Plains, Superior centenarians honored by governor

Montana centenarians were honored by the governor last week in Billings during a special luncheon.

“Each year, it’s an honor to celebrate our Montana centenarians for the inspiration and contributions they provide to our state and communities,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “It’s a privilege to share their stories and learn from their unique perspectives on life.” 

The luncheon was part of the 55th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services recently asked each of the centenarians honored this year to share their secret to longevity and provide insight into their remarkable lives. Everyone who submitted their information this year will receive a recognition proclamation from Gianforte. 

The centenarians who responded to DPHHS include those who are or will turn age 100 by the end of 2024.

The centenarians honored this year live in the following Montana communities: Glendive, Miles City, Charlo, Billings, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Chinook, Helena, St. Ignatius, Great Falls, Plains, Hamilton, Florence, Laurel, Deer Lodge, Kalispell, Harlowton, Conrad, Superior, Havre, Missoula, Columbus and Ronan.

A total of 11 centenarians were represented at the luncheon. 

Here are some of the centenarian responses:

Lola VanCampen, age 107, Billings. VanCampen moved to Montana to live with her daughter at age 93. She attributes her longevity to her active lifestyle, often saying the human body was meant to move.

Francies Poulos, age 105, Billings. Francies served her country as a photo developer in the Women’s Army Corps AirCorp during World War II. She met her eventual husband Nick in Atlanta. Nick’s groundbreaking work at the High Temperature Research Lab led to the development of a revolutionary material that would shield spacecraft from the fiery embrace of Earth’s atmosphere upon reentry. She said her secret to longevity is not dwelling on her age and not worrying about the little things. 

Laura Gee, age 102, Plains. Gee says her greatest joy in life was becoming a mother and grandmother. Laura has a passion for reading and has spent much of her time studying natural remedies and herbs. She said her secret to longevity is simple: coffee, candy, and a little dancing.  

Nyla Prosser, age 101, Superior. Prosser was raised on a small farm during the Great Depression. Along with her siblings, she shared the responsibility of farm labor, including haying and milking cows. She also developed a love for music, began singing at age three, and learned to play the piano by ear.

Charles Joseph Hucke, age 100, Billings. In the early 60s, Hucke and a partner bought Timberweld Manufacturing. When he turned 60, he bought out his partner and at age 80 he turned the business over to his son, but he continued to work into his early 90s. A lover of the outdoors, he has spent countless hours hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, and backpacking. His adventurous spirit extended to the skies where he piloted his own plane. Hucke’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle has been a cornerstone of his life and he attributes his longevity to hard work.

William “Chuck” Hubing, Jr., age 100, Billings. Hubing quit school at about age 14 and went to work for Haughian Livestock, a large cattle and sheep ranch between Miles City and Terry. To earn extra money, Hubing and his friends would gather wild horses and trail them to the Brockway Stockyards. Times were challenging during the 30s and 40s, and there were few fences built at the time. Trying to stop a large herd of wild horses with no fences to slow them down was dangerous at best. Chuck has lived a big life and widened his horizons along the way whether stepping out of a hotel in Paris or walking for coffee in the Middle East. In 2013, Chuck was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Dr. Donald Harr, age 100, Billings. Dr. Harr dedicated many years to advocating for improved mental health laws in Montana. He is particularly proud of his work with Dr. Bryce Hughett on legislation requiring legal representation for patients undergoing involuntary mental health commitment. Throughout his career, he held various positions in the mental health field, including working in private practice. He was also the Director of Mental Health Center in Billings and the Mental Health Director of the Deaconess Psychiatric Unit and the Montana Youth Treatment Center.

Daisy Dutton, age 100, Billings. In 1948, life presented a challenge for Dutton’s family when the family ranch house burned down as she was preparing to give birth to her eldest son. This fire forced her family to live in a sheep wagon until they were able to move into a partially completed house on the ranch several months. Dutton’s secret to longevity is faith, hard work, and having the love of her family.

The annual Governor’s Conference on Aging was created in 1968 to offer information and education to our older citizens, their families, and their caregivers. It also serves as an opportunity for professionals who serve these Montanans to connect and collaborate with their colleagues. Attendees include the elderly, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and service providers. Over 200 people participated in the conference this year. 

Topics covered during the 2024 conference included aging with assistive technology, fighting back against Parkinson’s disease, navigating guardianship, simplifying legal and financial issues, and protecting against scams.