Several Helena-area residents have passed away in recent weeks.
Diane Edith Burbank, 75, of Helena, died March 3, 2026. She was born October 25, 1950, in Conrad, Montana, to Vernon and Lois Carlson. She grew up in the Conrad and Shelby areas and graduated from Shelby High School in 1969. She later completed a secretarial course at Great Falls Commercial College and attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where she met her husband, John. They married in 1971 and had five children.
Mary Ann Peery, 94, of Helena, died peacefully in her sleep April 22, 2026. She was born September 20, 1931, in Wheatland, Wyoming, to George and Esther Dinges. She grew up on the family farm in Wheatland before attending Central Business College in Denver. She worked as a secretary for several companies over the years.
Ruby Lee Dougherty, 90, of Helena, died April 23, 2026. A Celebration of Ruby's Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home, followed by a reception in the funeral home's social hall.
Dr. Vincent G. Pons, 79, of Helena, died Thursday afternoon, April 23, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. A social gathering in his memory will be held at Green Meadow Country Club; the date and time are to be announced.
William Donald Kuney, 92, of Helena, died April 24, 2026. He was born September 7, 1933, in his grandparents' log cabin on Sweeney Creek near Florence, Montana. He was raised on the family ranch with his sister Betty.
William Scott Dunbar, 93, of Helena, died Friday morning, April 24, 2026, four days short of his 94th birthday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue, Helena, with a reception to follow and burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Service times are to be announced.