Richard Stiles Sr., 81

Richard Franklin Stiles Sr., 81, was born in Billings on Dec. 12, 1944, one of seven brothers and four sisters to a ranching family 11 miles west of Broadview. 

Rich graduated from Broadview High School in 1963 and spent a year at Carroll College studying political science and theology. After a year spent in the Peace Corps in Mexico, Rich moved to Missoula, where, while working at Valley Motor Supply, he met the love of his life, Sherry Lee Paull. They were married in Nov. 1967. When Richard Jr. arrived in May 1968 and Steven in February 1970, Rich was partnered with Vernon Paull Sr., refinishing antique furniture at their business, Montana Furniture Repair in Missoula. Around 1975, Rich and Sherry sold their house and business to move to Victor, where they co-owned the Victor Hardware Store. In 1978, they moved to Lakeside, then Kalispell, where Rich spent the next 10 years at Carl Weissmens as a salesman and the manager of the Steel Yard. Their youngest son, David, was born in July 1982. During the ’90s, Rich spent time working at both School District 5 as a janitor and at Cardinal True Value as a salesman. In 2002, Rich and Sherry moved to Alder, where they spent 10 years in the ranching life, working at the Anderson Family Ranch. A three-time cancer survivor, Rich was forced to retire in 2012 for health reasons and moved to Roundup to be closer to family. 

A lifelong outdoor and sports enthusiast, Rich enjoyed going on Bob Marshall horse pack trips, hunting, fishing, boating, gardening, music, card games, woodworking and basketball. 

Rich is survived by his wife Sherry; his son Rick and his wife Buffy; grandchildren Krueger, Konnor and Kiara (Isaiah); great-grandchildren Whillow and Naziah; his son Steve and his wife Jennifer; grandchildren Daniel, Jordan, Mitchell, Jacob and Olivia; and his son David. 

Funeral services will be held on July 9 at the Assumption Church, located 8 miles west of Broadview, with burial to follow below the hill at the Assumption Church Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in Broadview after the graveside service. Instead of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make a donation to the Assumption Church Repair Fund c/o Rick Stiles Jr.