Dale Virts

1956 - 2024

Dale Virts

September 29, 1956 - December 29, 2024

Dale Eugene Virts, 68, of Missoula, Mont. passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. He was born on September 29, 1956, in Missoula, Mont. to Lucile and Robert Virts.

As a young man he would spend time with his cousins on their family farm and talk about the chores they would have to do and the mischief they would seek.

Dales' parents, grandparents and other relatives, built houses on South Avenue where he grew up and resided most of his life. He would tell stories of his grandpa's garden and apple orchard. It must have been in his blood, because he and his wife Mary Ann are well known for their beautiful yard and gardens.

Dale became interested in racing stock cars and would build his car from the cheapest car he could find. He enjoyed racing at the old track up Miller Creek and several other tracks in Montana.

In 1974, Dale graduated from Sentinel High School and became a father to his daughter, Dyana.

In 1977, he started working for the Burlington Northern Railroad until 1981 when they left Missoula. He kept busy with janitorial, heating and cooling positions until he went to work for Montana Rail Link in 1988 until he retired in 2016.

Dale married the love of his life, Mary Ann Dellwo, July 22, 1989, together they raised many critters, feathered and furry. They enjoyed traveling to the coast, watching races in Spokane, Kalispell, Pablo, Anaconda and Belgrade.

We will all share memories of Dale playing the harmonica, drums or strumming his guitar on his front porch while singing to the birds. He was an avid Nascar and Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed rooting for the Montana State Bobcats.

Dale was a man who worked hard to assist in providing for the life he and Mary Ann shared together; he loved his family, his grandkids and his best friends from childhood and the railroad.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Virts, daughter Dyana (Kevin) Reinhardt, Grandchildren Jade (Justin) Castro, Austin Dreyer, Lexie Filloon, Shea (Damien) Allison, Garrett Reinhardt, honorary brothers, Jim Sanders, Jim Dyke, Bill Scanlan and Alex Cantrell, numerous brother/sister in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by mother, Lucile Virts; father, Robert Virts; brother, Robert Virts; sister, Wanda Galland.

Services will be held on January 17, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Garden City Memorial in Missoula. The family will have a private interment prior to the services at Sunset Memorial.

A special thank you to Community Cancer Care and ICU Doctors and Nursing Staff.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society or an organization that is dear to your heart.

Garden City Funeral Home