March 4, 2025

I love what I do for a living. I have been active in funeral service since I was 19 years old and in college, studying something not even related to the death care industry. We all have our reasons for choosing this profession, and even though there has historically been a high dropout rate within the first five years, many of us who have stayed found that the rewards come in many ways. Sure, we have all had those days when we feel we have reached our breaking point and just wish the phone would stop ringing for a minute, or that “Why does this family need to be so difficult?” feeling would go away, but we push through and survive the day because of our passion for what we do. The difference it makes to the families we serve is our ultimate reward.

Margaret “Peg” Kathryn Whitesitt June 28, 1941-Jan. 29, 2025 Margaret “Peg” Kathryn Whitesitt, 83, of Stevensville, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2025, in Stevensville, Montana, with her family by her side. She was born, along with her twin brother James “Jim,” on June 28, 1941, in Great Falls, Montana, to Stewart “Bud” and Margaret

The MFDA held the 2025 Mid-Winter Conference in Helena on Feb. 5-6 at the Great Northern Hotel. Attending funeral directors earned six CE credits.

Funeral Costs Survivors of homicide victims may be eligible for coverage of out-of-pocket expenses relating to the crime. Funeral and burial expenses are allowed up to a maximum of $10,000. Reasonable funeral expenses include:  Funeral service and staff services. All expenses related to the preparation of the body. Transportation of remains. Casket or urn. Memorial

Parker Sappington, born and raised in Billings, Montana, joined Dahl Funeral Chapel in March 2023 with a deep commitment to offering compassionate support to families during their most challenging moments. Currently serving as a licensed funeral directing intern, Parker is pursuing her Mortuary Science degree through Arapahoe Community College. Parker eagerly anticipates her graduation and the start of her lifelong journey as a dedicated funeral director. She is passionate about upholding the values of professionalism, empathy and respect, believing that every life should be honored with dignity.

The Montana Board of Funeral Service convened to deliberate on several critical matters affecting the funeral industry in the state. The meeting was marked by discussions that ranged from the potential requirement for funeral homes to post their General Price Lists (GPL) online, to the various licensing requirements, and the findings from inspections of funeral homes and crematories.

Awards will be presented at the MFDA Convention & Trade Show. Plaques 1975 — 50 yearsFred NelsonJim Axelson 1985 — 40 yearsDennis RalphTerri StevensonTodd Stevenson 1990 — 35 yearsRandy Wilke 1995 — 30 yearsMatt CoonSteve SchnackenbergWilliam Rothie 2020 — 25 yearsCharlie Fisher  Pins 2010 — 15 yearsLee DarlingtonTJ Stevenson 2015 — 10 yearsSibley JankoviakVanessa ShookBronwin HanshewTimothy

Click here for more information or to register.

Week five is in the books and we continue to see fireworks from the Senate. Work in the House continues at a steady pace with bills flowing through committees and the House floor. Friday brought the first-floor debate of the much-anticipated Medicaid Expansion bill with it passing handily. The House also debated several of the property tax reduction bills this week. The property tax debate is far from over and there will be several more as the session moves on. There are multiple ideas and the bills differ significantly on their merits. As for what bills will remain in the end, it is unknown, but the governor will have different options to sign if they make it to his desk.

As you all know, we recently wrapped up our Mid-Winter Conference here in Helena. We had a great turnout and some great CE opportunities. It was nice to mingle with the association members and catch up on what is happening with everyone. I always enjoy seeing all of you. Now to the update on what