On July 21st Gene Grist passed away doing what he loved, working on the Diamond Ring ranch, surrounded by his friends. He was 74 years old.
Eugene (Gene) was born on March 11, 1948 in Miles City, Montana to Lyle (Bud) and Marjorie (Margie) Grist. He was raised on the Grist ranch north of Sheep Mountain. In 1971 he met the loves of his life, Norma Reed and her daughter Dawn. On October 10, 1972, they were married and soon after Gene adopted his daughter Dawn Grist. In 1973 Brad Grist joined the family.
Gene discovered leather working around the age of 15 while in 4-H. He became well known for his craftsmanship in the local area. His skills ranged from making and repairing saddles to tooling simple belts, clocks, purses and almost any leather project, including wall hangings, all the to way up to fancy Chinks for the rodeo cowboys. Gene’s largest project was reupholstering the bar in Goplen’s Bar and Cafe. One of his leather projects that made he used every morning with the coffee crew at the Four Corners Convenience store. Gene also enjoyed being a dealer for Montana Silversmith’s and supplied the yearly numbered award/commemorative buckles for the Brockway Dairy Day Rodeo.
Gene also enjoyed the sport of bowling, Through the years he participated in leagues located in Circle, to Miles City and Glendive. He and Norma competed in several Montana State Bowling Tournaments in the Mixed Doubles division.
Gene looked forward to his yearly hunting expeditions with his brother Bill and the rest of the crew in western Montana. Mainly to the West Yellowstone area in the Red Rock Refuge, and even one year to the Bob Marshal Wilderness area. Gene also enjoyed hosting our “Michigan Hunters” every year on the Grist Ranch.
In 1997 Gene and Norma sold their part of the ranch and moved into Terry where they bought Beanie and Edna Rogerson’s Rock Shop and converted it into a Made in Montana shop and an outlet for his leatherwork. He later realized his skill in building custom barnwood frames. He even dabbled in boot and shoe repair.
Gene enjoyed driving the North Side bus route for many years. After moving to town he drove the Fallon bus route and many school and sport activity trips.
In 2003 he went back to his true passion of being a farmer and reluctant ranch hand on the Diamond Ring ranch west of Terry, Montana. Farming at the Diamond Ring entailed a slight learning curve. Coming from dry land farming to irrigated flat land he discovered the difference between plowing the fields in the standard practice to “Farming by going round and round in the field.”
He dotted on his granddaughter and several “adopted” grandkids. Gene also enjoyed playing board games with the family. His latest interest was learning to use a laser etcher, learning how to engrave on leather, glass and other items.
Gene was proceeded in death by his son Brad Grist, parents Bud and Margie Grist, his brother Bill Grist, and nephew Cory Grist. He is survived by his wife Norma Grist, daughter Dawn (Keith) Olson. Granddaughter Jordyn Olson. Sister In-Law Cathy Grist, Nephew Kelly (Amber) Grist, brother in-laws Bob (Bev) Hellman and Dale (Jaynee) Hellman.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to the Prairie County Ambulance Service.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 with family receiving friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. A graveside will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. at the Prairie County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wednesday August 3, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Graveside Service
12:30 PM
Wednesday August 3, 2022
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Wednesday August 3, 2022
The American Legion
112 Logan Avenue
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wednesday August 3, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Graveside Service
12:30 PM
Wednesday August 3, 2022
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Wednesday August 3, 2022
The American Legion
112 Logan Avenue
Terry, Montana 59349
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Troy and JoDee Hess says
Thoughts and prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Tim and Diane says
So very sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Tim and I will be thinking of you in the days to come.
Arlen & Alice Miller says
Sorry to hear of Gene”s passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Michele Steyh says
Normally and Dana: so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Keeping you in my prayers.
Michele Steyh says
Norma and Dana: so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Keeping you in my prayers.
MARK DOLATTA says
THE FAMILY OF GENE I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT GENE’S PASSING MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU
Todd Devlin says
So sorry. My God give you peace
Lois Steffonich says
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to Norma and all the family. Grists were great neighbors on the farm north of Terry. Many good memories. Lois(Murphy) and Neal Steffonich
Judy Nerud says
Norma, If there is a heaven, Gene is racing towards those Pearly Gates in a Corvette. Thinking about you and the kids during this sad time. RIP Gene.
Ben Eileen Strad & Kent says
Dear Grist family, We are so sorry to hear of Gene passing away. He was a great person. We will all miss him. We have you in our thoughts & prayers. God bless you all
Ron and Connie Watts says
Such a special friend and wonderful man. Gene and I bowled together for around 30 years. There might have been a shenanigan or 2 over the years. I have no doubt that him and Ryan are reminiscing and about our bowling team adventures and state trips right now!!
Pam Rogge says
Norma and family, prayers and condolences to you at this time and in the days ahead. Agree with Ron that there are some good bowling conversations going on!
Aliceann Carlton says
Norma and family, Scott and I offer condolences and prayers for peace and comfort to you.
Blessings of love and ease of hearts.
Fran & Bill Fleckenstein says
Norma and Family, We are so sorry for your loss, sending prayers for all.
Kim Smarsh says
Norma, my sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your husband.
Richard Moline says
With great sadness I learned of my cousin’ Gene’s passing. I have so many memories from our youth with cousins Gene and Billy, the Shennum kids and the Guldborg kids, along with my brother and sister! Thanksgiving was always at the Grist Grandparents–always enjoyed Gene and Bill’s toys. Christmas was always held at Knuet Guldborgs’ with ice skating on the dam. Then we all enjoyed New Year’s at Henry Guldborg’s where we had fun stuffing Billy down the second story clothes chute. RIP Gene.
Marty & Jeanette O'Dea says
Our deepest sympathy at your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gene was such a good person and always had a smile.. He will be missed. RIP
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles says
Dear Norma & family,
I am sorry to learn of Gene’s passing and to lose another good friend. We had many good times together. Gene was so talented. My prayers to you.
Mary Ann Liles
Eddy and Maudie McGlothlin says
Wishing you peace and comfort in this time of sorrow
Jane Shennum Spain says
I was so sorry to hear about my cousin, Gene, passing away. I have such fond memories of growing up with the Grist boys, Gene and Bill, the Moline cousins and the Guldborgs. Our large family gatherings on holidays were special and FUN! I will always remember Gene’s smile! God Bless you all and cherish your memories.
Craig & Jerianne Dunnam says
Norma and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all over the loss of Gene. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23)
Doug Benge says
Norma:
My condolences on Gene’s passing. You and all of the Grist family were very loyal clients for many years as well as good friends. And, Gene’s prowess at the bowling alley was not to be overlooked. I am richer for knowing him. Best wishes to all.
Mike Archdale says
So sorry to hear the sad news of Gene. I enjoyed myself every time I stopped at the Made in Montana shop.
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Norma and family
So sorry for your loss of Gene. He was always so pleasant to be around. We have a few of his handiwork projects that are cherished pieces of art. Cherish your memories.
Burt, Monique, Kael, and Isis Keltner says
Gene was one of a kind! Always enjoyed catching up with him whenever the opportunity arose. Rest well, Gene!
Jane Huber says
Norma and family, saying prayers that God will touch you with His healing hand and give you comfort and strength. 🙏🙏🙏
Judy Shennum-(Rosebeck-Dodd) says
My heart just aches for your family. Gene was the cousin my age. We had the best childhood with all the parties & cousins! After we all grew up and went our separate ways I never saw Gene but I have wonderful memories of him! I really regret now I didn’t stay in touch. I had no idea he was so talented! I knew he was a wonderful person We just had the best times together going down the clothes chute from the top of a two story house to basement. We laughed so much & I remember all the good food those poor women spent all day cooking & cleaning up while we played!! I would love to see Gene’s leather work, When I ever get to Brockway maybe Jane & I will come see the love of his life, Norma, I would love to meet you. God Bless your family, you will be watched over & blessed So very sorry.
Linda Koehler says
Dear Norma, Jordyn, Dawn and Keith…
Words convey so little when hearts feel so much. I loved Euge like a brother; he was such a good friend to the Koehler family. Koehen and Kim are so grateful for their good visit with him in June. I’m just positive he and Walt are talking (?) like crazy… I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers..
💔
Myra and Kevin Thoeny says
May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort as you struggle with this pain, Norma, Dawn, and family. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for you all.
Ken Gardner says
Norma my condolences go out to you and the family. I have fond memories of you and Grene back in high school you guys are great friends. Wishing the best for you and the family.
judi cramer says
seems like the men are gathering up for some big party and waiting for us to join and on the banks of the Jorden we will shout and sing and give praise to God our King.
Margie C Jacobsen says
Oh Norma, Dawn & Jordyn, I’m so sorry to read about Gene. I could always tell how much he meant to you. Strength to you as you face missing Gene. Norma, I think of you often and am sending you sympathy.