Butch Talbitzer

Butch Talbitzer passed away on Nov. 26, 2018, at his home in Arlee, Mont., surrounded by his loving family and dog, Mellie.

Butch was born on Feb. 18, 1942, in Stockton, Calif., to William Morris II and Marie Talbitzer (Voss). Butch was the oldest to three other siblings — his sister, Susan; and twin brothers, Charles and Clarence, who passed shortly after birth. He married Judy Thelander straight out of high school and had four beautiful girls, Shelia, Julie, Wendy and Liz. He later divorced Judy and married the love of his life, Patricia Talbitzer, in 1983, who shared her loving children Susie, John and Debbie. They were married 35 loving years and shared many memories she will hold forever.

Butch spent many days fishing on Lake Oroville (in Washington) with his wife, Pat, they later moved to Montana in 2006 to be closer to his daughters. They Lived in Alberton, Mont., for nine years before they moved to Arlee, where Butch would spend his last years of life tending to his chickens, enjoying wagon rides, checking cows and spending time with his family. Butch loved living on the ranch where he could check on his chickens and bring in the eggs while enjoying the fresh air and drinking a cold beer. He enjoyed rides through the National Bison Range with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Butch leaves behind his dog, Mellie, who was never far from him; she was always there to protect him if a rooster got out of hand. Pat and Butch shared 35 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren with three more on the way. He leaves behind his wife, Patricia of Arlee; sister, Susan (Darrell) Doane of Fresno, Calif.; and all seven children. Liz (John) Sykes of Arlee, Wendy Way of Oroville, Wash., Julie (Tom) Meeks of Columbia Falls, Mont., Shelia (Mike) Diaz of Kennewick, Wash., Debbie (Tom) Struthers of Santa Rosa, Calif.; Susan Chew of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and John (Deborah) Shinn of Thousand Oaks, Calif.

A special thank you to Ama at Hospice of Missoula for taking such great care of Butch in his final days. Any donations can be made to Hospice of Missoula, 1900 S. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59803.