Pub. 1 2022 Issue 1

Thank you 2022 MFDA Members

Boards have become more attentive to strategy since the onset of COVID-19. Two governance experts share suggestions for keeping that momentum.

Dozens of academic scholarships are awarded annually in two application cycles. Scholarships range from $2,500-$5,000 and are open to full-time or part-time students in good standing enrolled in ABFSE- or Canadian-accredited institutions/programs. Candidates must attend classes and actively pursue a degree in funeral service at the time of application. Academic scholarships are also available for U.S. and Canadian military veterans.

Montana Funeral Directors 2022 Convention and Trade Show June 2-5, 2022 Helena, MT
As part of the Education section of the convention, this year, we feature a number of dynamic speakers. Below we feature three of these dynamic speakers: Linda Cohen, Leili McMurrough and Rose M. James.

The United States Postal Service® offers Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail Express International® service for shipping human or animal cremated remains domestically and internationally. Whether you are shipping the remains of a loved one or a pet to or between family members or to an artisan to incorporate the remains into blown glass or other works of art, this publication is designed to provide the necessary preparation and packaging requirements that will aid in protecting this special mailing during transit.

The Retz Funeral Home in Helena, Montana, has been serving the needs of the community for over 100 years. Formerly known as Opp & Conrad, it is located at 315 E. 6th Ave and is a contributing property of the Helena Historic District. The Retz Funeral Home is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The listing reads:

The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory follows a history of several funeral home names, one still well known in the state: the Retz Funeral Home.

As many of you may have read, in response to the soaring inflation gripping the country (an increase of 6.8% compared to 12 months ago and its highest level in 39 years), many vendors have begun instituting surcharges on their products. Perhaps you’ve read about these surcharges, or you might have received a letter directly from your vendor. Because the price of raw materials and supplies has surged due to a worldwide shortage of supplies, companies favor a temporary surcharge instead of a general base price increase, which would be instituted to address the inflationary pressures that continue to drive up costs.

Barbara Jean Montgomery, 66, of Black Eagle, passed away on Oct. 5, 2021. Four years ago, a stroke took away her “spark of life.” COVID took away anything that was left.

Funeral services for Brandon Stevenson, 37, of Colorado Springs, CO, were held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at the Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, with Pastor Scott Skones officiating. A second funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, at the Woodmen Valley Chapel at the Rockrimmon Campus in Colorado Springs, CO, with Pastor Matt Ferrell officiating. Burial was in Colorado Springs. Full military honors were presented by the Dickinson Drill Team and the Army’s 10th Special Forces Group. Due to a sudden and brief illness, Brandon passed away Dec. 12, 2021, at St. Francis Medical Center in Colorado Springs, CO.