Roger Blaine Baeth

Surrounded by loving family members, Roger Blaine Baeth passed away peacefully on June 18 in Missoula, Montana.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Katherine Baeth, his beloved wife, Louise May, son Shawn Huffman, grandson Michael Scott Coon, and nephew Nicholas Baeth.

Roger is survived by his brother Randy (Dixie) Baeth of Federal Way, Washington; Jan (Clint) Westrope of Billings, Montana; Kevin (Vicky) Huffman of La Grande, Oregon; Regina Huffman of Libby, Montana; Teresa (Bryce) Angell of Island Park, Idaho; Christopher (Gina) Huffman of Superior, Montana; and Anna (Troy) Gunter of Wheatland, Wyoming; plus 12 grandchildren, 14 step-grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.

This gentle and loving man was born in Libby, Montana, on Jan. 21, 1948, to Kenneth and Katherine Baeth. He was later joined by a brother, Randy, and sister, Janet (Jan). His childhood was filled with family, friends, love and laughter.

After graduating from Libby High School in 1966, Roger attended Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa from 1966-1967. He transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (1967-1970). 

Contemplating his next steps, Roger returned to Libby where he worked at the St. Regis Lumber Company in the stud mill. He quit the sawmill after suffering a severe injury. He stayed in Libby, helping his mom and dad build their dream home in 1973. 

Later that year he moved to Spokane, Washington briefly before entering the United States Army in 1974 where he served as a Specialist 4 Corporal at the Army Computer Center in Weisbaden, Germany. Because of his specialty work, he was not allowed out of Germany during that time. He was honorably discharged in September 1977.

Roger met the love of his life, Louise May McNair while in Libby and they were married on Feb. 24, 1980. May was previously married and was blessed with six children (Kevin, Regina (Gina), Teresa (Terri), Christopher (Chris), Shawn and Anna. Roger lovingly accepted these children as his own. While the older children were already out of the house, Roger was gifted with the pleasure of helping to raise Anna.

He joined the Libby City Police for a time before going to work as a Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff. Roger, May and Anna moved to Bozeman where he attended Montana State University from 1982 -1983, obtaining a degree in Criminology. He went to work at the Missoula Pre Release Center as a Counselor from 1984-1986. Roger’s final career was as a Campus Policeman for the U of M.

Roger and May lived happily in Missoula where they were actively involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, both holding many positions of service over the years. They both remained active with their family and hobbies until May passed away peaceably in 2019. Roger remained in the family home until his death.

Funeral Services will be held in Libby, Montana at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 10 a.m. Friday, July 10. Following the funeral will be a Military Graveside Service at the Libby Cemetery.