Dr. Eugene Smith Aby, age 92 of Glendive, Montana, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 surrounded by his family at Riverstone Hospice home in Billings, MT.
Eugene was born on June 7, 1924 in Salida, Colorado. He was a World War II veteran and was in the 10th Mountain Division. He served in Italy and was part of the battle on Mt Belvedere. He went to Colorado State University and earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine. He met the love of his life, Jaralee Meakins and they were married on January 6, 1951. His family was his greatest love. Being a veterinarian was his passion and dedicated his life to his profession.
Eugene was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. He was very artistic. He expressed it through landscaping, sculpting and carving wood. He lived every day as though it was his last. He loved his family, his community and this country. He loved people and their animals. He did the job he was created to do well. He lived a great life and will be missed greatly. His wife of 65 years preceded him in death on April 18, 2016. He is survived by his four children: Tammy (Ken) Lunde, Jody (Marc) Applegate, Gina (Casey) Thiel, Bart (Abby) Aby; 13 grandchildren Jason (Julie), Lance (Caitlin), Levi, Markala (Chris), Kelly (Molly), Kyle (Becky), Craig (Meg), Cassie (Josh), Tiffany (Andrew), Ashley, Whitney, Eli, Alyse and 15 great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends on Friday, June 17, 2016 from 4:00-6:00 at the Glendive United Methodist Church in Glendive. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Glendive United Methodist Church in Glendive. Interment will follow at the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials are suggested to be written to: The Family of Eugene Aby, 2200 N Anderson, Glendive, MT. 59330. The donations will go to the Riverstone Hospice Home.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday June 17, 2016
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday June 18, 2016
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday June 18, 2016
Dawson Memorial Cemetery
Glendive, Montana 59330
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday June 17, 2016
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday June 18, 2016
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday June 18, 2016
Dawson Memorial Cemetery
Glendive, Montana 59330
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Ken and Vicki Hess says
Sorry to hear of Docs passing. Was a highly respected man.
Becky Tipton says
Aby family I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a amazing man both through his job and personal life! Cherish your memories and hold them close they will help get you through the difficult days ahead. Rest in Peace Doc
Becky (Chouinard) Tipton
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
Dear Aby family,
We spent many, many hours with Doc Aby as he tended to our livestock and pets. He was a treasured friend and will be sorely missed. He was simply a wonderful person. We ranched in Dawson County for nine years and prior to that in Prairie County. He could be counted on to come when we needed him, whatever the hour of night or day. You will be in our prayers.
Jim and Mary Ann Liles
Kent and Christie Liles says
Doc Aby RIP Knew doc for many years. Could tell many stories about him, all good. Always a friendly guy, in later years when met it took awhile to get the conversation over. Our condolences to the family.
Jim and Linda OConnor says
Thanks, Doc, for your loving care and compassion for several of our pets. You were a remarkable vet and friend. You will be missed.
Holly Vallard says
Is hard to imagine never seeing that wonderful smile of Doc’s again. It was my privelage and honor to know him and Jerry. They are together again and I will miss them. When anyone brought up his name I could only describe him as “the most wonderful, kindest man I ever knew” Tammi, Gina, Jodi and Bart, treasure the mounds of memories you all have, my heart is with you all
Diane Grote says
Gina and family. Blessings of memories of a long beautiful life but losing both of your parents in this time is heart wrenching , but they just couldn’t live in Christ apart. I pray for you. Love you
Pamela Bilyeu says
Sorry for your loss Aby family. Great memories of a great man. Doc and my dad David Strobel could talk for hours. All creatures Great and Small will be well cared for in heaven.
George & Suzy Samuelson says
Tammy, Jody, Gina and Bart…
How tough to lose them both..especially in such a short time. Geno was a dear friend and we shared many great times…
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Soto Family says
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the whole Aby Family.
It was a Honor too have met Both Father and Mother.
Marilyn Starrett says
Gene was a fine man and a wonderful uncle. As a child I stayed with Jerry and Gene for a month or so every summer. Gene always bought a gentle horse for me for the time I was there. He took me on calls over much of eastern Montana and let me help with surgeries. I once helped him pull a breech calf out of an ailing cow.
He and Jerry were the best. Period. I love them and miss them.
My cousins, Tammy, Jody, Gina and Bart took wonderful care of both of them over the last year or two. They showed the courage and strength and humor they learned from Jerry and Gene. I am lucky, blessed to be in this family.
Tom and Evelyn Lohman says
Thoughts and prayers to the family of Jerry and Dr. Aby during this most difficult time! May the wonderful memories help ease the pain! They were a great pillar in the community of Glendive and a friend to all. Four beautiful children will carry on many of the Aby traditions as they continue through life with their families! God Bless!
Leslie Micheletto says
Aby family, Gene and I are so sorry to hear of Doc’s passing. There was never a time that he didn’t smile that big smile and visit. He took wonderful care of all our pets and for that we are thankful. He certainly loved them and was so gentle. He will be missed. Sincerely, Gene & Leslie Micheletto
Lory and Duane Heltemes says
Gene and your mama were awesome people in our community and will be missed immensely. May God grant you all peace in the upcoming days. Sorry I won’t be there this weekend as I’m flying but hugs and prayers to you all.
Sherry & Arvid Corneliusen says
Aby family, sorry to hear of Doc’s passing. He was a wonderful vet and always had that great smile We would have good visits at the Extension Office when he would come up in recent years. He is with your Mom now. Cherish the memories! Thinking and praying for you all.
Barbara (Woods) Hickerson says
Uncle Gene will be missed greatly. My love and thoughts are with you all.
Diane Hatterscheid Hoffman says
What a wonderful person! Sorry for your loss… I always enjoyed seeing Doc Aby at the clinic. Always thought he was the best!
Mike Jones says
Great man, great friend to our family. We will all miss you.
Verle and Pat Jones
Mike and Karen
Jerry Sauther says
Words cannot express the admiration I had for Doc and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God Bless all of you and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherilyn Danielson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will always remember Doc’s beautiful smile and kindness. May the days ahead be filled with all the special memories you have. Sherilyn Senner Danielson
Laura Grzanic says
Both Doc and Mrs Aby were so good to my father William John Grzanic and his beloved assistant dogs Seely and Skeeter. My Dad had a bell made out of huge ammo shell that Doc would ring and the horses would come running from the pasture. Many long visits and rides both Doc and Mrs Aby provided for my Dad. There were truly very good friends to him. So sorry for your loss of your beloved parents. Laura Grzanic – Belfield, ND
Louis Merchen says
Not only was Gene a great vet, he was also a wonderful neighbor when we lived in Glendive. He spoiled us for vet services, when we moved to Laurel we almost had to take out a loan to pay for the care of our pets and horses. We will forever have wonderful memories of him. I believe he was a man after Gods heart. Our prayers to all of you. Louis and Bodil Merchen – Laurel
sally zerie says
My deepest prayers and thoughts go out to all of you in your loss. A great man with a great love for all animals. He took great care of mine and gave me great advice regarding them. He will be greatly missed by all.
Linda Cook says
What a heartbreaking loss for all of you. Your Dad (and mom) were amazing people. As stated by everyone above, you’re dad was an excellent vet, truly caring about the furry family members, he was a true hero serving in WWII, he was a real stand up guy in this community, that will never be replaced, he was an example to aim for to his children, and from what he’s told me about you all, you are exceptional people, he was a loving husband and although I didn’t know him personally, only professionally, he was a loyal friend . I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sorry we all suffer the loss of your dad.
Peggy Wilson Latrielle says
My father, a county extension agent from Prairie County until his death in 1973, considered your father a dear friend. We heard many positive things about “Doc Aby” while we were growing up. We lost our mother this past January. We will be thinking of you as you, too, adapt to losing your last parent.
Allen & Patsy Fercho says
Dear Abby family…we are so sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather and great-grandfather. My dad used to have a saying when he was still with us. Whenever he was not feeling well or sick he would tell us to take him to Doc Abby as we had never lost an animal or a pet due to his care. We all had great respect for him and his abilities. But what I loved most of all about him…he always had time to just talk. He was a great DOC ! Our Love and Prayers are with all of you!
Dr. Rawlin and Chris Ann Herigstad says
Aby family, Deepest condolences. May Dr. Aby rest in peace; all the work is done. Dr. Aby was the inspiration for my becoming a veterinarian. He was on the Montana Board of Veterinary Examiners in 1965 and signed my veterinary license. We had a great mutual respect. The veterinary profession lost a great man. My heart is with you Saturday as you celebrate his life.
Kristi Ragar says
Tammy, Jodi, Gina and Bart, you have our deepest heartfelt sympathy during this very difficult time. Your dad was a wonderful friend to our family and showed such kindness and compassion with our many beloved pets. I have fond memories of helping him at the clinic when I was wanting to go to vet school. Gene was one in a million and made our world a better place. Bless you all. Kristi Bergland Ragar, Sherry and Dale Bergland
Vance Kaufman says
So sorry to hear of you loss. May you find strength in each other and the many fond memories you have made with you dad.
Dwight and ReNee'Odenbach says
Dear Aby Family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Doc and Jerry is such a short time. Doc was so good to us and even made house calls a time or two. It was always reassuring to have him, Jerry, Tammy, Ken and family just down the the road! Prayers now for comfort and strength. We already miss him.
Dr. Gordon E. Woods says
I love my Uncle Gene. Many warm memories are mine from the times I spent with him in Colorado and Montana. Distance kept us from getting to know each other better, but there was always a close relationship when together on the phone or in person. My fondest memories are from the summer spent in Glendive, Montana. Gona’ miss you Unk., but I’m looking forward to seeing your again – soon.
Love,
Gordon
Deb Jones says
His smile and kindness from the day I first moved to Glendive and opened my grooming shop in 1995 and for as long as I lived there , I am so grateful for.
Best wishes to the Aby family,
Debbie Jones, Great Grooms
Virginia Grubaugh Johnston says
Tammy and Ken, what a unbeliable hard time to lose both parents in such a short time. May or precious God give you peace and comfort in this time. You will be in my prayers–Much love, Virginia Grubaugh Johnston
Mark Meakins says
Doc Aby, Uncle Gene
My hero forever. I miss him so much.