Wallace (Wally) W. Owens of White Sulphur Springs, Montana passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Mountainview Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs with his daughters by his side. He was 90 years old.
Wallace was born on December 1, 1933 to Willett and Anna (Wallace) Owens in a log cabin in Ekalaka, Montana. He was raised on ranches in the Camp Crook, S.D. area. As the oldest of 6, his help was needed to work the ranch, and he often missed more school than he attended, riding his horse up to 10 miles to get to school. In the winter, Wallace would hitch a team of horses to a sled to take his siblings to school. By the age of 9, he spent his summers herding sheep several miles from home. His younger brother Vern brought him supplies occasionally and would be the only person Wallace would see for weeks.
Wallace left home at the age of 16 to earn a living, working various jobs on ranches, construction, truck driving, bronc riding and eventually worked for the Forest Service for 28 years. Through these jobs, he became a jack of all trades and could do almost anything, including building his own house with Marie’s help.
Wallace met Marie Rail through mutual friends at a rodeo in Camp Crook and he took her to the rodeo dance that night. After dating for a couple of years, they were married on November 20, 1955. They had three daughters; Carol Ann, Nora Marie, and Donna Rae. In the early 60’s, Wallace was hauling logs for Knapp’s Sawmill. After losing his brakes going downhill with a load of logs, which totaled his truck, he went to work for the Forest Service and in 1972 he transferred from Camp Crook to White Sulphur Springs, retiring in 1994. Although his title was “Engineering Tech,” his favorite summer was spent on horseback assessing and working trails. Marie passed away in 1993. Wallace married Colleen Halverson in 1994. Wallace loved to travel, especially visiting the “old west,” first with Marie and later with Colleen. He and Colleen spent several weeks driving to and all around Alaska, and went south for a couple of months for several winters.
In 1998, Thad Hereim asked Wallace if he would night calve for him and this began a 20 plus year working relationship, enabling Wallace to return to his favorite vocation- ranching, which he did into his late 80’s. He loved riding, working cows, even haying- anything to do with ranching (except sheep!). He was a cowboy to the end.
Wallace was preceded in death by his wife Marie, 2nd wife Colleen, grandson Trevor Odell, daughter Carol Odell, son-in-law Gene Odell, as well as his parents and two brothers.
Wallace is survived by his daughters Nora (Berry Bergan), Donna (Steve Mattson), grandsons Chancey Odell (Meghan), Eric Mattson (Cindy), Joshua Mattson (Jeannette), granddaughter Amy Bergan Herran (Josh) as well as great and great-great grandchildren, 3 sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, and a special friend Shirley Wood.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 4-7pm at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs. Funeral services will take place on Friday, February 23, 2024 at the Yoked Parish in White Sulphur Springs starting at 11am. Burial will follow to Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs. A reception at the Senior Center in White Sulphur Springs will be held after the burial. Condolences in memory of Wally can be sent to stevensonwilke.com.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00pm to 7:00pm
Thursday February 22, 2024
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 East Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Funeral Service
11:00am
Friday February 23, 2024
Yoked Parish
411 East Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Friday February 23, 2024
Mayn Cemetery
Cemetery Road
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Friday February 23, 2024
Senior Center
101 SE First Ave.
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00pm to 7:00pm
Thursday February 22, 2024
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 East Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Funeral Service
11:00am
Friday February 23, 2024
Yoked Parish
411 East Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Friday February 23, 2024
Mayn Cemetery
Cemetery Road
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Friday February 23, 2024
Senior Center
101 SE First Ave.
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
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Red Lovec says
Wally was my dad’s first cousin, I met him at several family reunions, he was a glentleman, present to visit with. He usually had a black dog with him, the dog stayed by his side,I will miss him at future gatherings. God will take care of him. Several years ago we had dinner with Wally at Wilsall.
Darci Shane says
Not a kinder man has walked this earth. A friend to all creatures—2 legged or 4 legged. Always enjoyed a visit with Wally. He will be missed by many. Happy Trails Wally!
Phil and Connie Cook says
We loved Wally and his whole family. Nora and Barry have been special friends for many years.
Or hearts are joined with the remaining family as you walk through this valley.
Sending big hugs in the heart! ❤️
Robert J (Bob) Gardiner says
Wally was a good, honest, hardworking man whom I enjoyed working with at the Forest Service. When Wally retired, he recommended me to replace him and I will be forever grateful for his confidence and support which eventually lead to a position in the engineering department at the Supervisors Office in Great Falls. The ceremony today was a beautiful tribute to a remarkable colleague and friend. His was a life well lived. RIP
Brad and Linda Abelseth says
Wally was a man that remained the same true person over the years. Had not seen him for some years but it was like the years hadn’t passed by. Hugs to the family.