Parkinson's so his mobility is limited. Rodney is in Hospice as well, he is still very independent and drives.
Bonnie M, 82 years old Match in progress
Lives in Belgrade along the Frontage Rd. She would like to go out for drives, coffee, and shopping. Bonnie is in the house most of the time. She lives with her son and moved here recently. Bonnie has had a few Befrienders in the past couple of years, they have all 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!
Special Considerations: bad left leg, and arthritis. She uses a wheelchair to get around Would possibly want an older volunteer, but not too picky.
Shirley E, 95 years old
Shirley has moved all around the U.S. She and her husband ran a ranch in Missoula and have two children. Her daughter is her caretaker and she loves her so much. Shirley was an avid teacher, she taught many different subjects such as Latin, English, and ancient history. Up until 6 years ago she taught bible study as well. Shirley loves her dog Cricket, along with reading and gardening. She would enjoy more socialization and spending time with someone. She is so sweet! Shirley is homebound but would love to go for a drive to look around town and spend time with a friend. She would love to have conversations and spend her days making new friends. Special Considerations: She uses a walker to get around, hearing loss, and short-term memory that has come on recently.
Rose R, 81 years old
Rose lives near Bogert Park. Born in Brooklyn NY, she lived on the East Coast until 1998 and then moved to a retirement community in California. She was married for 57 years- and unfortunately lost her husband during the pandemic. She used to volunteer for her local Women’s league and taught religious education in the catholic church. Rose loves to paint acrylics, knit, line dance & play bingo at the senior center. She also is a voracious reader, a tennis fan, and the most excellent Italian cook. Rose does not drive, so she walks to the library and post office. She is looking for a Befriender who can drive her to the grocery store and the mall. Rose has an endless supply of great stories and wisdom to share.
Lois T, 84 years old
Lois lives by Safeway in Bozeman. She is originally from Livingston and she has 3 daughters. Lois loves sports, especially football. She is a Dodgers fan but says that she loves all teams. Lois used to work as a Secretary for a realtor and also has experience in banking. Lois would enjoy having someone to talk to and visit her each week. She is incredibly sweet and loves conversation. Lois may occasionally want to get out but is mainly interested in having someone to hang out with. Special Considerations: Lois has very limited mobility and pain in her knees. She also has some memory loss.
Elly S, 84 years old
Elly lives near the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and she is a retired teacher. Elly is originally from Minneapolis but moved here in the 70’s. She has one son that lives in Bozeman and another that lives in Miles City. Elly enjoys birds, music, and art. Elly would like to run errands with her Befriender, she wants to get photos printed, go to the post office, and loves working on crafts. Elly is very calm and likes to stay busy but does spend time alone. She is a part of the Bozeman Choir but her doctor recommended she be more social. Elly has trouble coming up with words so conversation can take some time but she is still very independent in many ways. Special Considerations: Cognitive impairment so hard for her to come up with words but can recall everything.
Robert B (Bo), male, 84 years old
Bo lives by Hobby Lobby in Bozeman. Bo is originally from the East Coast in Virginia and North Carolina and was raised by his grandparents. Bo is most proud of his travels, as he has visited 50 states and countries over 30 years. Bo also studied American history during his college years. During his career, he taught history and government! He is looking for someone to help him be less isolated and to also help him with some of his tasks such as his phone, and understanding technology better, he wants to learn how to use Netflix! Bo likes to go out to the pub but no longer drinks as of a year ago due to his heart condition, he does this to stay social though. Bo loves to talk and has a huge personality, he feels a Befriender might be a burden so someone who can encourage him to want to be there would be great! Special Considerations: Bo is somewhat deaf and is also experiencing heart issues, as well as some trouble with his knees.
Gwen L, 95 years old
Gwen resides at Brooklyn 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.
Barbara B, 83 years old
Barbara lives alone near Gallatin High School, she has been in Montana for 40 years but is originally from Ventura California. She is still well-incorporated into the community as attending the Ridge for exercise, is a season ticket holder to the symphony, and a book club she attends once a month. She is a feminist and is proud of how far women have come in her time. She has two master's degrees, loves reading, and attends virtual events such as church and archaeology speeches. She hopes her Befriender will want to run errands with her such as grocery shopping, post office, and the occasional hair appointments. She needs someone who is available during the early afternoons. She has a car that the Befriender would be able to use so they don’t have to put miles on their car. She is excited for a Befriender! Special Considerations: Mobility is limited due to knee replacement
Sonja B, 84 years old
Sonja lives alone in Belgrade, her neighbors who were a big support system for her recently 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 up for outings. Sonja is very social and enjoys human connection. Special Consideration: She was recently diagnosed with dementia, she is still independent but no longer drives due to high blood pressure.
Mike M, male, 62 years old
Mike is originally from Las Vegas, he’s been in Montana for thirty years now and lives across from Bozeman High. Mike worked on irrigation systems for his career, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and his four children. Mike enjoys conversation, he is still somewhat independent and lives alone. He spends a lot of time watching YouTube such as cops, arrests, and other videos he finds funny or intriguing. Mike has four children with whom he is still very close. He would enjoy a friend who would like to come in and chat with him. He doesn’t want to get out much due to being on Oxygen 24/7. Mike is charming, he likes to laugh, is not afraid to swear, and visits his Grandchildren. Special Considerations: Oxygen 24/7 which causes him to be short of breath and limits his mobility.
Michael L, male, 82 years old
Michael lives at the Gallatin Rest Home, he is very social, loves human connection, and enjoys people visiting him. Michael was a great pool player and loved to talk about his awards. He served 2 tours in Vietnam and was a Navy Chief. He moved here from Utah years ago. Due to a car accident Michael has trouble keeping his balance and uses a walker. He is excited for a Befriender because he likes to help people so anyone to help him is great! Special Considerations: Mobility and since he is at the GRH he is not allowed to leave unless accompanied by a caretaker.
Peggy H, 83 years old
Peggy lives alone in Belgrade, she has family around her but never had any children, so nieces and nephews. Peggy needs more social support because her husband has just moved to an assisted living. Peggy enjoys reading, politics, and poodles!
MaryKay M, 74 years old
Mary Kay is a longtime resident of Bozeman, she is a mother of two and also a great aunt. She loves sports, reading, and Gallatin Valley History! Mary Kay lives with her daughter behind Main Street. She’s hoping to find a friend who wants to sit and talk. A Befriender on the weekends is great too! Special Consideration: Short-term memory and hearing loss. Her mobility is limited in some situations.
Dick D, male, 78 years old
Dick was a Marine for many years of his life and raised two daughters in Montana. He has had a very active life and even though he is 78, many people consider him to be in his 60’s. He is very active and likes to keep busy, such as laying hay on 40 acres. Dick lives on Gooch Hill. Dick unexpectedly lost his wife of 50 years in February. He keeps himself social in the community but has mentioned that the house feels empty. Someone to come visit him each week and engage in some of the hobbies he enjoys would be a great addition to his life. Some of these hobbies include shooting, hunting, producing, gardening, food processing (canning, freezing), fishing, backcountry horseback riding, cooking/baking, knitting/sewing, painting, and welding. He could use someone with similar interests who would like to bake or garden with him.
Margaret B, 88 years old
Margaret lives in Bozeman but has lived in quite a few places such as Montana, California, Michigan, and Massachusetts. She has 4 grown children, 9 grown grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren! One of her sons lives 15 minutes from them, another son and family near Spokane, a daughter and family in Denver, and her youngest son and family in southern CA. Margaret was the primary caregiver of her husband who recently passed away so she feels as if she needs a friend to get out of the house and have conversations with! Her interests include family, jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking, baking, walking, reading, and church! Special Considerations: Margaret wears hearing aids and glasses, but has no mobility issues.
Last edited: 11/5/24
