Earl R. Milne, 69, a resident of Pray and Columbia Falls areas, passed away at his home in Pray on March 13, 2007. Earl was born Oct. 2, 1937, to Leonard and Winona Milne in Deer Lodge. He attended Park High School in Livingston, where he graduated in 1955.

In June of 1957 he married his wife of 49 years in Butte. Together they raised six children.

Earl is survived by his wife, Betty; six children, Katherine Milne, Peggy Fish and husband, Rance, Earl Ross Jr. and wife, Robin, Robert and wife, Char, Christopher and his wife, Melody, Elizabeth Murray and her husband, Shane. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; a brother, Leonard of Spokane, Wash.; and a sister, Barbara Rowe of Cleveland, Tenn.

Earl enjoyed spending time with family and friends going hunting, fishing, camping, and boating.

He retired from Schellinger in 2002. He also worked at various heavy diesel mechanic and construction jobs throughout Montana.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 18 at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 19 at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls with Rev. Darrell Newby officiating. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.