Desta M. Pertarb, age 47, of Billings, passed away November 13, 2025.
Desta was a beautiful, compassionate woman. She loved being a mother most and fiercely loved all her children and grandchildren. Desta Marie Pertarb, 47, of Helena, MT, died after a hard fought breast cancer battle surrounded by family on November 13, 2025.
Desta was born in Williston, ND in 1978 to Tim Nygaard and Cindy Rang. When Desta was younger she loved to listen to kids books on tape with her dad at bedtime. She liked playing softball, bowling, and participating in girl scouts. Desta spent a lot of time with her grandma and grandpa Nygaard and had a very special relationship with her grandma. She was also very close with her only sister. Desta attended Sidney schools before going on to pursue her nursing degree, where she graduated in 2006 from Helena College of Technology and was voted class speaker. Desta loved helping people, and she continued to do so until she was no longer physically able.
Desta’s children meant the world to her. Sadie, Isaiah, Aiden, and Tristan will always carry the memories of adventures to the lake and time spent at the beach. They will always feel the comfort and security that she was able to give in their times of need. They will always cherish how special she made every birthday and holiday even when it wasn’t the easiest. Desta also treasured her time with her grandchildren and loved being their grandma. Sylas and Avery’s favorite memories were doing tarot and spirit cards with their grandma.
Everyone who knew Desta knew how much she loved mediumship, tarot, and looking into what comes after life. She was very proud of the mediumships she completed and the cases that she helped with. She loved going through her many decks of tarot cards and giving readings to anyone who was open and willing. She was very excited when she received her first tea leaf reading kit.
Desta was preceded in death by her mom Cindy (Joe) Devine and grandparents Duane & Helen Nygaard, Elaine Rang, Melva Cundiff, Bob & Helen Butterfield.
Desta is survived by her children, Sadie (Skyler) Riggs, Isaiah Metoyer, Aiden Metoyer, Tristan Pertarb; husband, John Pertarb; grandchildren, Damien, Sylas & Avery Thumb; father, Tim (Barb) Nygaard; siblings, Jace Devine, Jake (Kate) Devine, Jamison Devine, Amanda (JD) Opdahl, Chris (Laken) Nygaard, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a reception in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery after the reception.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Monday November 17, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday November 17, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday November 17, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Monday November 17, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday November 17, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday November 17, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Yolanda says
Desta,
Beautiful person with a beautiful smile. Sending my love to you in heaven. Until we meet again!
YLP
Yvonne McCormack says
Desta I never look though the obituary’s always afraid to find somebody that I know on this. I’m sitting here in tears cause I miss your funeral.. I never got to say goodbye and that I loved you. I will always cherish our friendship Desta. We met in cosmetology school and we always had a relationship since then we’ve had ups and downs, but we’ve always been there for each other. I’m gonna miss your hugs, your smiles, and your beautiful warm face. I love you, my friend Yvonne.