Earl Frederick Keith was born February 12, 1927 in Chester, MT.
He was the only child of Russell and Molly Keith. Russell homesteaded 13 miles south of Chester in 1912 and married Molly in the early 1920's. Earl was just a 1-year-old when his mother died of diphtheria in 1928. After Molly's death, Earl was initially cared for by Josie Wolfe, then lived with Pearl and Dodds Keith until age 5. When Earl's father married Kate Patterson in 1932, Earl moved back to the family farm and began his early education at the Erickson country school. Several years later
Russell was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1940. Earl, then in his formative years at age 13, moved into Chester with his step-mother. The farm was leased out to Duvall Keith. Earl finished his formal education in Chester, where he played high school basketball and graduated from C.H.S. as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1945.
Soon after graduation, Earl was inducted into the U. S. Army. He served in the 2nd Detachment Field Artillery School as a Private First Class. Fortunately, World War II was winding down, so he received his honorable discharge in November of 1946. After returning to Montana, Earl took flying lessons and earned his private pilot's license.
Earl married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Zell Morgan, on June 24, 1947 in Chester. Soon after, they moved to his father's farm south of town. It was there that they worked, lived, and raised their family of four daughters. During those early years on the farm, Earl worked other seasonal jobs. He helped Uncle Bert Nordstrom at the Roosevelt Service Station in Chester; he and Neil Shepherd plowed snowy roads at night for Liberty County; he drove truck for the construction crew who built the Tiber Dam project; and he worked many winter months for Rude Sheet Metal (and later, Boyd's Sheet Metal).
A devastating tragedy struck the Keith family in 1968. Their second daughter, Jenny Lee, a senior in high school, was killed in a car accident near Chester. The following year they purchased the George and Ruth Heikkila house in town, so the two younger daughters could finish their schooling here. At that same time Earl leased the Heikkila farm, which was located approximately 7 miles southeast of Chester. The Keith's finished raising their family and remained very active in the community.
Earl was a charter member of the Chester Lions Club and always participated in local events and fund-raising activities. In 1976 he was recognized with a special award from Lions International for his dedicated service. In those early years of the Chester summer softball league, Earl coached the young Lions softball team. He also enjoyed league bowling with friends on a team sponsored by Rude's Sheet Metal. In addition he was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Chester American Legion, the Shelby Elks Club, and the local RC Airplane Club. He was a past member of the ASC board and the Chester school board.
Earl kept himself busy with numerous hobbies. He loved playing cards, especially pan and pinochle. He enjoyed reading (mainly fiction and mysteries), painting-by-numbers, and jigsaw puzzles. He made many model airplanes over the years and maintained a nice model train collection. Earl and Wanda never passed up an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Dining, dancing, and parties provided many wonderful memories during their 62 years together. Earl looked forward to the snowmobile trips to Benchmark in the 1970's and the annual "fall golf excursions" to the Flathead Valley in the 1980's. One of his greatest loves was golfing! He was a longtime member of the Marias Valley Country Club in Shelby where he was a regular golfer on the Thursday Night Men's League. Earl seldom said "no" to a chance to play golf for fun, and he played in a few local tournaments, too. Every summer beginning in the 1990's the Keiths eagerly traveled with special friends to Columbia Falls for a week of golf, sun, and fun!
They enjoyed many other memorable trips over the years, including Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Nevada, Florida, and Washington D.C. These trips were all made with special friends to spend quality time with family and friends! Their life had been full and good, and Earl appreciated the countless blessings that had been bestowed on him over the years.
The Keiths sold their Chester home in 2005 and moved to the Sweetgrass Lodge. Earl suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and was diagnosed with lung cancer about 2 years ago. He was recently admitted to the Liberty Medical Center, where he died on Wednesday evening (May 27, 2009). He was 82 years old…
Survivors include his wife, Wanda of Chester; 3 daughters, Earlene (Bob) Hemmer of Belgrade, Ryndee (John) Trotter of Knoxville, Tenn., and Rhonda (Russ) Pimley of Chester; 6 grandchildren, Jenifer, Russell, Keith, Jenny, Renata, and Sierra; 3 step-grandchildren, Tammi, Adam, and Tiffani; 1 great-granddaughter, Sidney; his extended family and a host of good friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday (June 1st) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church by Cheryl Muncy L.P.A. Scripture readings were shared by the Nordstrom girls - Tracey, Jami, and Kristy. Vocal music was provided by soloist, Darlene Abeln ("It Is No Secret"), and soloist, Chris Mattson ("Come to Jesus"). The vocal quartette of Dan Violett and Kevin, Jeff, and Chris Mattson performed "A Parting Blessing". Organist was Sharon Spicher. Eulogist was Rlynn Rockman. Ushers were Joe Seidlitz, Boyd Nealy, & Quannah Bailey. Pallbearers included Ted Zorn, Bill Hamel, Ty Rockman, Bob Mattson, Pete Henderson, Speed Wright, Kenny Brandvold, Duane Bracken, and Lin Duffin. Honorary bearers were old friends from the "south country": Ray Seidlitz, Tom Osterman, John Englund, Pete Schuhmacher, and Kenny Wolfe. The service ended with a favorite song, "Unforgettable" (sung by recording artists, Natalie and Nat King Cole). Burial rites at the Chester Cemetery included military taps and the veteran's flag presentation by old friend, Lyle Glee. A reception followed at the church. Arrangements were by Rockman Funeral Chapel of Chester. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Chester, or the Sletten Cancer Institute of Great Falls.
He was the only child of Russell and Molly Keith. Russell homesteaded 13 miles south of Chester in 1912 and married Molly in the early 1920's. Earl was just a 1-year-old when his mother died of diphtheria in 1928. After Molly's death, Earl was initially cared for by Josie Wolfe, then lived with Pearl and Dodds Keith until age 5. When Earl's father married Kate Patterson in 1932, Earl moved back to the family farm and began his early education at the Erickson country school. Several years later
Russell was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1940. Earl, then in his formative years at age 13, moved into Chester with his step-mother. The farm was leased out to Duvall Keith. Earl finished his formal education in Chester, where he played high school basketball and graduated from C.H.S. as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1945.
Soon after graduation, Earl was inducted into the U. S. Army. He served in the 2nd Detachment Field Artillery School as a Private First Class. Fortunately, World War II was winding down, so he received his honorable discharge in November of 1946. After returning to Montana, Earl took flying lessons and earned his private pilot's license.
Earl married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Zell Morgan, on June 24, 1947 in Chester. Soon after, they moved to his father's farm south of town. It was there that they worked, lived, and raised their family of four daughters. During those early years on the farm, Earl worked other seasonal jobs. He helped Uncle Bert Nordstrom at the Roosevelt Service Station in Chester; he and Neil Shepherd plowed snowy roads at night for Liberty County; he drove truck for the construction crew who built the Tiber Dam project; and he worked many winter months for Rude Sheet Metal (and later, Boyd's Sheet Metal).
A devastating tragedy struck the Keith family in 1968. Their second daughter, Jenny Lee, a senior in high school, was killed in a car accident near Chester. The following year they purchased the George and Ruth Heikkila house in town, so the two younger daughters could finish their schooling here. At that same time Earl leased the Heikkila farm, which was located approximately 7 miles southeast of Chester. The Keith's finished raising their family and remained very active in the community.
Earl was a charter member of the Chester Lions Club and always participated in local events and fund-raising activities. In 1976 he was recognized with a special award from Lions International for his dedicated service. In those early years of the Chester summer softball league, Earl coached the young Lions softball team. He also enjoyed league bowling with friends on a team sponsored by Rude's Sheet Metal. In addition he was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Chester American Legion, the Shelby Elks Club, and the local RC Airplane Club. He was a past member of the ASC board and the Chester school board.
Earl kept himself busy with numerous hobbies. He loved playing cards, especially pan and pinochle. He enjoyed reading (mainly fiction and mysteries), painting-by-numbers, and jigsaw puzzles. He made many model airplanes over the years and maintained a nice model train collection. Earl and Wanda never passed up an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Dining, dancing, and parties provided many wonderful memories during their 62 years together. Earl looked forward to the snowmobile trips to Benchmark in the 1970's and the annual "fall golf excursions" to the Flathead Valley in the 1980's. One of his greatest loves was golfing! He was a longtime member of the Marias Valley Country Club in Shelby where he was a regular golfer on the Thursday Night Men's League. Earl seldom said "no" to a chance to play golf for fun, and he played in a few local tournaments, too. Every summer beginning in the 1990's the Keiths eagerly traveled with special friends to Columbia Falls for a week of golf, sun, and fun!
They enjoyed many other memorable trips over the years, including Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Nevada, Florida, and Washington D.C. These trips were all made with special friends to spend quality time with family and friends! Their life had been full and good, and Earl appreciated the countless blessings that had been bestowed on him over the years.
The Keiths sold their Chester home in 2005 and moved to the Sweetgrass Lodge. Earl suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and was diagnosed with lung cancer about 2 years ago. He was recently admitted to the Liberty Medical Center, where he died on Wednesday evening (May 27, 2009). He was 82 years old…
Survivors include his wife, Wanda of Chester; 3 daughters, Earlene (Bob) Hemmer of Belgrade, Ryndee (John) Trotter of Knoxville, Tenn., and Rhonda (Russ) Pimley of Chester; 6 grandchildren, Jenifer, Russell, Keith, Jenny, Renata, and Sierra; 3 step-grandchildren, Tammi, Adam, and Tiffani; 1 great-granddaughter, Sidney; his extended family and a host of good friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday (June 1st) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church by Cheryl Muncy L.P.A. Scripture readings were shared by the Nordstrom girls - Tracey, Jami, and Kristy. Vocal music was provided by soloist, Darlene Abeln ("It Is No Secret"), and soloist, Chris Mattson ("Come to Jesus"). The vocal quartette of Dan Violett and Kevin, Jeff, and Chris Mattson performed "A Parting Blessing". Organist was Sharon Spicher. Eulogist was Rlynn Rockman. Ushers were Joe Seidlitz, Boyd Nealy, & Quannah Bailey. Pallbearers included Ted Zorn, Bill Hamel, Ty Rockman, Bob Mattson, Pete Henderson, Speed Wright, Kenny Brandvold, Duane Bracken, and Lin Duffin. Honorary bearers were old friends from the "south country": Ray Seidlitz, Tom Osterman, John Englund, Pete Schuhmacher, and Kenny Wolfe. The service ended with a favorite song, "Unforgettable" (sung by recording artists, Natalie and Nat King Cole). Burial rites at the Chester Cemetery included military taps and the veteran's flag presentation by old friend, Lyle Glee. A reception followed at the church. Arrangements were by Rockman Funeral Chapel of Chester. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Chester, or the Sletten Cancer Institute of Great Falls.
Earl Frederick Keith was born February 12, 1927 in Chester, MT.
He was the only child of Russell and Molly Keith. Russell homesteaded 13 miles south of Chester in 1912 and married Molly in the early 1920's. Earl was just a 1-year-old when his mother died of diphtheria in 1928. After Molly's death, Earl was initially cared for by Josie Wolfe, then lived with Pearl and Dodds Keith until age 5. When Earl's father married Kate Patterson in 1932, Earl moved back to the family farm and began his early education at the Erickson country school. Several years later
Russell was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1940. Earl, then in his formative years at age 13, moved into Chester with his step-mother. The farm was leased out to Duvall Keith. Earl finished his formal education in Chester, where he played high school basketball and graduated from C.H.S. as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1945.
Soon after graduation, Earl was inducted into the U. S. Army. He served in the 2nd Detachment Field Artillery School as a Private First Class. Fortunately, World War II was winding down, so he received his honorable discharge in November of 1946. After returning to Montana, Earl took flying lessons and earned his private pilot's license.
Earl married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Zell Morgan, on June 24, 1947 in Chester. Soon after, they moved to his father's farm south of town. It was there that they worked, lived, and raised their family of four daughters. During those early years on the farm, Earl worked other seasonal jobs. He helped Uncle Bert Nordstrom at the Roosevelt Service Station in Chester; he and Neil Shepherd plowed snowy roads at night for Liberty County; he drove truck for the construction crew who built the Tiber Dam project; and he worked many winter months for Rude Sheet Metal (and later, Boyd's Sheet Metal).
A devastating tragedy struck the Keith family in 1968. Their second daughter, Jenny Lee, a senior in high school, was killed in a car accident near Chester. The following year they purchased the George and Ruth Heikkila house in town, so the two younger daughters could finish their schooling here. At that same time Earl leased the Heikkila farm, which was located approximately 7 miles southeast of Chester. The Keith's finished raising their family and remained very active in the community.
Earl was a charter member of the Chester Lions Club and always participated in local events and fund-raising activities. In 1976 he was recognized with a special award from Lions International for his dedicated service. In those early years of the Chester summer softball league, Earl coached the young Lions softball team. He also enjoyed league bowling with friends on a team sponsored by Rude's Sheet Metal. In addition he was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Chester American Legion, the Shelby Elks Club, and the local RC Airplane Club. He was a past member of the ASC board and the Chester school board.
Earl kept himself busy with numerous hobbies. He loved playing cards, especially pan and pinochle. He enjoyed reading (mainly fiction and mysteries), painting-by-numbers, and jigsaw puzzles. He made many model airplanes over the years and maintained a nice model train collection. Earl and Wanda never passed up an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Dining, dancing, and parties provided many wonderful memories during their 62 years together. Earl looked forward to the snowmobile trips to Benchmark in the 1970's and the annual "fall golf excursions" to the Flathead Valley in the 1980's. One of his greatest loves was golfing! He was a longtime member of the Marias Valley Country Club in Shelby where he was a regular golfer on the Thursday Night Men's League. Earl seldom said "no" to a chance to play golf for fun, and he played in a few local tournaments, too. Every summer beginning in the 1990's the Keiths eagerly traveled with special friends to Columbia Falls for a week of golf, sun, and fun!
They enjoyed many other memorable trips over the years, including Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Nevada, Florida, and Washington D.C. These trips were all made with special friends to spend quality time with family and friends! Their life had been full and good, and Earl appreciated the countless blessings that had been bestowed on him over the years.
The Keiths sold their Chester home in 2005 and moved to the Sweetgrass Lodge. Earl suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and was diagnosed with lung cancer about 2 years ago. He was recently admitted to the Liberty Medical Center, where he died on Wednesday evening (May 27, 2009). He was 82 years old…
Survivors include his wife, Wanda of Chester; 3 daughters, Earlene (Bob) Hemmer of Belgrade, Ryndee (John) Trotter of Knoxville, Tenn., and Rhonda (Russ) Pimley of Chester; 6 grandchildren, Jenifer, Russell, Keith, Jenny, Renata, and Sierra; 3 step-grandchildren, Tammi, Adam, and Tiffani; 1 great-granddaughter, Sidney; his extended family and a host of good friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday (June 1st) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church by Cheryl Muncy L.P.A. Scripture readings were shared by the Nordstrom girls - Tracey, Jami, and Kristy. Vocal music was provided by soloist, Darlene Abeln ("It Is No Secret"), and soloist, Chris Mattson ("Come to Jesus"). The vocal quartette of Dan Violett and Kevin, Jeff, and Chris Mattson performed "A Parting Blessing". Organist was Sharon Spicher. Eulogist was Rlynn Rockman. Ushers were Joe Seidlitz, Boyd Nealy, & Quannah Bailey. Pallbearers included Ted Zorn, Bill Hamel, Ty Rockman, Bob Mattson, Pete Henderson, Speed Wright, Kenny Brandvold, Duane Bracken, and Lin Duffin. Honorary bearers were old friends from the "south country": Ray Seidlitz, Tom Osterman, John Englund, Pete Schuhmacher, and Kenny Wolfe. The service ended with a favorite song, "Unforgettable" (sung by recording artists, Natalie and Nat King Cole). Burial rites at the Chester Cemetery included military taps and the veteran's flag presentation by old friend, Lyle Glee. A reception followed at the church. Arrangements were by Rockman Funeral Chapel of Chester. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Chester, or the Sletten Cancer Institute of Great Falls.
He was the only child of Russell and Molly Keith. Russell homesteaded 13 miles south of Chester in 1912 and married Molly in the early 1920's. Earl was just a 1-year-old when his mother died of diphtheria in 1928. After Molly's death, Earl was initially cared for by Josie Wolfe, then lived with Pearl and Dodds Keith until age 5. When Earl's father married Kate Patterson in 1932, Earl moved back to the family farm and began his early education at the Erickson country school. Several years later
Russell was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1940. Earl, then in his formative years at age 13, moved into Chester with his step-mother. The farm was leased out to Duvall Keith. Earl finished his formal education in Chester, where he played high school basketball and graduated from C.H.S. as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1945.
Soon after graduation, Earl was inducted into the U. S. Army. He served in the 2nd Detachment Field Artillery School as a Private First Class. Fortunately, World War II was winding down, so he received his honorable discharge in November of 1946. After returning to Montana, Earl took flying lessons and earned his private pilot's license.
Earl married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Zell Morgan, on June 24, 1947 in Chester. Soon after, they moved to his father's farm south of town. It was there that they worked, lived, and raised their family of four daughters. During those early years on the farm, Earl worked other seasonal jobs. He helped Uncle Bert Nordstrom at the Roosevelt Service Station in Chester; he and Neil Shepherd plowed snowy roads at night for Liberty County; he drove truck for the construction crew who built the Tiber Dam project; and he worked many winter months for Rude Sheet Metal (and later, Boyd's Sheet Metal).
A devastating tragedy struck the Keith family in 1968. Their second daughter, Jenny Lee, a senior in high school, was killed in a car accident near Chester. The following year they purchased the George and Ruth Heikkila house in town, so the two younger daughters could finish their schooling here. At that same time Earl leased the Heikkila farm, which was located approximately 7 miles southeast of Chester. The Keith's finished raising their family and remained very active in the community.
Earl was a charter member of the Chester Lions Club and always participated in local events and fund-raising activities. In 1976 he was recognized with a special award from Lions International for his dedicated service. In those early years of the Chester summer softball league, Earl coached the young Lions softball team. He also enjoyed league bowling with friends on a team sponsored by Rude's Sheet Metal. In addition he was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Chester American Legion, the Shelby Elks Club, and the local RC Airplane Club. He was a past member of the ASC board and the Chester school board.
Earl kept himself busy with numerous hobbies. He loved playing cards, especially pan and pinochle. He enjoyed reading (mainly fiction and mysteries), painting-by-numbers, and jigsaw puzzles. He made many model airplanes over the years and maintained a nice model train collection. Earl and Wanda never passed up an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Dining, dancing, and parties provided many wonderful memories during their 62 years together. Earl looked forward to the snowmobile trips to Benchmark in the 1970's and the annual "fall golf excursions" to the Flathead Valley in the 1980's. One of his greatest loves was golfing! He was a longtime member of the Marias Valley Country Club in Shelby where he was a regular golfer on the Thursday Night Men's League. Earl seldom said "no" to a chance to play golf for fun, and he played in a few local tournaments, too. Every summer beginning in the 1990's the Keiths eagerly traveled with special friends to Columbia Falls for a week of golf, sun, and fun!
They enjoyed many other memorable trips over the years, including Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Nevada, Florida, and Washington D.C. These trips were all made with special friends to spend quality time with family and friends! Their life had been full and good, and Earl appreciated the countless blessings that had been bestowed on him over the years.
The Keiths sold their Chester home in 2005 and moved to the Sweetgrass Lodge. Earl suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and was diagnosed with lung cancer about 2 years ago. He was recently admitted to the Liberty Medical Center, where he died on Wednesday evening (May 27, 2009). He was 82 years old…
Survivors include his wife, Wanda of Chester; 3 daughters, Earlene (Bob) Hemmer of Belgrade, Ryndee (John) Trotter of Knoxville, Tenn., and Rhonda (Russ) Pimley of Chester; 6 grandchildren, Jenifer, Russell, Keith, Jenny, Renata, and Sierra; 3 step-grandchildren, Tammi, Adam, and Tiffani; 1 great-granddaughter, Sidney; his extended family and a host of good friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday (June 1st) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church by Cheryl Muncy L.P.A. Scripture readings were shared by the Nordstrom girls - Tracey, Jami, and Kristy. Vocal music was provided by soloist, Darlene Abeln ("It Is No Secret"), and soloist, Chris Mattson ("Come to Jesus"). The vocal quartette of Dan Violett and Kevin, Jeff, and Chris Mattson performed "A Parting Blessing". Organist was Sharon Spicher. Eulogist was Rlynn Rockman. Ushers were Joe Seidlitz, Boyd Nealy, & Quannah Bailey. Pallbearers included Ted Zorn, Bill Hamel, Ty Rockman, Bob Mattson, Pete Henderson, Speed Wright, Kenny Brandvold, Duane Bracken, and Lin Duffin. Honorary bearers were old friends from the "south country": Ray Seidlitz, Tom Osterman, John Englund, Pete Schuhmacher, and Kenny Wolfe. The service ended with a favorite song, "Unforgettable" (sung by recording artists, Natalie and Nat King Cole). Burial rites at the Chester Cemetery included military taps and the veteran's flag presentation by old friend, Lyle Glee. A reception followed at the church. Arrangements were by Rockman Funeral Chapel of Chester. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Chester, or the Sletten Cancer Institute of Great Falls.
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