Bible Verse of the Month
Blessed be God,
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3 – 1:4
Introducing Billie Burkhalter-Lockie
Billie Burkhalter-Lockie is the Williston Office Manager for Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home. Billie joined our Williston/Watford City/Tioga facilities in August of 2015. She was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and was raised in Washington, Alaska and Montana. She graduated in Manhattan, MT in 1995. Billie had a 17-year career with the City of Miles City, Mt which ended her career as a Human Resource/Payroll Officer.
In July 2015, Billie married her best friend, Shaun Lockie and joined him in Williston, ND. Together they are raising four amazing children: Alexis, Hayden, Austyn and Britton. Shaun and Billie love spending time with their family — especially boating and swimming in Lake Sakakawea. They are both so proud of the adults the children are becoming. Traveling is one of she and Shaun’s favorite things to do, and so far, they have been to Belize, Mexico and Thailand.
Billie has a truly deep appreciation and love for North Dakota and her Williston Community. She participates in Bra’s for Cause every year – her last decorated bra auctioned for $2,400! See two of her projects in the photo gallery below.
Billie is very grateful for her position at Stevenson’s and feels nothing is more rewarding than working with families and being able to assist them in their time of need — and beyond.
Truly Unique
Over the years, reminders of our passed loved ones and friends have become highly desired. As a result of peoples’ desires for these keepsakes, more and more types and designs have become available. All of the Stevenson & Sons funeral and cremation facilities are always glad to help by showing ad array of the many available keepsakes. A few are kept on hand, others may be ordered. Of late, a very unusual keepsake has become available. It is truly unique, and extremely personal. We’d like to share it with everyone now. First, we’ll introduce the lady behind these commemorative pieces. Then we’ll share a brief photo gallery showing some of her gorgeous works.
Artist Jocelyn Stoody has made jewelry professionally for over twenty years. After joining the caregiving staff of a funeral home in Bozeman, Montana, she was inspired to create very special keepsake jewelry and mementos for those who have lost a loved one.
The luminous silver Jocelyn works with lends itself beautifully to creating wonderfully warm memorial objects, individualized with meaningful imprints.
Unlike most keepsake jewelry, Jocelyn’s memorial pieces are not small “urns” on a chain. The client sends a small bit of the loved one’s cremated remains to Jocelyn, and she integrates those remains directly into the piece.
Other Keepsakes
We thought this would be an ideal time to show you just a very few of the other types of keepsakes that are available. The ones in the gallery below are located at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. They are available at all Stevenson & Sons facilities as well as many, many others.
A Beautiful New Idea
Micah Ludwig of Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Sidney was approached by a family that wished to have family members decorate a loved one’s vault. Micah helped the loved one’s grandchildren and great grandchildren each leave their personal marks on the one-of-a-kind urn vault. This was the very first time a family has personally memorialized a vault in this way.
Thank You
This handwritten card was mailed to the staff of Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home. The staff asked that it be published as a way of thanking the family for noticing their caring efforts. The sender wished, for personal reasons, not to be named.
Supporting Others
If you know someone who would benefit from the uplifting messages and support information we provide in these monthly newsletters, they can sign up to receive their own copy here (https://stevensonandsons.com/news/sign-up/). It’s a great way to lend your support to a friend or a family member.
Financial Assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020…
If you lost a loved one due to Covid-19, you may qualify for financial assistance for your family’s funeral expenses. Click here to find out more information.
Grief Support
Many people do not have the time to locate a proper grief counselor. Others do not live in an area where there are any grief counselors available. And finally, many people are not prepared to pay a professional for grief counseling. Fortunately, the internet provides some solutions for those who wish to seek grief counseling or to interact with groups of people who are also coping with grief. Many such services exist, as do professional counselors who will assist people privately on line, hence eliminating the need for travel. Not all services are the same, nor are all chat rooms/groups. You should research what you are interested in and follow-up on the leads you believe will be most helpful to your personal situation until you locate exactly what works best for you. In your search engine look for terms like “grief chat rooms” “bereavement support groups” “professional grief counseling” or “grief management.” Good research is the path to successfully linking up with what, or who, will work the best for you. Another option would be to start your search at the Mental Health American website. Lots of information, and many places to research groups, centers and more.
