DARBY — Billie Ann Ford was a woman rich in Montana lore, who grew up spending her summers riding horses on the trails and mountains surrounding her family’s home at Ford and Hollister Dude Ranch just south of Darby.

The ranch would later be named for Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe, recognizing the history of the Bitterroot Valley, but known to most of the country as the Dutton Ranch on the hit TV series “Yellowstone.”

She had a deep love for horses, often sleeping with her horse Black Beauty when she was young. Described as “spitfire” even at 100 years old, Ford died on Nov. 16 in Forest Grove, Oregon. She was 105. She was the last surviving daughter of William Ford, who built Chief Joseph Ranch, and who affectionately nicknamed her “Pard.”

From an early age, Ford’s life was fille

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