Earl A. Aye

Earl A. Aye, age 90, of Broadus passed away peacefully at the Powder River Manor in Broadus with his family by his side.

Earl Aye, beloved rancher, father, and grandfather, was born in 1935 on the family ranch near Epsie, Montana, where he entered this world on the kitchen table, likely with his grandmother Margrette in assistance. Raised in the rugged landscape of Eastern Montana, Earl's early years were shaped by the hard work and determination of ranch life. His family moved several times during his childhood. The family bought a grocery store in Miles City where Earl began attending school. During WWII they moved to a ranch northwest of Ekalaka on Beaver Flats where he and his brother, Fred, rode horseback to school. In the spring of 1949, during his 8th grade year, when he was 14 years old, Earl helped to trail cows back to Epsie on horseback where he completed his grade school education at Two Tree School.

When Earl began high school, he chose to move back to Miles City and stay with his grandparents in order to attend agricultural classes that were not available locally. Earl graduated from high school in Miles City in 1953, with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. However, life had different plans when his parents divorced in the summer of that year which led him to stay behind to help his mother manage the family ranch. As his mother often remarked, Earl "batched" and remained steadfast in his commitment to the ranch, laying the foundation for the years of hard work and dedication to come.

In 1959, Earl married Betty Hagedorn, and together they built a life on the ranch. They expanded the property over time, acquiring nearby ranches as opportunities arose. In April of 1960 they welcomed their first daughter Kay. Their second daughter Linda, came along in December of 1962. Tragically, in August of 1963, Kay was lost in a drowning accident. Their son, Lester, was welcomed in 1965, to complete their family.
Earl loved his children dearly and took great pride in teaching them everything he knew about cattle, tractors, and the land. He was a patient and loving father, rarely disciplining, but always ready to share his wisdom and support.

Throughout the years, Earl developed a passion for target shooting, participating in numerous matches and winning several trophies. Earl was a member of the Powder River Rifle club competition team and traveled regularly. During one competition in South Dakota, they were victorious over the South Dakota National Guard team. Earl also enjoyed the comradery of playing cards at the Big Sky Bar, where he was once dealt a royal flush.

Earl also became known for his breeding of Charolais cattle, a breed his father had raised. Earl began using Charolais bulls in the mid 1960's and soon had a herd of large, blonde calves. He devoted many years to improving his herd, helping others in the ranching community, and supporting his children's involvement in 4-H, where he coached and donated his time, money, and livestock.

In the 1970s, with the old house beginning to show its age, Earl took on the challenge of building a new home. With the help of friends and neighbors, including Herman Doeden, who dug the basement, and Sharon Lyda, who helped lay cement blocks, Earl's dream house was completed just before Christmas of 1975.
As the years went by, Earl slowly began to step back from some of the physical demands of ranching, allowing his son Lester to take on more responsibility. Yet, like many ranchers, Earl never truly "retired"-he simply slowed down, always remaining a quiet presence around the cows and the land he loved.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Margaret Aye; his beloved baby daughter, Kay; his brother Fred Aye; and numerous aunts and uncles and nephews.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Betty; son Lester (Dawn) Aye; daughter Linda (Chuck) Kreiner; Grandchildren, Elena Kreiner; Lea, Rebecca and Justin Aye; Stephanie (John) Roberts; John (Amanda) Kramme; Great-grandchildren, Collin, Aiden and Dylan Roberts; Madisyn, Avery, Krystin and Hunter Kramme; his sisters, Peggy Aye of Mesquite, Arizona; Kathy Aye of Wibaux, Montana; brothers Bret (Tanna) Aye and Aaron Aye both of Miles City, Montana; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Earl's legacy is one of resilience, love for family, and a deep connection to the cattle and land that he called home. He touched the lives of all who knew him and his memory will live on in the stories, the ranch, and the family he so lovingly nurtured.