In the early morning hours of February 5th, 2025, Melanie Ann Samuelson passed away in her daughter’s home in Rapid City, South Dakota after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Melanie was 73 years old.
Melanie Ann Hagman was born July 10th, 1951, in Hot Springs, South Dakota. She was the first child of John L. (Jack) Hagman and Leona Means Hagman.
Melanie’s story began on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota along the White River.
Soon after in 1953, Jack and Lee bought a homestead on Thompson Creek in Montana near Ridge. Lee and Melanie stayed back in South Dakota and Chadron, Nebraska until Jack could make a home of the two small cabins that were on the ranch. He needed to put in a floor over the dirt and add another room between the two structures to accommodate a kitchen. It’s said to have been “rustic”.
Soon after, brothers and sisters joined the family. Melanie, being the oldest, was always the leader. Her Dad called her Spike. Her siblings dubbed her “Red Dog Leader”.
She started her education at the Ormesher School which was 2 miles away from the house.
When she was 6 years old her dad figured that Spike was old enough to drive herself to school, which she did on an 8N Tractor. That was the beginning of her driving career, I guess.
Jack and Lee rented a house in Belle Fourche during the winter of her 2nd or 3rd grade year, but her and her siblings revolted. They wanted to go back home to Ridge. Within those years the Ormesher School had closed so they had to go to the Ridge School which was about 10 miles from home. Melanie, being a seasoned driver at the age of 9 and in the 4th grade, was allowed to drive herself and her brothers and sisters in the Buick. They no doubt enjoyed the heater and comfortable seats.
After she graduated the 8th grade her Dad sent her to visit family in California. She had fond memories of seeing the ocean, spending time with family, and even going to Las Vegas.
Her freshman year she moved to Broadus and boarded in town with the Kaler family. Soon after she met the love of her life, Carl Samuelson.
After losing her father in a tragic car accident, Lee rented a house in Broadus and Melanie and her siblings moved to town. Lee had the ranch to take care of so Melanie was now in charge of her brothers and sisters during the week. A job she was proud to do. She loved Charlie, Jackie, Scott, Lisa, and Calla with all her heart. They were always one of her dearest and closest bonds.
Carl and Melanie married on August 11th, 1969, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Broadus. They moved to the Samuelson Ranch and had 4 children, Amy Lee, Holly Virginia, Carrie Ann and John Carl. She was a wonderful mother and made a happy home. Melanie and Carl were married for 50 years when Carl passed away on November 21st, 2019, after his own battle with cancer.
Melanie was a fantastic cook and enjoyed her flower beds and all the things that mothers do BUT… what she really loved was camping, fishing, hunting, helping her children and nieces and nephews build forts in the creek and string up tree swings. She was even known to have ridden an antelope! Her Hagman family had moved to Utah shortly after she got married but she was able to see them every year, often staying for a couple weeks. She treasured the time she had with them and they with her. She remained the leader of the pack until she passed, she was always their guiding light and anchor, and the matriarch after their mother, Leona, passed in 2012.
After a time and their children were off to school; Melanie got a job at the Powder River Manor working in the kitchen and loved it. She worked in the kitchen for several years until an opening for the Social Services Director became available. That’s when she found her niche. She enjoyed that tremendously. She had the most respect and love for all of the residents and her coworkers which spilled out into every person that she knew. (And she knew everyone!)
Melanie also drove a school bus route (an actual bus, not a tractor), worked for Alderman Oil Company, worked as a dispatcher for Powder River County Sheriff’s Office and volunteered for many church activities. The last number of years she was a driver for the Powder River Transit. She drove her neighbors and friends over good roads and bad, long or short distances, doctor appointments or fun filled field trips until she finally retired at the age of 71. This time was very special to her and she truly believed that it was an invaluable service to the community that she held so dear. She had worked for the county for over 40 years. She hated to leave her “people” but as her health failed, she reluctantly made the choice to go.
Her ability to make and foster friendships was truly something to be admired. Everyone that knew her loved her. Her love language was simply the perfect card or a small, meaningful gift, a candle that reminded her of someone, or a little pack of Fig Newtons for the grandkids on the way out of town. She always had a quick smile and warm personality that made you feel heard, appreciated, and respected. Her friends and family will never forget her and will forever miss her terribly. God speed Spike, Sis, Aunt Mel, Momma, Grammy… Rest in peace Melanie Ann Hagman Samuelson.
Melanie was preceded in death by her parents John L. and Leona; husband Carl; sister Jackie; grandparents John and Ruth Hagman; and grandmother Avis Ferguson.
Melanie is survived by her 4 children, Amy (Russ) Betlaf, Holly (Bret) Olson, Carrie Lombardi and
John Carl Samuelson; brothers Charles (Lynda) Hagman, Scott (Vickie) Hagman; sisters Lisa (Howard) Betts; and Calla Jo (Larry) Freston; grandchildren Neddie (Kyle) Holum, Kali (Grant) Gatlin, Shawn Carl Hayes, Madelyn Perkovich, Jack Perkovich, Alec Olson, Lexi Adolf, Natalie Adolf, Samuel Lombardi, Jake Kuka, Ali Kuka, Rhett Glover; great grandchildren, Emory Gatlin, Morgan Hayes, Gary Gatlin, Marilyn Gatlin and Bearett Holum and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Powder River Transportation Donation Fund, the Broadus Cancer Fund, or Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Broadus.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 with Family Receiving Friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the family lot of Valley View Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson St.
Broadus, MT 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 22, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, MT 59317
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Thursday May 22, 2025
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, MT 59317
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson St.
Broadus, MT 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 22, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, MT 59317
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Thursday May 22, 2025
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, MT 59317
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Robbin Stoddard says
Heaven gained another angel. Melanie was a wonderful woman, sweet, kind, and generous. Sincere condolences to her family.
Mary Syme says
My heart felt sympathies to the multigenerational family members whom Mel loved dearly. Her bright light has faded but her love will still be in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May they find solace in knowing she has found eternal peace surrounded by love from those who passed before her. I will miss her smile, her bubbly personality, her caring and giving. I so admire her will to live throughout this long, brutal battle. I also admire family members who have been by her side to love and support her till the end. May she find the eternal rest that she so needed.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to all of Melanie’s family, she was a classy lady who was always cheerful and positive, she and Carl were great neighbors.
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss.
Vanna Byrd says
My heart hurts o much for the loss of this beautiful, loving and classy lady! The world is a better place because Mel was a part of it. I will miss her every day.
Andrea Rice says
So very sorry to see this, I worked with Mel at the Manor; she was a real hoot. I will miss seeing her around town. Prays to the family!
Tom and Judy Collins says
We were so sorry to hear about Melanie. We always enjoyed visiting with her when she drove the transportation bus. We send our condolences to all of the family. She will be missed.
Betty Ganser says
So sorry to hear about Melanie what a wonderful lady. I worked with Melanie at Power River Manor. She was always so positive and funny the residents just loved her as we all did.
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Mary Olson says
So sorry for your loss, Melanie was a dear friend. I enjoyed working with her at the Powder River Manor. I will miss her smile ,laugh and love.
Pat Jones says
I worked with Mel at the Manor, she was a special lady, always a smile and so much fun to work with her, she was a friend of all, Bless the family at this time.
Diana Elwood says
I’m so sorry to hear of Melanie’s passing, I remember her from many years ago at Our Savior’s Lutheran church, all the Samuelson family came together. She was so giving and cheerful and full of love, she could light up a room any where. My deepest sympathy to all her family.
Linda&Dick Hurley says
Melanie was such a fun person to work with at the nursing . Sometimes I got to ride the bus for medical appointments for residents.We never ran things to talk about. Then after she left Alderman’s, didn’t get to see her unless did the sewers. My condolences to her family … to her
Bobbi says
My heart just breaks when I heard Melanie gained her wings. Love and hugs to her family.
Sheri Gali says
So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and will be truly missed. Hugs to her family. RIP Melanie.
Andrea J Miller says
My condolences go out to Melanie’s family during this difficult time. Just
remember the good memories of Melanie.
Kristie Kraft says
Melanie was always great fun to be around. We have lots of fond memories with Carl and Melanie both. God’s Peace to family and friends.
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
Melanie was a great lady. We are very sorry to see she passed away. Our condolences to the family.
Janet RICE says
Mel was one of my best friends. I rode the bus a lot of times when she drove. She always had a lot of friends. She always talked about her wonderful family. I am so sad that she has passed but there will be no more suffering. I had talked to her on the phone just a couple of weeks before. She still sounded her chipper self. Go with God Mel. To the whole family I offer my condolences.
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Laura Lee and Vic Ullrich says
We are saddened by Melanie’s passing, but rejoice that she is pain free now and reunited with her loved ones. We had so many wonderful memories with her and Carl, from camping and hunting and boating and just having fun. She was the most original, fearless, forgiving and loving woman we ever knew! Her unconditional love for those she was close to was remarkable! I will miss our fun and crazy escapades, her wild driving while putting on her makeup, and our crash landings that remained a secret for us 4 California Raisins. Rest in peace and fly high my beautiful friend.
Julie Emmons Stoddard says
What a wonderful person Melanie was. She always met me with a smile and had something to visit about. Condolences to her family.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Melanie and I lived together during high school and had more FUN and adventures than anyone could ever believe. This friendship continued throughout our lives, working together driving the Transit busses for a couple years. Loved that girl to no end! She will always be in my memories. Love, hugs and prayers to all the family.
Judy Lindberg says
Ray and I send our love and prayers to the family. May you all find peace in memories and family.
Wayne & Serena Wetherelt Jr says
Our thoughts and prayers for all the family. She was such a kind and loving person. May your memories help you in her passing. Condolences and prayers to all of you.
stacy wingerter says
Dear Amy, Holly, Carrie, and John Carl,
Soo sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. May she rest in peace. She always had a sweet smile, kind heart, tiny penmanship that was exquisite! and could make anyone feel special. She will be missed.
Love and prayers,
Stacy Kraft Wingerter
Cody Morris says
To all of Melanie‘s family:
I knew Melanie for probably 30 years. I’ve got some good memories over those years, especially later years when she drove for Powder River transit. We took many a trip together, and she always got me there safely. We had fun bantering back-and-forth. I will miss her sense of humor. Very sorry for your loss.
Ginger says
Seeing all the lives Melanie touched over her years here on Earth is amazing, but not at all surprising. She was truly the all-around woman, always having a loving word, helping hands, and forever the caring larger-than-life heart. I enjoyed working summers in my younger years with and around Mel at the Manor, then in later years at the IGA, where I’d give her the grocery total—she’d always say: ‘That’s too much,’ to which I’d always reply, ‘That’s too bad,’ followed by us two breaking into laughter (leaving other customers either wide-eyed in amazement or chiming in on the fun). One of the best times we shared together was a fun bowling trip to Helena; she offered to drive us all in her personal vehicle since she wanted to go visit her dear friend and also have company on the way to and from. I was truly privileged to know and love Mel as a friend. Deepest sympathies to you all.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
Prayers to all of Melanie’s family. So very sorry for your loss, she will be missed dearly.
Jane & Les Thompson says
Our special thought of love and sympathy to all of Melanie’s Family. She was always so happy and delightful to be around. We will all miss her presence in our lives. Les speaks fondly of the good times he spent with Carl and Melanie in the early years before I came into the picture. Peace be with you all.
Sandra Trucano says
Melanie always had a smile and we had some good laughs together when we worked together at Aldermans and when she stopped in to gas up. Carl was an unforgettable character too. We shared times sitting in the high school gym while our girls played basketball together. I always remember John being a little guy and wearing a Bronco helmet to the games. She will be missed, her perky smile and personality.