Maurice “Sonny” J. Ferrat was born April 21, 1930 in Spokane, Washington to Maurice and Katie Ferrat.
In 1936 the family moved to the Crow Creek valley of Toston to take over his uncle’s ranch. Maurice graduated from Broadwater High School in 1948 and soon after joined the army to fulfill his compulsory military training. In the Army he completed crane and shovel school and heavy equipment mechanics; skills he was proud to use later in his ranching career. He was stationed in Alaska and brought home numerous memories, many around playing in the Army band.
Maurice married Lucy May Lemon on June 8, 1953. Their first son Michael was born in 1954. Maurice and Lucy returned to Toston and took the opportunity to run the Ferrat place, eventually purchasing it from his parents and siblings. Maurice and Lucy took great pride in this accomplishment.
In the early seventies he was given the opportunity to be one of the first in the nation to breed to Limousin cattle. Over the years he built a reputable herd of Limousin cattle the ranch still runs today.
Maurice’s natural belief of conservation and efficiency served him well as he sat on the soil conservation board for over 20 years. In his years he also served on the Crow Creek School Board and fair board, as well as being active in the American Legion.
Maurice believed in doing things right and usually wasn’t afraid to suggest how something could be done better. He could be a little bit of a perfectionist, maybe even stubborn, and had no qualms about being thrifty.
He loved to show his grandkids, nieces, nephews, and the neighbor children the wonders of life; be it the birth of a calf or a fish in the creek, to how to fork hay or drive a piece of equipment. He loved history, music, the land, chocolate ice cream, a beer with dinner, a good laugh, and his family.
Maurice passed away February 26, 2017 at Broadwater Health Center with family at his side. A proud man is now at peace and free of life’s pain and troubles.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Alex, sons Michael and Randy, and many dear friends.
He is survived by his wife Lucy, daughter-in-law Diann, grandchildren Amanda and John, great-grandson Andrew, sisters Irene (Don) Shearer, Florance Buzzas, Carrie Bang, and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 5th at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway in Townsend. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 6th at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway in Townsend. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Deep Creek Cemetery. A social gathering with cake and coffee will follow the burial at the Highway 12 Café 500 N. Front Street in Townsend. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Maurice’s name to the Mike Ferrat Memorial Fund at The State Bank of Townsend, 400 Broadway Townsend, MT 59644.
“We grow old too soon and too late smart.” Maurice J. Ferrat, March 22, 2016
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 5, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Fuleral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 5, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 6, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 6, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, MT 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday March 6, 2017
Highway 12 Cafe
500 N. Front Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 5, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Fuleral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 5, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 6, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 6, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, MT 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday March 6, 2017
Highway 12 Cafe
500 N. Front Street
Townsend, MT 59644
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jJudy Rauser-Snellman and Frank Snellman says
Maurice and Lucy were very good to me when I was young and I appreciate all they did for me. I helped them work their cows as they were our neighbors and you could always expect a joke or two from Maurice. He was a very special friend, and I will miss his bright smile and laugh.
Diana graveley says
Heaven receives another angel. Memories of Maurice are many and he had such a special funny chuckle when he was joking with everyone. We had some special times with Maurice and Lucy. Because he and Gary served many years on the soil conservation board.
Really do miss those that go before us. RIP Maurice.
Ward and Sherry Scoffield says
Sending our condolences to Maurice’s family. We enjoyed visiting with him the last few years at the Highway 12 Cafe.
Chuck and Lisa Larson says
Many prayers to the Ferrat family. May you all find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of Maurice.