Lois Butcher

Lois Jean Wilson Butcher, 94, passed away on July 8, 2025, at her home in Chinook, MT. Lois was born April 24, 1931, in Great Falls, MT to Robert and Ester (Violett) Wilson. Lois was the oldest of 8 children, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. During her teenage years Lois talked of growing up on the homestead farm outside of Harlem, MT. During high school she met and dated the love of her life Dale Butcher. Shortly after graduating from Harlem High School, on November 24, 1949 (Thanksgiving Day that year) they were married. They settled in Chinook MT, and except for 1 year, this is where they remained. Lois and Dale started their family in 1950 with the birth of their first son Brent. The family would grow with the addition of two more sons, Bruce and Rob. The family was then blessed with two daughters Brenda and Julie, and the was complete with the birth of their son Ron in 1962. Along with raising her family Lois worked at the Sugar Factory, Blaine County Treasurer's office, and retired from the Chinook City Clerk position after 17 ½ yrs on October 30, 1989. Dale and Lois bought the Pastime Bar in 1968 and developed the Steakhouse one year later. Which they ran until December of 1986 when Dale passed away from cancer. Following this time is when Lois' adventurous spirit really thrived. She spent the next few years traveling with family and friends on cruises, and trips throughout the country and world. Some of these highlights were a cruise to Greece, a trip to the 96 Olympic games in Atlanta, a solo trip down the Oregon and California coast, jazz festivals, and business trips with her daughter Brenda. Her favorite traveling partner was Marion Heikes. It was joked that every time she sent postcards home, they would say "Enjoying your inheritance". Lois loved spending time with her family and family gatherings were very special to her. She took great pride in all her grandchildren and more recently great grandchildren. She was often the ringleader in planning or having others plan family reunions and gatherings. Christmas morning breakfasts at her house also became a very important event. In her younger years she enjoyed bowling and golf, along with reading, crossword puzzles, playing cards, and more recently watching Jeopardy. One of her absolute favorite places to be was the cabin in Beavercreek Park, where she just spent the 4th of July this year. She loved spending time bird watching as well. Lois' faith was also very important to her as she was a longtime member of the Chinook Presbyterian Church and rejoiced whenever family would join her there.

Lois is survived by her children Bruce (Mary Lou) Butcher, Ron Butcher, Julie (Tom) Finley all of Chinook, son Rob (Nancy) Butcher of Fort Collins, CO, and son-in-law Kevin St. Clair on Hauser Lake, MT. Grandchildren Chad (Mindy) Butcher, Tami (John) Schoen, Shayne Butcher, Kyle (Theresa) Butcher, Daniel (Marilyn) Butcher, Tad (Stacy) St. Clair, Randy (Melissa) St. Clair, Matt (Catherine) Finley, Staci (Sam) Yearsley, Kevin (Kacie) Butcher, and Sarah Finley. Along with 20 Great Grandchildren and all her favorite and oh so special nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Dale Butcher, son Brent Butcher, and daughter Brenda St Clair. Memorials can be sent to the Chinook Presbyterian Church or memorial of your choice.

A service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2 pm at the Chinook Presbyterian Church to be followed by internment at Kuper Memorial Cemetery in Chinook. A reception will follow at the Chinook Senior Center. Arrangements have been entrusted with Wilderness Funeral Homes.