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 say what's on his mind, and loves visiting his Grandchildren. Special Considerations: Oxygen 24/7 which causes him to be short of breath and limits his mobility.
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 enjoys socializing and she’s hoping to find a friend who wants to sit and talk at her home, maybe occasionally visit a museum or community event, but mostly homebound. A Befriender on the weekends is great too! Special Consideration: memory loss so occasionally can’t recall certain events and hearing loss. Her mobility is limited as well.
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 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 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, she recently got out of the hospital after a long stay and needs more support because she doesn’t have much family in Bozeman anymore. 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.
Karen B, 81 years old match in progress
Karen was born and Raised in Montana. She lives in Belgrade across from the high school with her husband. Karen is a wonderful woman with wisdom to share, life experiences, and is overall looking for a friend to do things in the community with. She enjoys being social and notices when she has company her brain works better. Karen spends a lot of time alone and has been needing someone she can call a friend. She owned her own art business and is a self taught musician. Karen would love to get back into old hobbies (art, music, community events) she doesn’t do anymore because doing them alone isn’t as fun. She is so kind, easy to talk to, and is so glad she found this program. She has many ideas of things she would love to do with a Befriender such as grabbing coffee, a meal, and going to the heart of the valley...she loves dogs! She likes people with enthusiasm and positive outlooks on life, she may want a Befriender who is 40 or older as well. She is excited to meet her Befriender and make a new connection. Special Consideration: Karen has vertigo and does better in the afternoons then the morning.
Jim G, Male, 81 years old match in progress
Jim lives in Bozeman with his wife, near the YMCA and has been here for 20 years. Jim is originally from the East Coast but lived in Minneapolis during his career. Jim was a Pilot for Pillsbury and his family has deep roots in Aviation. Jim’s dad was an Airline Pilot, his two sons are Pilots and some of his grandchildren have become Pilots as well. Jim loved being in the aviation world and found so much joy in what he did. Jim and his family would often come to MT for camping trips which pushed them to make the move to Bozeman. Jim has family that live in the area and also has a Grandson who plays football for the Bobcats! Jim loves going fishing and being active. He is funny and very social! He’s hoping to find a friend that would like to go for drives, maybe take him to Ace hardware on occasion or work on model aircraft planes. Jim is excited to make a new friend! Special Consideration: Jim has some short term memory loss but is very active and independent. His wife is his caretaker and sometimes needs a break to run errands. Having a Befriender to fill in those gaps would be great!
Karen S, 78 years old
Karen resides at the Gallatin Rest Home. She grew up in Missoula and then lived and taught 2nd grade most of her life in Ashland, MT. The community is primarily Native American and she has taught several generations of Native American students and has deep bonds to the community. Karen’s husband passed away a few years ago. She became bedridden because of her weight, but recently moved to Gallatin Rest Home where their staff and rehab have gotten her walking again. Her daughter and two grandkids (20 & 24 years old) live in Belgrade. She is looking for a friend to talk with, play cards or pinochle with, and give her general encouragement to get walking again! In recent months she has become depressed, so someone to lift her spirits is great too!
Special Consideration: Karen is not allowed to leave the facility she lives at and she does have some memory loss so may be confused about certain events at times.
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.
Jack J, Male, 92 years old match in progress
Jack currently lives at The Springs, in Bozeman. He lived in Albuquerque, NM for a large part of his life and worked as a chemical engineer. Jack has three kids, and his daughter currently also lives in Bozeman. Jack is very friendly and talkative and enjoys crossword puzzles, history, family, and the southwest United States. He is looking for a friend to spend time with and have more social connections! He is homebound and mentioned he is lonely, someone to visit with him about life and keep him company would be great! He has a great memory and talked about the cultures in
Special Consideration: Mobility and Oxygen
Doug R, Male , 72 years old
Doug lives in Bozeman, he and his wife moved here about 3 ½ years ago. Doug was born in Michigan and then later moved to New Hampshire where he met his wife of 40 years. Together they have 3 kids, all of which live very close. He has built a couple custom log homes, was a blacksmith and a farm manager. He’s hoping to see his friend Monday and/or Wednesday mornings. Doug does have Alzheimers but is still very active, someone to go for walks or even XC skiing would be great! Special Considerations: Alzheimers.
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.
Brenda L, 63 years old
Lives in Bozeman at Brookdale Spring Meadows. Grew up in Dillion 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. Bredna enjoys going for rides, walks, loves to shop/window shop especially at thrift stores. She enjoys collecting rocks and painting them. She likes to be busy and would like an energetic Befriender. Brenda also is hoping for a friend closer to her age so they can relate to each other. Special Consideration: Brenda has had a few strokes years ago so she lives at an assisted living.
James B, Male, 82 years old
James spent the majority of his life in Chicago, where he worked as a Geotechnical civil engineer. He currently lives in Bozeman with his son, however experiences loneliness, and is excited by the idea of having a Befriender! James loves sports, and follows various Chicago teams and Bobcat football. He has a black lab and loves all dogs. James has fond memories and loves to talk of his days as a fisherman, skiing, playing baseball and traveling with family.
Special Consideration: Dementia that comes in waves, has some trouble with balance and no longer drives.
Todd F, Male, 51 years old
Originally from Fargo, ND, Todd pursued a business degree in Mankato before settling down with his wife and two kids in Four Corners. Todd is very active, he has a guide dog and three cats that he very much enjoys, Todd is very social and likes to crack jokes. He recently assembled the Montana Association of the Blind Convention here in Bozeman. Todd enjoys making people laugh, cooking dinner for his family, and listening to Podcasts. Todd would enjoy someone with a sense of humor, someone to go for walks with, and grab lunch too. Todd is blind so while his family is away at school and work, he spends time at home alone. He would like some company during the day and he gets along great with women, sometimes he has a hard time befriending men but is open to whomever!
Special Consideration: Todd is blind which limits his social interactions and he spends a lot of time at home alone while his family is at school and work.
Suzy S, 79 years old
Suzy was originally from Illinois but moved to MT 40 years ago. She recently was moved into memory care and had a Befriender who moved away. Her husband said Suzy benefited greatly from having a Befriender and an outgoing volunteer is great for her too. Suzy was a social worker and had her own practice. She loves human connection and being around people. Suzy is obsessed with her dog and is a huge dog lover! A Befriender that will want to get her out of the facility to go for walks, lunch, and to get outside more, would do great with Suzy. Special Consideration: Suzy has early/mid Alzheimer’s, she will need someone who can encourage her to do things because she changes her mind often.
Nora L, 79 years old
Nora is awesome! She has been in Bozeman for 32 years, she is very kind, funny, and loves to conversate about anything. She is very open to the world around her and understands that life is full of hardships, she has always opened her doors to people who need someone to talk to. Nora plays the accordion and loves to do Puzzles. She has two cats that she loves dearly and likes to keep busy. She spends her time sowing, embroidery, puzzles, and driving herself to the senior center. She would love to make a new friend and loves going out to eat! Nora lives near Oak and 19th. Nora doesn’t have much support in the community, she needs a friend that can be an advocate for her, especially in the winter months, she sometimes can’t get her car cleaned off of snow and will be stuck at home, someone who can support Nora and she loves kids. Special Considerations: Nora can walk around but uses a walker to help her, she has some vertigo and is losing her vision.
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 outgoing and loves company. She has spent most of her life in Montana and loves it here. Her son currently takes care of her at their home. Patti used to have siblings, but her sister passed away. She loves interaction, and is also interested in going out and spending time downtown. Patti would love someone interested in learning piano, as she used to give piano lessons. Special Considerations: Patti has some short memory loss and may have trouble recalling certain events in her life.
Warren N, Livingston, Male, 84 years old
Warren lives near main street in Livingston. In Warren’s past he has built many stone walls and walkways. Warren used to work in landscaping and planting too. He would love help with technology to get more involved with his family. Warren is interested in holistic health, and in his younger years he helped older individuals be healthier! He has always loved bands and used to play in one when he was younger. Warren loves to go on walks and hikes, he is extremely caring and loving, when our staff member left he gave them a hug and said “it's a heart to heart”. Warren is also great with kids! Warren is super knowledgeable when it comes to eating clean, he would make a great friend for anyone who wants to learn and laugh! Special Considerations: Warren can be hard to hear sometimes due to his scratchy voice and sometimes struggles with his memory but lives independently making healthy smoothies and juices!
Saundra L, Livingston, 83 years old
Saundra lives in Livingston at an assisted living, in the past she has waited tables, worked as a school secretary, worked in real estate, and also became an insurance secretary. Saundra also has 2 sons. She often feels lonely and spends a lot of time in her room. She isn’t an extrovert but when someone comes in to talk with her and sit, it helps her feel better. Saundra loves cats, music, and loves to have conversation when she isn’t tired. Special Considerations: Has some vision loss.
Kenneth S, Livingston, Male, 86 years old
Kenneth lives in Livingston at an assisted living, he was in the construction business for his career and has two sons. Kenneth loves woodworking, plants, and being outdoors. Someone that could work on projects with him and keep him company would be great! He is a very happy guy and constantly working on different projects to keep himself active. He was working on modge podging puppy photos for his wall when our staff met him! Special Considerations: Kenneth has early dementia.
Shirley C, 95 years old
Lives in Bozeman in Sourdough Canyon. She grew up in South Dakota and worked as a nurse in New York before moving to Bozeman to teach nursing at MSU. After retirement, Shirley worked as a campground host in Hyalite Canyon. Shirley is very independent and enjoys crossword puzzles, watching soap operas, discussing her inherited McAllister property, and is in need of a scrabble partner.
Amy D, 80 years old
Amy lives near the Bozeman Senior Center, she is an avid bingo player and never misses a game at the senior center! Amy is originally from Massachusetts but moved to Bozeman in the 80s. She lost her husband during the pandemic which has altered her social connection. She lives alone and some of her friends recently moved away which has been hard for her to cope with. She misses being able to get out into the community, a Befriender that would want to go shopping once in a while, out to eat, or help take her to appointments. She no longer drives due to her right leg not working anymore. Amy is easy going and free most days except on Tues/Thurs when she volunteers for Bingo. Special Considerations: Uses a walker for long distances so someone that can fit a walker in their car would be great!
Joyces 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 Alzheimers.
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.
Last edited: 3/24/2025
