Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Chris Elwood, age 68, of Volborg.

March 23, 1955 – June 20, 2023

Chris Shannon Elwood was born March 23, 1955, in Wichita, Kansas to Kenneth and Marie (Hansen) Elwood. They moved to Miles City, MT in 1960 and that’s when he met his lifelong friend Bill (Shorty) Timberman.
Chris went to grade school and high school in Miles City. He was active in baseball, football, basketball, and later rodeo. Chris was on the 1973 state basketball championship team.
He started working for Art Larson right out of high school and got his cowboy education from some real cowboys and that’s where he learned to start young horses, which he loved to do. In 1974, he met Diana Russiff and they were married in 1976. They had just short of 47 wonderful years together. In that time there were around 27 moves between ranches. In 1984 Chris became a deputy for the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Department, living in Ashland for 9 years. When he wasn’t working full time for the Sheriff’s office, he filled his time breaking young horses, training cutting horses and helped various people, young and old, with their horses.
On the move again, they moved to Colorado, South Dakota, then back to Montana. Chris made lifelong friends wherever he was and his reputation as a horseman, cowboy, and all-around good guy was widespread. He loved working with young people in different sports, but his passion was breaking and training colts to their full potential and helping other people succeed at that. He loved spending time with his family, especially his 3 grandkids. Chris worked hard and played harder.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Diana; son Jake (Crystal) Elwood; daughter Amanda (Josh) Hodge; three grandchildren Kimber, Sutton, and Kyndal; sister Jeanie (Jim) Sorensen; three nephews and one niece; cousin Sue (Scott) Jens and family; sister in law Sandy (Ric) Rabe and family, Mary Lou Russiff, and Tanya Russiff and family. Extended family Duane Timberman, Bill (Kathy) Timberman, Dent Timberman, and Janna Timberman and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ken and Marie Elwood; in law’s Nick and Monty Russiff; brother-in-law Don Russiff; and extended family Patty Timberman and Lon Timberman.
Chris made an impression on people wherever he went and has made some wonderful friends who he cherished and loved and made lasting memories with. He was known for his loyalty, integrity, and a stickler for doing the job right.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Chris’s name to the family. All memorials will be distributed between the Outlaws Baseball Club in Miles City and local 4H Chapters.

Family will Receive Friends on Sunday, July 2, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. A luncheon will follow the Funeral Service at the church. Following the luncheon, interment will be held at the Hodge Ranch in Volborg, Montana.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday July 2, 2023

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Monday July 3, 2023

Grace Bible Church

3505 Stower St.

Miles city, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday July 2, 2023

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Monday July 3, 2023

Grace Bible Church

3505 Stower St.

Miles city, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  2. Diana, so sorry to hear about Chris’s is passing. Your in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. Chris meant many things to us.
    He was a lawman, protecting and serving the residents of southern Rosebud County. His investigations into the sexual abuse problem at St. Labre Mission helped to build the eventual case against the perpetrators.
    He was our closest neighbor. It was our joy in watching him raise his family.
    He was a cowboy. He was a “horse whisperer.” He taught others his skills in training cutting horses.
    But what we remember most about him was that he was a spiritual father and leader to his family. A Jesus-follower, Chris lived out his faith in a way that changed everyone around him.
    We look forward to seeing Chris again!
    Our love and prayers to Diana, Jake, Amanda and his grandchildren.

  4. Diana my heart breaks for you. Chris was such a sweet man so sorry for you and your family. God’s love and blessings to you.

  7. Diana, Jake, Amanda and Families
    I am so very sorry to hear the heartbreaking news of Chris. God has gained a great Cowboy Angel! He was a gentleman, kind soul and all round great guy!! He always had time for a visit when I would see you both! Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Chris will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days ahead. My thoughts, hugs and prayers are with you all!!

  8. So sorry to hear this . I’ve know Chris for many years nice man .sendings prayers 🙏🙏🙏

  9. Diane & family, so sorry to hear about losing Chris, we will always be thankful for the rope horse he trained for our daughter. Chris was a wonderful man and was very good with horses.

  11. Diana and family, so sorry to hear about Chris! Please know I will keep you close in thought and prayer!

  12. Diana and family: I can hardly believe he’s gone, he was always a real cowboy and a true friend . He will be greatly missed.

  13. Oh the memories Chris has left us with. We have many from years ago. Our sympathy to you Diana, kids and Grandkids.

  14. Diana, Jake, & Amanda,
    We are so sorry to hear about Chris. He was a special guy with a faith that he was not afraid to show or share with others. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Jodi Kirk & family

  15. My memories of Chris go all the way back to grade school. In the Fall, eight or ten of us would go to the field by the old Milwaukee Depot and play tackle football in our school clothes. It was me, Donny Guidice, Jerry Stanley, Truman Bovee, Lonnie Timberman and several other faces I can recall but I don’t remember their names. Chris would show up, and he was always this half-goofy, smiling, happy kid who just seemed glad to be there. Years later when I was covering rodeo I remember seeing a pickup behind the chutes that was nearly rocking on its wheels because a Chris LeDoux 8-track was blaring so loud. I asked somebody what was going on and they said that was just Chris Elwood psyching up to get on his bareback horse. Love and prayers to all of you.

  17. Diane and family, we are so sorry to hear about Chris. We are thinking of you.

  18. Diana and family
    My prayers and condolences are with you all at this time and in the days ahead. Another 73 classmate gone way too soon! RIP Chris

  20. Diana and family so sorry for your loss.You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  21. Diana, Jake, and Amanda….. We are deeply saddened for the loss of Chris. Rick has good memories from high school…. I have always appreciated visiting with Chris since I first met you folks in 1990. We pray that our Lord showers each of you with His comfort, love, and peace.

  22. Diana, Jake, and Amanda,

    I am so shocked and saddened to hear this news! I had no idea! I haven’t known you all that long, but really liked Chris. He was always happy to see me, wherever he might run into me. I am happy that I got to know him, at least for a while, and I feel the same about the rest of you. I pray for peace for you, and that you have comfort in knowing that he knew Jesus Christ.

  24. Diana and family, We are so sad to hear of Chris’s passing. May God give you comfort and strength. Prayers to all of you.
    Jim and Anita Scheeler

  25. Diana so sad to see of Chris’s passing. Sending lots hugs and prayers. RIP Chris.

  27. Diana, I am so very sorry to hear this news about Chris. He was a good man who is gone much, much too soon. My thoughts are with you, Jake, and Amanda during your time of loss.

  28. Diana, Jake, Amanda and family, so very sorry at the loss of Chris, he was a good hand, good neighbor, and good man, he will be missed.

  29. To the Elwood family-We are saddened to hear of Chris’s death. We never got to know him personally but knew him so well from all the stories his loving mother used to tell. Certainly his was a life well lived. You must have so many wonderful memories to give you comfort and bring you a smile. Our thoughts are with you all. Blessings to you.

  30. So sad to lose such a fine honorable man. Our Sympathy and prayers for all of you. May God give you peace to deal with losing your Chris.

  31. Diana and family,
    Such heartbreaking news to hear of the passing of Chris. I have so many fond memories of him from the 70’s at CCHS. Can’t remember a time when he wasn’t smiling! May precious memories bring you peace. Praying for comfort that only God can give during this hard time.

  32. Diana…prayers for you and your family. I’m sorry to hear of your great loss.

  33. So sorry Diana and family! We always enjoyed visiting with Chris. He was such a fun person to be around. Our thoughts and prayers for you and family.

  34. Chris was my first really close friend at Custer County high School. Hw would ride his bike over to my house on Palmer Street, and we would walk to Custer County from there. I love Chris, better than average athlete all the way around and just a really good guy. The entire Elwood family was very good to me. Diane, it makes me really sad to see my, friend your husband go. Love Jim Edwards

  37. Diana & Family,
    I was saddened to hear of Chris’ sudden passing. I remembered Chris from grade school (being the kid sister of Diana & Dennis who he was friends/classmates with). I always thought of him as a gentle giant of a cowboy & admired the sweet couple that you & he were. My heart aches for you all but know God blesses the brokenhearted. You’ll be in my thoughts but mostly prayers during this most difficult time.

  38. We are so very sorry to hear Chris passed. He was always a great guy and friendly to everyone. Chris and the Elwoods are longtime family friends , this is heartbreaking news. God wrap you all in his arms and comfort you as you greive.

  39. Diana & family,
    Chris was beyond an amazing man & would think nothing of stepping up to help anyone. He was such a hard worker & was always ready to jump in & help. He was a gentleman to a fault. We’re so fortunate to have known him & appreciate his great work ethic. Rest easy cowboy.

  40. Diana & Family, We were so sorry to see about Chris’s passing. What a very nice man, he loved music, dancing, and was so positive about things. He was proud of you all. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

  41. Diana and family. So sorry to hear of Chris’s passing! He was so much fun to be around! It was so much fun to see his transition to the cowboy world when he was young! He will be missed by so many. Hold your memories close! Thinking of you continually! Hugs. Deb & Bob

  43. My sincere sympathy to the family. I knew Chris in our younger years when he spent so much time around my Dorr and Timmerman sides of the family and of course around the horses. He had the kindness and gentleness of his parents., May God comfort each of you.

  45. We sure will miss Chris. From gathering Elk Ridge, inspecting countless times for us, a potluck supper here and there, he was always up for a visit. Just an all around good guy. Chris enriched everyone he knew and there will be a hole in our community

  46. Chris was like a 2nd dad to me. I will always keep him in my heart and your family in my prayers.

  47. I am so very sorry for your loss! May the good Lord comfort all of you and I hope you will forever find joy in remembering Chris.

  48. This was tragic news. I am so sorry Dianna. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  49. Dearest Diana, Jake, Amanda and families,
    We were so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! I fondly remember Chris as such a kind, faithful friend to my family! He will be missed by his family, friends and community! He was a great cowboy that loved Jesus and represented Him well!

  50. So very sorry about your loss! Thoughts and prayers being sent your way. 🙏🏻

  51. I will always remember Chris as a very kind and courteous man. The memories are deep, hanging out at his parent’s home across from Washington School. I was sincerely sorry to hear of his passing and pray for his family🙏

  52. Diana and family ,so sorry for your loss . We thought the world of Chris . He was such a great man. He surely will be missed . You and your Family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  53. To Diana, Jake, Amanda, and extended family,

    We were certainly saddened by the unexpected news of the passing of Chris. Quite a few years have passed since you left Belvidere, but our experience at that ranch was enhanced by Chris and his family. Ken was always in admiration of his skills and dedication to the cattle and the land. It is inspiring to read the many tributes to Chris in these postings. It makes us realize that we knew only a small part of his wonderful character and faith. May you all be surrounded by precious memories and the comforts offered by others.

  54. So sorry Diana , Amanda and Jake. Cherish his memory and the love and lessons he taught us all. Prayers for comfort and strength

  55. Our prayers go out to you Diana and family with the loss of your husband, friend, father and grandfather. You both are such a treasure, it was fun to reconnect. Your many blessed memories will help with his loss. In his grip always,
    Randy and Deborah (Raben) Miller

  56. Sorry to hear about Chris!! I have so many great memories when Chris would spent the day at our house! Between Curt and Chris there was never a dull moment! My prayer are with your family!!

  57. Diana and Jake and Amanda, such a surprise to hear of Chris’s passing. Lots of memories in high school and yes his smile. Thinking of you

  59. Diana, Jake, & Amanda, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace for you all.

  60. So sorry for your loss hugsxand Prayers for all the Family Jerry Magelky and Bonnie Madsen

  61. Diana & family, our hearts are breaking for you, life can sure deal out a few tough hands! One thing, though, you have a treasure of wonderful memories that will become more joyous than sad in time.

  62. Diana and family, so very sorry to hear about Chris. My thought are with you and your family.

  63. Diana

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

    Tommy, ReAnn and Rylee Crane

  65. Diane and family, I was very sadden to hear about chris. He was a great friend to me and everyone around him . He was a cowboy and now he’s in heaven. It was nice to see you guys at my dad’s services, he has lots of people to bs with now. He will be greatly missed, but I can still talk to him as I do with dad. Love Susan and family.

  66. Diana We are so sorry for your loss I’m happy you had 47 years together. Cherish the ones you have near and remember the good times you had.

  68. Diana l am very sorry to hear of Chris’s untimely passing. My condolences Nancy Phipps

  69. Diana- Words can’t express the sorrow in my heart. What a great man and friend we have lost. My thoughts turn to you so often. Sandy

  70. He left this world way too young, he will be missed by many. We are so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers, Carol and Jim Watts.

  72. WE WERE SHOCKED TO HEAR ABOUT CHRIS SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS’. SID ALWAYS SPOKE SO FONDLY OF CHRIS AND WHAT A GOOD MAN AND NEIGHBOR THAT HE WAS. CHRIS WAS THERE IN THE HOSPITAL WHEN SID TORE UP BOTH HIS KNEES AND IT WAS VERY APPRECIATED.LET THE LORDS LOVING EMBRACE HELP YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND HELP WITH YOUR GRIEF.

  73. Diana and family. It was such a shock to hear of Chris’s death. He was always so friendly and fun to visit with. He is going to be missed by so many people. We are so sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May you feel the Lord’s comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead.

  74. Diana, hearing of Chris’s passing just breaks my heart! He truely was & always will !be remembered as a wonderful guy! Love & prayers to you all
    With love, Cathy Pyle

  75. Diana and family sorry to hear about Chris memories from Art Larson days

  76. Diana, Amanda, Jake & families: my thoughts ‘n prayers are with you. Simply put: gone too soon – just…gone much too soon. May God bless you as you remember and recall the treasured memories of Chris. With sympathy, – Bonnie, Jake & Marie

  77. Duane Timberman to Diana Elwood

    Diana, Chris would be very pleased with the funeral you arranged for him Everything was so fitting of him and his family. It was the most beautiful funeral there ever was. You, Jake, Amanda, and grand kids brought out all the love with in your wonderful family. My family loves all of you. We pray for you and your family, God Bless all of you.

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