Nila Lynn Dawson and Justine Lynn Dawson Obituary: Remembering the Lives of a Mother and Daughter Who Lost Their Lives in Stillwater County Assault

The Stillwater County community, along with all who were acquainted with them, is in grief over the devastating loss of Nila Lynn Dawson and her mother, Justine Lynn Dawson, two beloved figures within their family, school, and community, whose lives were tragically ended due to an act of violence on December 8, 2025, at their residence near Absarokee, Montana.

This heartbreaking event has left friends and neighbors struggling with sadness and shock while also reflecting on the lively personalities they brought to life.

Nila Lynn Dawson, a 21-year-old woman, was celebrated for her warmth, compassion, and the happiness she spread wherever she went.

Having graduated from Absarokee High School in the Class of 2022, Nila was actively involved in her school, participating in sports, FFA, and a variety of extracurricular activities that embodied her enthusiastic and kind-hearted character.

People who knew her describe her as a vibrant and caring individual with a promising future—a daughter, friend, and member of the community whose joyfulness and spirit left a significant impact on those around her.

Her mother, Justine Lynn Dawson, was a dedicated parent, a respected leader in the community, and a long-standing member of the school board whose influence reached far beyond her own family. Justine was recognized for her reliable leadership, sense of fairness, and supportive role within the local educational system, impacting teachers, students, and parents alike.

Her dedication to education and to fostering the development of young individuals reflected her deep sense of care, integrity, and unwavering belief in the strength of community ties.

The unfortunate occurrences of that cold winter morning unfolded in what officials are describing as a surprise attack at the family’s home on Stillwater River Road.

All four entrances to the Dawsons’ home opened into a scene of shock and mourning when the alleged attacker, 23-year-old Tyler Allen Turney, reportedly came to the residence, leading to the tragic deaths of Nila and Justine, alongside injuries sustained by Nila’s father, Gregory B. Dawson, and a family friend, Matthew Cale Osgood.

Nila was declared dead at the location, while Justine, discovered alongside her daughter, succumbed to her wounds later that day at a hospital in Billings. Their untimely deaths have sent ripples of sorrow throughout Stillwater County, leaving a lasting emptiness in the hearts of their loved ones.

Beyond their shared names, Nila and Justine leave behind a legacy of affection, community commitment, and the significant positive impact they had on those around them.

In their individual roles as mother and daughter, as student and educator, as friend and advisor, they infused warmth, support, and authentic kindness into the lives they touched.

They are remembered not for the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths but for the generous and joyful spirits that characterized their existence.

As family, friends, and the wider community grieve, they also honor Nila’s bright spirit and Justine’s nurturing leadership. Plans for funeral services and memorial gatherings are anticipated to be shared soon, providing a space for those who loved them to come together, mourn, and celebrate their lives.

In a community shaken by this loss, the legacy of their love and service will persist, inspiring all who had the privilege of knowing them.