Hale C. Jeffers Sr.

LODGE GRASS - Big Horn County lost a long time rancher and good neighbor in the early morning hours of April 25, 2011. Hale C. Jeffers Sr. died from heart complications at his home after enjoying Easter dinner with his family.

Hale was born Nov. 24, 1938, to Winfield and Justine Jeffers in Sheridan, Wyo. He grew up on the +A (Cross A) Ranch north of Lodge Grass, Mont. Hale graduated from Lodge Grass High School in 1956 where he played basketball.

After high school, he attended Sheridan Community College earning an Associates degree in Agriculture. During this time, Hale enjoyed spending summers riding alongside good friend, Billy Greenough, with the round-up wagon on the Antler Ranch near Wyola. Hale went on to Montana State College to pursue a degree in Farm Economics. He was on the MSC rodeo team, winning a Rocky Mountain Region Steer Wrestling Championship for the Bobcats in 1960. Hale was also an accomplished Golden Glove boxer fighting for the American Legion Club in Bozeman.

Upon college graduation, Hale joined the United States Marine Corps completing Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Quantico, Va. He attended the Basic School at Quantico. Upon completion, he was sent to Jump School and Rigger School at Ft. Benning, Ga. He became the Platoon Leader of the Air Delivery Platoon Fleet Marine Force Pacific stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. While at Camp Pendleton, Hale competed in military rodeos winning saddle bronc, calf roping, steer wrestling and all-around championships in 1963. Captain Jeffers also served in Okinawa and Japan.

While at Quantico, Hale went riding with a Colonel using the Marine base horses. Hale so impressed the Officer with his horsemanship; Colonel Baker introduced him to his daughter. Hale Jeffers and Terry Baker were married on Sept. 8, 1962, at Vint Hill Military Base in Virginia. Their first son, Richard, was born at Ft. Belvoir, Va. After four years of active duty and two years of inactive duty, Hale was honorably discharged.

Hale brought Terry home to live on the +A Ranch in 1964. Although considered one of the top rodeo cowboys at the time, Hale chose to curtail his travel to help his dad on the ranch. Son, Hale "Chance" Jr. was born in Sheridan and daughter, Marla followed soon after in Sheridan.

With his reputation for being a good "hand" on the trail, Hale was proud when Jay Stovall invited him to be a "drover" on the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive in 1989.

Hale was an avid hunter. He looked forward to yearly hunting trips with Ed Whaley and Cleve Redding among others.

Hale was very involved in Big Horn County serving on the Rural Electric Board, Lodge Grass School Board, Grasshopper Board and local political committees. He was active in the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the National Cattlemen's Association. He was elected to the Big Horn Stockgrowers Hall of Fame.

Hale was preceded in death by his parents, Winfield and Justine Jeffers; his in-laws, Colonel and Mrs. Richard Baker and brother-in-law, Elmer Haas

He is survived by his wife, Terry of the family ranch; sons, Richard (Lola) of Bozeman, Chance of Lodge Grass and daughter, Marla of Hardin. He is also survived by his sisters; Helen Rae Haas, Donna Lee (Larry) Bishop of Milwaukie, Ore., Theresa (Ron) Thompson of Luther, Mont.; and a brother, Scott (Judy) Jeffers of Lodge Grass, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hale was a good neighbor and friend. He could be counted on to be there for the gatherings, the brandings and the shipping's. He died as he lived, with his boots on. Happy trails Hale, until we meet again.

Cremation has taken place at Eastern Montana Crematory. Services will be held Wednesday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at the Big Horn County Fairgrounds in Hardin. The family will spread Hale's ashes this summer at "God's Point" on the +A Ranch. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Hale's name to the Big Horn County Museum, Jailhouse Gallery or a charity of your choice.