FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 16 2025
Photo caption: Helena centenarian Richard Blossom, middle, receives a framed certificate from Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte during Tuesday's luncheon.
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov
Governor Gianforte, DPHHS Honor Montana Centenarians
Lebo’s Mickael Teig, age 109, taught himself to play the violin at age 100
HELENA, Mont. – Montana centenarians were honored in Helena at the Great Northern Hotel during a special luncheon today.
Governor Greg Gianforte attended the event to help welcome and celebrate five centenarians in attendance.
“This year, 21 Montanans have reached or surpassed the remarkable milestone of turning one hundred years young,” Governor Gianforte said. “In honoring our centenarians, we celebrate their lives while remembering the history of our great state and nation.”
The luncheon was part of the 56th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging with the theme “Flip the Script.”
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) recently asked these individuals for their secret to longevity, the most amazing event in their life, a favorite quote, and various other insights into their lives. All who submitted their information this year will receive a recognition proclamation from Governor Gianforte.
The centenarians who responded to DPHHS include those who are or will turn age 100 by the end of 2025. The list includes:
- (1) 109-year-old
- (1) 105-year-old
- (1) 104-year-old
- (2) 103-year-olds
- (2) 102-year-olds
- (4) 101-year-olds
- (10) 100-year-olds
Here are some of the centenarians’ responses:
Virginia Toews, age 100, Billings. In 1925, Virginia was born in McClusky, ND. A farmer, who would become her husband, proposed a move from North Dakota’s brutal cold to Montana, promising she could go “anywhere in the world.” She agreed, with one condition: “Not Montana.” He convinced her to try it for six months, and though she resisted, they moved, and both fell in love with Big Sky Country.
Betty Stimac, age 100, Great Falls. Betty grew up on a farm south of Great Falls, where her childhood was filled with memories of visiting family and friends. Without a phone or car, she and her family would travel via horseback.
Richard Blossom, age 101, Helena. In 1943, Richard began his brave service in World War II. He served until 1945 as a paratrooper, sniper, and demolition expert. He recalls his first parachute jump from a C-47 with 12 other jumpers in Fort Benning, GA. Dropping from just 100 feet, the jump to the ground took only 30 seconds. After the war, Richard returned home and built a successful 40-year career as a highway construction supervisor and part-owner of Hilde Construction Company.
Dorothy Santala, age 102, Billings. Dorothy said her philosophy on longevity is “there is not secret, it just happens if you’re lucky.” And, her guiding principle is a simple yet profound truth. “Take life as it comes,” she said.
Mickael Teig, age 109, Lebo. When Mickael was younger, the Lebo Post Office was operated out of the family home. He was the eighth of 11 children, and all were born on the family farm. When he was 100, he taught himself to play the violin.
In addition to the luncheon, the conference provides valuable information about services and supports that affect the well-being of older Montanans, their loved ones, and their caregivers.
This year's conference offers an excellent opportunity to explore the aspects of aging in Montana. Participants will delve into the latest research, innovative programs, and practical strategies that help shape the experience of older adults in Montana.
This year’s agenda features breakout sessions and panel discussions on topics such as aging in place, disaster prevention, and best practices for good mental health.
Additional conference information can be found on the Governor’s Conference on Aging website.