Wesley Stearns

Wesley died of natural causes on June 6, 2013, at the age of 98. He was born to Clara and Walter Stearns in Stacyville, Iowa on October 7, 1914. He was the first of five children and moved to Montana with his family at the age of four.

Wesley lived a long and happy life, working hard and staying active until his final weeks. He was one to hold strong beliefs and enjoyed discussing politics and other controversial topics. It was seldom that one was successful in changing Wesley’s point of view, but the discussions were guaranteed to be lively and entertaining. Wesley’s recall of facts and dates was amazing. His leadership and bold style were intimidating to some, but to those who knew him best, he had a kind and gentle heart. Wesley lived a frugal lifestyle and was not one to overpay for any service. Woe be to the man who would attempt to deliver less than the ordered cord of wood, as Wesley would soon be out with his tape measure, calculating the exact height and length of the delivery.

Wesley worked at many jobs throughout his life. Be assured, when assigned a task, Wesley was on the job nonstop until it was completed to his satisfaction. Early in his life Wesley learned to operate a bulldozer and worked for the forest service in Libby. He went on to become a salesman for Mountain Tractor Company in Missoula. Wesley liked to recall taking in horses in exchange for tractors. During the war he served in the army and was stationed in Spokane. In 1945, he married Ruth Lynch. They had no children, but raised Ruth’s nieces: Billie Jo and Mary Ellen, as their own. They bought the Lynch ranch and spent many long, hard hours as ranchers. Wesley was president of the Western Montana Stockgrower’s Association from 1958-59 and served in the Montana legislature from 1961-62. He was Sanders County Commissioner from 1965-77. After retiring from ranching, Wesley spent time building his own home and working on many woodworking projects.

Wesley leaves behind companion and neighbor, Denise Booth; his brother George (Fran) Stearns; sister Pearl Huso and nieces Billie Jo (Fred) Blanchard and Mary Ellen (Dwight) Correll and their families. He was preceded in death by his brother Oren and sister Jurine.

No services are planned at Wesley’s request.