https://www.kandlmortuaries.com/

K&L Mortuaries - Whitehall, 109 W. 2nd Street, Whitehall, MT (2025)

08/25/2025

Ruben Gonzalez-Romero

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08/16/2025

Lelland Johns

Lelland Leroy Johns, 84, a lifelong rancher from Whitehall, Montana, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his beloved Johns Ranch on August 13, 2025. Born February 7, 1941, in Missoula, Montana, Lelland was the devoted son of William Henry and Bertha Elmira Johns.

Lelland dedicated his life to the spirit of the open range, beginning his ranching career at just twelve years old and never looking back. In 1973, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing the ranch that would remain his pride and joy for the next 52 years. He poured his heart into the land, raising cattle and horses, and found joy in every sunrise and season. For Lelland, ranching was more than a profession-it was a calling-and he worked tirelessly until his final days.

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Marion Carole Scheeler. Together they shared years of laughter, adventure, and partnership, raising three children-William, Susan, and Kristy-and making countless memories at rodeos, on horseback, and fishing or hunting on the ranch. The loss of Marion and their daughter Kristy were heartbreaks he bore with his characteristic resilience.

Known as a proud, dedicated, old-school cowboy, Lelland would give a friend the shirt off his back. He was deeply involved with his community, generously providing stock for local youth rodeos and mentoring the next generation through 4-H programs. Hardworking, loyal, and irreplaceable, Lelland was truly one of a kind.

He is survived by his son, William Johns (Michelle); his daughter, Susan Johns; and his grandchildren, Jay Smith, Ty Smith (Micki), Jess Smith (LaShae), Casey Johns (Janae), Jacob Johns, and Hunter Johns. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Zahara Smith and Finn Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 10 a.m. at the Catholic Church in Whitehall, with burial to follow at Old Whitehall Cemetery and a reception at the K-Bar. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Lelland's memory.

Lelland's boots may be empty, but his legacy will continue to ride on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and never replaced.

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08/14/2025

Gary Latta

Gary Ray Latta, born March 25, 1943, in Harper Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025 at the age of 82.

He graduated from Harper High School in 1961, married Carol Jennings in 1964, and served in the U.S. Army (active duty) from 1964-1967, including a year in Viet Nam.

After his time of active duty, he worked on the Apollo 11 project in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1976, he relocated to Montana, where he worked for several years as a general contractor. While in Montana, he also served in the Army National Guard and Navy SeaBees.

Gary was strong Christian who was passionate about serving the Lord by serving others. He was very involved in his church and supported overseas missions. In 2007, he had the opportunity to help build an orphanage in Tanzania, Africa, which was a highlight in his life.

Gary is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Colleen Minahan (Tim), and Cheri Shaw (Paul), and son Aaron Latta (Brandi), along with 17 grandchildren (including spouses) and 4 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister Velda, sister in law Sue, and dear friend, cousin and mentor Norman Latta.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Verna Latta, and his brother Duane, and brother in law Gene Geller.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Veteran's Home in Butte for their faithful service and compassionate care for Gary.

Memorial contributions can be made in Gary's Honor through the Cardwell Church to Restoring Hope Nepal.

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07/10/2025

Wayne Peterson

Wayne Darryl Peterson was born October 4, 1946, in Murray, Utah, to Cleone (Jensen) and Max Darrell Peterson. He passed away on July 4, 2025, in Whitehall, Montana.

Wayne was raised an "Air Force Brat" lived in dozens of states, plus 3 countries. He attended the University of Idaho (UI) and then enlisted in the Navy. Served as a communications technician in Kamiseya, Japan in the late 60's. Wayne came back to the UI and received a bachelor's in economics. He moved cross-country to Washington DC and was an Economist with US Department of Labor. Where he worked on computers and became a Microsoft Certified System Engineer and Trainer. He left the Government and became a private contractor. Then Wayne worked at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Maryland.

Wayne met Patricia Toland while working at the US Department of Labor. They got married on January 25, 1986. Wayne and Pat were blessed with two wonderful sons, Eric (Gracie Robinson) and Scott. Wayne often said that "being a dad was the best job" he ever had. Wayne and Pat were foster parents for several years and were active in Neighborhood Watch. Wayne was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He cheered for his sons in their athletic efforts.

In August of 2000, the family moved from Virginia to Rochester, New York. Wayne continued to work as a computer specialist until he went to work for the Postal Service. Wayne and Pat retired in July 2014 and decided to head West to return to Wayne's roots. They moved to Whitehall in May 2015. Whitehall felt like home from the start. Wayne became involved in the Whitehall Rotary Club, serving as president and coordinating the aluminum recycling program.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife Pat Peterson; his sons, Eric Peterson (Gracie), Scott Peterson; his brother Richard Peterson; and his sister Pamela Tuttle (Kevin). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunt, uncle, cousins, and family friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents.

A Memorial service will be held on July 17, 2025, at 11:00am in the Chapel at K and L Mortuaries, 109 West 2nd Street, Whitehall, Montana 59759. Following services a luncheon will be held at St. Theresa's Catholic Church Hall.

The family would like to thank the Veterans Administrations, and The Jefferson Valley Ambulance Service for their care and compassion over the last few months.

View Wayne Peterson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/01/2025

Verna Bird

Verna Jean Bird, age 90, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025. Born on February 17, 1935, in St. Ignatius, Montana, she was the beloved daughter of Vernon Edward and Delia Eugenia (Vincent) Boucher.

Throughout her life, Verna found joy in many pursuits, including her love for cats and birds, as well as her passion for crocheting and quilting. She cherished the time spent with her family and was known for her modest, quiet, and happy demeanor.

Verna moved around as a child and eventually found her soulmate, Melvin Bird, whom she married on February 2, 1951, in Butte. During Melvin's service in the Navy, she resided in Great Falls. After his return, they settled back in Butte, and in 1971, they relocated to Whitehall, where they built their cherished home in 1972.

Verna is survived by her daughter, Melinda Poff (Dave) of Whitehall; her brothers, Ed Boucher (Jean) of Townsend and Victor Boucher of Anaconda; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin; her sister, Audrey; and her daughters, Karen Biovich, Susie Bird, and Judy Beaudry, as well as her son, Dennis Bird.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Whitehall Cemetery in Whitehall, Montana. Verna's memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

View Verna Bird's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/27/2025

Sarah Elizabeth Knapp

Sarah Elizabeth Knapp, born March 3, 1995, passed away June 18, 2025, from complications during childbirth. She is survived by a beautiful infant son, Theodore (Theo - whose name means Gift From God), the love of her life, Austin; brothers Andrew and Thomas, sister Anna Skjei (Logan), father Phil Knapp (Yelena) and mother Elizabeth Weidow (Vern) in-laws Juliette and Kent, and sister-in-law Jasmine Cluster, along with many extended family members.

Sarah will be remembered for her soft voice, kind heart, fiery red hair, and gifted artistic talent. Sarah’s life leaves her many friends and family celebrating and admiring how strong, positive, and brave she was. Her kindness, love, and joyful outlook on life - despite many challenges - was universally admired by her family. She was quick to meet people where they were at in their lives with compassion and understanding.

Sarah grew up in Idaho and lived briefly in California and Montana before settling in Utah, where she met the love of her life, Austin. It was her greatest joy in life to be by his side in everything, culminating in her greatest achievement and legacy, the birth of their beautiful son, who has her lips and Austin’s nose.

If there are words that best describe Sarah, they would be kind, loyal, sweet, humble, brave, strong, and stubborn. She had a habit of giving little acts of kindness to people in her life. The last thing she did as she was being prepped for high-risk delivery in the delivery room was to give a gift to her surgeon - chocolates and a card - because, as she told him, “Doctors don’t get thanked enough.” Her last words were to Theo and Austin a brief moment after Theo’s birth - they were "I love you.”

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Theo will grow up hearing stories of his mother, who is watching over him with the same loving kindness that touched so many.

Funeral services:

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Bountiful (1915 S. Orchard Drive, Bountiful, UT 84010) at 12:00 pm, Saturday, June 28th. There will be a visitation from 11:00 to 12:00 pm prior to the services at the church. Sarah will be buried afterwards at the Bountiful Cemetery.

Sarah's many friends arranged a GoFundMe to support Austin and Theo in their time of grief, and to share additional pictures of their happy time together: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-sarah-supporting-austin-and-baby-theo

Flowers can be directed to First Baptist Church of Bountiful.

View Sarah Elizabeth Knapp's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/20/2025

Peter Rugheimer

Peter MacGregor Rugheimer, 65, passed away on June 7, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1959, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to Norman MacGregor "Mac" Rugheimer and Hallie Barbee Rugheimer.

Pete grew up in Montana and graduated from Bozeman High School in 1977. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University in 1990.

A brilliant and creative mind, Pete brought his curious and inquisitive thoughts into every aspect of his life. He was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, electrician, and metalworker. Known for saying, "If you can think of it, you can build it," Pete brought dreams to life with his hands and his heart.

In May 1990, he met the love of his life, Lynn Ann Griswold, and they were married in Bozeman in 1993. Their son, Levi Taylor Rugheimer, was born in 1997 and became the light of their lives.

Pete began his engineering career at Dynojet in Belgrade and later worked in the Oklahoma oil fields with Dowell Schlumberger. He went on to spend two decades at Luzenac America in Three Forks, where he led work in research and development, maintenance supervision, and robotics engineering. Throughout his time at Luzenac, Peter designed, built, and tinkered with a variety of machines, continuing to express his love for invention.

Pete's love for the outdoors was boundless. He found joy in fly fishing, camping, dirt biking, snowmobiling, rock climbing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking, boating, and skiing-and he generously shared those passions with his family and friends. His profound appreciation for nature constantly touched those around him, from the smallest wildflowers to the biggest mountains. Always planning an adventure, Peter scoured the trails, mountains, and lakes of the western United States, Canada, and Mexico, often sharing these adventures with his close friends and Lynn.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Hallie Rugheimer, and his in-laws, Ross and Loretta Griswold.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn, his son, Levi (Nicole), and his cherished granddaughter, Scottie Reese Rugheimer. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Johan) Wictor, brother Paul (Stacey) Rugheimer, sister Sarah (Lucas) Rugheimer, and their families. Levi continues Peter's love for creation and building in his own metalworking practice in Bozeman, MT.

The Rugheimer family extends their heartfelt thanks to the professionals and volunteers from Ruby Valley Search and Rescue, Madison County Search & Rescue, the Sheriff's Office, and especially Pete's dirt biking friends, who were instrumental in bringing him home.

A celebration of life for members of the Ruby Valley will be held on July 13th at 11:00 AM at Jackson's Garden in Sheridan, Montana.

For those lifelong friends and family in the Gallatin Valley, we will celebrate Peter's life on August 30th at 11am. This celebration will be located at the family farm, North Hills Ranch, 1400 Story Mill Road, Bozeman, Montana.

All who knew Pete are welcome to attend and share stories in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Pete's life in the way he would have wanted-by taking a hike, riding a trail, floating a river, summiting a mountain, or simply spending time in nature. Let the adventures with Peter continue in our hearts as we meander the fields of the mountains and the trails of life.

View Peter Rugheimer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/18/2025

Mac Reed

Mac W. Reed, 82, peacefully passed away June 13, 2025, at Spring Creek Inn, Bozeman Montana.

Mac was born August 29, 1942, in San Francisco, California to McKinley W. and Bertier (Krupp) Reed. He grew up in Santa Cruz, California where he was an avid surfer, football player and outdoorsman.

Mac joined the Navy in 1960 and was deployed to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and parts of Asia. He left the Navy in 1964 and returned to Santa Cruz where he married Suzan Lynn Pendergraft. Mac and Lynn had two children Jeffrey D Reed and Carrie Kristine Reed. Sadley, Carrie unexpectedly passed away in 2020. Mac never fully recovered from her loss.

Mac worked 30 years for Pac Bell and AT & T as an engineer. He retired in 1994.

Besides his first love, surfing, his second passion was Montana, especially Ennis. As a child, many family summer vacations were spent in Ennis, Jeffers and Jack Creek where his grandfather, Benjamin Krupp was raised in the early 1900's.

Mac spent the first few years of his retirement between Santa Cruz and Montana; he moved permanently to Montana in 2000. He loved hiking, kayaking, camping, horses and just about every bar and bartender in Ennis and all the surrounding towns. Mac once said, "make sure I'm buried next to my favorite bartender". He never said who that was, we are pretty sure they were all his favorite.

Survivors include two sons Jeffrey Dwayne Reed of Connecticut and Joseph Jacob Reed of New York from Mac's second marriage to Patricia Cicero. Three surviving sisters Linda Vink and her husband Pete of Ennis, Donna Criswell of Brookings, Oregon and Shirley Criswell and her husband Thomas of Grants Pass, Oregon. Surviving stepchildren include Jessie and Zack from his third marriage to Valerie Armenini. Also surviving are six grandchildren.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the Good Samaritans who helped Mac in his later years. More than anything Mac wanted to be independent, all the assistance he received to achieve that is greatly appreciated.

No public ceremony will be held. Condolences may be expressed online at K & L Mortuaries, Inc.

View Mac Reed's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/23/2025

Nelva Maude Sears

Nelva Maude (Secor) Sears recently passed away peacefully in her home in Whitehall, MT. She was 97 years old. Nelva was born to Allen D. and Maggie Jane Secor in Bozeman, MT. She joined brothers Walter, Lyle, Thomas, Leonard and Lester and sisters Aldean and Margaret. Nelva graduated from Gallatin County High School with the class of 1945.

Nelva married Kenneth Sears of Townsend September 29,1949. Nelva and Ken (Pinky) moved to West Yellowstone, where Ken continued his 30 career as a Game Warden.

After various tourist related jobs, including working at the state liquor store, Nelva began a long career with the postal service. She retired from the West Yellowstone post office in 1990 after 20 years.

Nelva and Ken spent most of their time in West at their forest service cabin at Baker's Hole on the Madison River where they entertained all manner of wildlife, including grizzlies, buffalo and moose in their front yard. Nelva loved snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Ken, as a game warden in the area, was one of the first responders to stranded campers at Quake Lake during the 1959 earthquake and Nelva spoke of helping stranded motorists. She also helped clean the liquor store after the quake destroyed most of the stock.

After Nelva and Ken retired they managed the Madison Fork Ranch near West Yellowstone for eleven years.

In 1994 Ken and Nelva moved to Whitehall, MT. Nelva was the primary caregiver for Ken during his later years as he struggled with Parkinson's disease. He preceded Nelva in death in 2005.

Nelva possessed a sharp wit and could tease with the best of them. An avid reader, she kept up with her favorite authors and could recommend books at any time. She loved the NFL and looked forward to football weekends and watching her favorite, Aaron Rodgers.

She loved animals, especially her cats, and was a strong supporter of Heart of the Valley Shelter in Bozeman for many years.

Nelva was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband and all seven brothers and sisters. She and Ken did not have any children, but Nelva is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Jim and Bonnie Secor, Bozeman, Valerie Aughney of Helena, Linda Doust of Atascadero, CA, Connie McCormick of Bozeman and Tom & Susie Secor, Billings. Nelva also leaves behind dear friends, RJ and Sandy Moulton and family, Filer, ID, and Jo and Kenneth Whitman, West Yellowstone, and her special friend and partner in crime, Janet Davis.

Nelva was also blessed with her many Whitehall lady friends who befriended and helped her, and the entire Taco Tuesday crew she looked forward to seeing each week. Memorials are preferred to the Whitehall Country Store. 2-98 D Street; Whitehall, MT 59759

View Nelva Sears's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/20/2025

Pearl Marie Edwards

Pearl Marie Woods was born in Butte, Montana on July 29, 1925. She was the first child of Earl Woods and Grace Weingart Woods and was raised on the Weingart Ranch in Silver Star. She attended the one room school house until that school consolidated with Twin Bridges. She graduated from TBHS at 16 in 1942 along with her classmate, Russell Edwards whom she married May 5, 1946.

Pearl attended MSU in Bozeman and earned her RN nursing degree. She was a member of the Nursing Corp during WWII. After the war she worked at the Ruby Valley Hospital in Sheridan for over 20 years. She and Russell raised 4 children and lived in Twin Bridges all of their married life until his death in 2006.

She enjoyed dancing, camping, gardening, walking, knitting and reading but most of all she loved being with her family. Pearl was an active member of the community with a kind and gentle soul.

For the past 9 years of her life she lived at Big Sky Senior Living in Butte. During that time she became very close with the staff and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful care and love they gave her. We would also like to thank Enhabit Hospice for the excellent care she received the last few months of her life. She recently fell and passed peacefully on May 16, 2025.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Edwards, her daughter, Diane (James) Lenington, her parents, her in laws, Ira and Mae Edwards, her brothers, Richard and Tony Woods, her sisters in law Billie Jo and Ruth Woods, her brothers in law, Fred Siebert and Russell Hartse and her great grandson, Burke Mellem.

Pearl is survived by her children, Clayton (Donna) Edwards of Sebring, Florida; Janet (Clint) Trask of Whitehall; and Earl (Mary) Edwards of Clancy. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rory (Nicole) Edwards of Ennis; Chris (Kelcy) Edwards of Hamilton; Jennifer (Lawrence) Morrisroe of Dillon; Hilary Biggerstaff of Bozeman; Liz (Ryan) Mellem of Missoula; Jesse Lenington of Missoula; Jake (Sheevaun Khaki) Lenington of Portland, Oregon; Taylor (Josh Nagel) Edwards of Helena; Megan (Josh Wagner) Trask of Denver, Colorado; Lisa (Jason) Szatmary of Cohasset, Massachusetts; and Beth (Billy) Seabourne of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her two sisters, Lois Hartse of Missoula and Jessie Siebert of Albuquerque, New Mexico, along with 21 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Pearl will be at the Church of the Valley in Twin Bridges at 2pm on Saturday, May 31st.

If you so choose, memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

View Pearl Edwards's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/12/2025

William Emil Claussen Jr.

William (Willie) Emil Claussen Jr., age 71, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Willie was born in 1954 in Red Bank, New Jersey to William Sr. and Catherine (Holmes) Claussen. His family moved to Pompano Beach, Florida where Willie graduated from both High School and Broward County Vocational Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1972. Willie's first job was working as a produce manager at Grand Union Grocery Store in Pompano Beach, Florida. His good friend Rob Benson's father was a truck driver from Florida, and he was instrumental in encouraging Willie to become a truck driver. Thus, the start of his truck-driving career. He became an owner-operator of heavy dump trucks in Florida for eleven years. Then Willie and his mother moved to Montana about 1985 first Butte and then to Whitehall in 1987. He operated an 18-wheel tractor-trailer dump truck for a year before driving his long-haul refrigeration truck coast to coast for nine years. Willie then ventured up to Alaska for a year to drive a log truck before returning to Montana to proceed long-haul refrigeration trucking. Willie was a long-haul semi-truck driver for 50+ years before retiring.

Willie was the definition of a true friend. In Florida and Montana, he was the guy with all the cool cars! He could build the BEST whatever buggy, airboat.... anything! He could calculate all the engineering needed for any project ...Amazing everyone with his hand built swamp boat or horse trailer! Willie had a heart of gold, he would do anything for his friends and never asked for anything in return. Being an only child, he created a family from the many friendships he developed across the country. With his great sense of humor and could imitate any sound precisely, hence the long and ever-changing voice mail greeting. Willie was unforgettable, from his signature hats to his love of everything fluorescent orange, nothing was ever done with a single item, hence his enormous collection of Trump memorabilia. He will be sorely missed by all his friends and family. Willie treasured his little poodles of which he had many over the years. He treated and considered all his pets as family, taking the poodles back and forth across the country on every trip.

Willie was married briefly to Robyn Welch of North Carolina. Willie was preceded in death by his father and mother. Willie is survived by his Uncle Richard and Aunt Elaine Holmes of Cornelius, North Carolina. Close friends include Rob Crowe, Dale & Bridget Morse, Tom & Nancy Wheeler, Rob Bubnich, Doug Bachman, Bill & Sandy Davies, Rob & Carrie Benson, Greg Ziolkowski and Dennis & Rose Morgan among MANY others too numerous to list.

Willie's memorial service is pending and will be announced at a later date.

View William Claussen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2025

Ellen Marie Gillespie

On the evening of Friday, March 21, 2025, Ellen Marie (Berg) Gillespie passed away peacefully in her home. Ellen was born in Butte on December 8, 1933, to Edwin John and Agnes Filimena (George) Berg. Ellen enjoyed growing up in Butte with her sister Dorothy Jean (Dode) who was 10 months younger than her. She always lamented that she could not pick on Dode during the 2 months of the year that they were the same age. A highlight of Ellen's youth was when she and her sister traveled with the Butte High School band to march in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. She graduated from Butte High School in 1951. For a few years following high school, Ellen worked as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell. On September 10, 1953, Ellen married her beloved husband Raymond William (Ray) Gillespie and moved to live with him and raise her family on the ranch South of Whitehall that Ray's grandfather had homesteaded in 1903. Ellen and Ray loved ranch life, raising sheep, pigs, and Hereford cattle. There they raised their 4 boys, Donald (Don), William (Bill), Ronald (Ron) and Emmett. Part of the rearing of their boys got them involved in 4-H and the two of them helped form the B-Y's 4-H club which is the oldest chartered 4-H club in the state. Ellen helped in 4-H for several years teaching sewing, cake decorating and many other projects. She always looked forward to the 4-H Junior rodeo each year in May, as well as the Twin Bridges fair. Many can probably remember being hauled around to different events in the back of her suburban. Ellen liked to garden and was an avid seamstress and homemaker. She loved to can and make quilts and decorate cakes. She made numerous wedding and birthday cakes for her family and friends. Ellen was fond of dogs, especially Boston Terriers, which she raised for several years. Most of all, she loved children, especially her boys.

Ellen moved from the ranch in 1993, and Ray lived the last of his years in the Sheridan nursing home where he passed away on December 14, 1995. Her world was shaken again on October 20, 1987, when her son, Ron died in Wyoming. After moving off the ranch, Ellen's love of children led her to become a foster grandma at the Whitehall School where she served in that capacity for 18 years. She thrived on being around the kids and helping them learn and develop. After leaving the foster grandma role, she enjoyed the remainder of her days sewing, canning, crafting, and loving and serving her family and friends. Her door was always open to anyone who wanted to drop by. She loved being surrounded by her boys, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her walls and refrigerator were covered with pictures of her family, friends and several of the "kids" she had helped as a grandma at the school.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Agnes Berg, Ray, her husband, her son, Ron, her sister, Dode and Dode's husband Elroy Hunt, her sister in law Judy (Gillespie) Stratton and Judy's husband Bill Stratton and her nephew Robert (Bob) Hunt.

Ellen is survived by her sons, Don (Bonna) Gillespie, Bill (Wendy Forman), and Emmett (Terri) Gillespie, her grandchildren Samantha (Tony) Vetter, BJ (Kristy) Gillespie, Sherry (Mike) Holt, Roni Lynn (Jim) Simon, Brody (Tia) Gillespie, Derrington (Bri) Gillespie, Deontae (Celeste) Gillespie, Kenisyn Gillespie and Kienna Gillespie. Her great grandchildren, Isaac and Aleska Vetter, Peyton Holt, Trenton Gillespie, Braxton Williams, Buster Simon, Raymond and Evie Gillespie, Gideon Gillespie, and Taela Gillespie. She is also survived by the daughter she always wanted, Barb Sunderland, and her husband Bob.

The family would like to express our gratitude to "cousin" Judiann Williams who played a significant role in Ellen's care for the past several years. Also, thank you to Honey Bee Hospice and Trek Home Health and Hospice who cared for Mom and tended to her needs.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Montana State 4-H Foundation, your local 4-H club or the charity of your choice.

There will be a viewing and rosary service at K and L Mortuary in Whitehall on Friday, March 28 at 6:00p.m. Then on Saturday, March 29 there will be memorial services and a celebration of life at Saint Teresa's Church at 10:00 a.m.

View Ellen Gillespie's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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