Jay Ernest (Ern) Twitchell age 75 of Jordan, MT passed away December 22, 2017 peacefully from complications from a stroke.
Jay was born September 23, 1942 in Jordan, Mt. He was the son of Walter and Grayce (West) Twitchell. He was one of six children including; Jane Wille, Joe Twitchell, Jadee Wilken, Judd Twitchell, and Jerry Twitchell. Jay attended Flat Creek country school through the 8th grade and graduated from GCHS in 1960. He attended college in Billings, Mt at Eastern Montana College studying Forestry. He spent 1.5 years at college before moving home to help on the ranch after his dad suffered a heart attack. He was drafted into the army in 1964 and served 2 years during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic.
Jay and Gayle (Sloan) Twitchell were married on July 4, 1965; to this loving union 3 children were born; Travis, Troy and Toni. Jay also shared a special relationship with his nephew, Mike. Jay and Gayle made their home on the family ranch northeast of Jordan. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage. Jay lived life with an enthusiasm that few experience. He loved visiting and any stranger quickly became a friend. Jay’s favorite times were spent at Stubby’s with a cold Budweiser, cigarette, half a peanut, and a good friend. He liked spending time with his grandkids and buzzing around the ranch in his bug. One of his family’s favorite memories is of Jay and his cat Blue riding around in the tractor or bug.
Jay served many years on the Flat Creek school board and was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Jay is survived by his wife, Gayle; 3 children; Travis (Charity) Twitchell, Troy (Autumn) Twitchell, Toni (Lee) Murnion; grandkids-Zach, Cody, Destiny, Kaycee, Kevin, Brice, Cole, Kendra, Brenna, Jason, Jaelin and Brody; his sisters- Jadee & Jane, brothers-Joe (Anita), Judd (Eva), and Jerry; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, special friend Hoolie Edwards, and 2 brothers-in-law –Sterling Wille & John Wilken.
Memorials may be made to the Jordan Ambulance Service.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 27, 2017
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
Jordan, MT 59337
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 28, 2017
Jordan High School Gymnasium
Jordan, MT 59337
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday December 28, 2017
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, MT 59337
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 27, 2017
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
Jordan, MT 59337
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 28, 2017
Jordan High School Gymnasium
Jordan, MT 59337
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday December 28, 2017
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, MT 59337
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Karen Barnes says
To all of Jays family – my deepest sympathy. I so plainly remember Jay coming in to my office at the Pioneer Garage when he was in town just to say Hi and pass the time of day. I always enjoyed our visits so much. He was a one in a million guy – you just couldn’t help liking him. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Bill & Madonna Ryan says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need, I’m sure he will be missed by all…
Mark Teresa Cadance Hougardy says
Jay was the kindest man I ever met. Stubbys won’t be the same without him. I’m glad he was someone we could call a friend. Thank you Jay for your friendship you will be missed. Gail And family may you hold your memories of him in your heart and treasure them dearly. Jay touched so many lives on Earth and I can imagine the good times he is having in Heaven. Until we meet again RIP Jay.
Gerome and Rita Wemmer & family says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Such a kind and funny man. Remember him fondly when I was young and working at the Harolds Bar and Supper Club. He will be missed by so very many. Gods hands to hold each and every one. Our prayers are with you.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Gail,Travis,Troy and Families,
Our deepest sympathy to you all, We will miss all his stories and Tim talks often of all the days of working with him. He will be missed as he was a wonderful man. Remember all the good times to help you thru the bad. God bless you all
Howard Shawver says
Twitchell Family
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jay’s passing. He was truly one of a kind. He always had time for a visit and was a great story teller. RIP Jay you will be dearly missed.
Mary (Muff) Engdahl says
To all of the Twitchell families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a wonderful man, so many memories through the years. His big smile and kind heart will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
GARY AND PAT HELM says
GAIL AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JAY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AT THIS TIME AND KNOW THAT OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, OUR BEST FROM THE GARY HELM FAMILIES
Jerilyn Schaffhausen says
Dear Gayle, Travis Toni and Troy:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and the entire Twitchell family during this time. Our hearts broke when we heard the sad news. The Montana landscape will be forever changed with the loss of Jay, but his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, the warmth of his friendship, the laughter, the stories he told and all of the memories made over the years will live forever within us. He was truly “one of a kind” and we feel blessed to have known him and we cherish every minute spent with him. Unfortunately, due to a prior family commitment, we are unable to make it out to Montana to celebrate Jay’s life, but will visit the ranch soon to share our fond memories of Jay.
Sending our love, Tom and Jerilyn Schaffhausen
Mary kindt says
Gail and family, Our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one, prayers for all the families and know our thought s are with you during this time
Tom and Corrie Enander says
+JMJ+ Dear Gail, Travis and entire family and friends, My deepest sentiments and prayers for your father and you all. May Our Lord and Our Lady be your support and hope on this Most Blessed Christmas Day. God Bless you and Mary Keep you! A.M.D.G. Ad Jesum per Mariam, Tom and Corrie Enander
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry to hear thoughts and prayers to all the families
Jackie Currey says
Gail and family…. My heart was heavy the day I heard about Jay. He was one of those fellows that made Garfield County great. It sure won’t be the same without him… but it was better because of him!!! I keep all of you in my prayers. May God bless you with beautiful memories that bring you peace and joy… Rest In Peace dear Jay.
Linda Rogers says
To the Twitchell family, Was so sorry to hear this sad news, I remember Jay as fun and a family man, praying for your comfort and peace.
Don Schofield says
Gail, Judd, Eva and Twitchell families
We are so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. He was always a good hunting companion. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you travel through these difficult times. A good memory each day will make you smile.
Don Schofield and families
Doug Ellingson says
Gail and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Jay. One of the friendliest men around. He always took the time for a word or two. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Diane and Doug
Glenn Crawford says
My thoughts and prayers are with Jay’s family and friends. One of those people you never forget.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
To all of the Twitchell families,,,,May God be with all of you as you say goodbye to Jay,,,he was a one in a million kind of guy,,,he always had time to chat and was always a joy to be around,and will be missed terribly by his family,,his community,,and all who knew him!
Tonya South says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jay was a great guy and will be missed alot by many. Our prayers are with you all.
Sonny Lockwood and Sandy Stahl says
Our thoughts are with you. We aren’t going to be able to attend the services, but will be thinking of you all.
Tom and Claudia Stanton says
Gail and Families,
Our sympathy goes out to you all. May you find peace in the good memories of the past and to help
you get through the many days ahead. May Gods be with each and everyone of you.
Louise Twitchell says
Well it’s hard to say goodbye. But we all have to make that final ride. Not all the broncos we saddled were rideable but we have to give it our best try. There were some good ones and then there were the ones no one could ride. Happy trails old friend . We look on you kindly and share our memories with those you left behind. Thinking of you all
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Our sincere sympathy to all of Jay’s family. The Davis’s will always treasure our Haxby tour last year with Jay and Ernie as our guides, and we loved his stories! And Stubby’s will never be the same! Always cherish your fond memories of one great guy that will be missed by so many.
Donald John and Alice Cameron says
Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of Jay’s family. We won’t be able to be in Jordan but our thoughts will be there.
Deborah Wagner says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jay’s family. Like to think dad (Dale Bond) and Jay are enjoying a cold one. The family of Dale & Ruth Bond
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt prayers go out to all of the Twitchell families. Heavy hearts recall happy memories and events that have been shared over lifetimes. May God walk with each of you and may your happy memories be of a comfort to you. Those we love are never truly gone from us so long as we hold them in our hearts and memories. Jay will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Jay.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Gayle, Travis, Troy and Toni and families, all of Jay’s brothers and sisters and extended family and friends, I am so sorry to see that Jay has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jay was one of the good ole boys of Garfield County and he sure will be missed. God bless all of you as you mourn his loss. Sincerely, Diane
Mike Archdale says
Twitchell Family,
I became acquainted with the Twitchell Family in December of 1963. My Dad, Jimmy Archdale had a BLM fencing contract near Twitchell’s. Wonderful family. Jimmy Archdale always spoke very highly of the Twitchells. Multiple reasons helpful as individuals and family, great visitors, story tellers and let us not forget the horses the Twitchells rode. Tough to let go of another thread that links me to my Dad. Twitchells great family. Rest in peace in Jay.
Jerianne and Craig Dunnam says
To the Twitchell Family
The family of Dick and Betty Chezum hold you in our hearts and prayers. We remember your kind friendship and hospitality whenever we meet.
Joyce Bateman says
So sad to hear of Jay’s passing. The Twitchells were true family friends in every sense of the word. I loved going out to ranches with my dad, and I always remember looking forward to a stop at the Twitchell ranch. Jay always had a smile and a laugh for all visitors. My condolences to his family.
Frank Bain says
I first met Jay and his family when I was a “bone digger” on the Twitchell ranch in 1968. Jay was the first real “cowboy” I had ever met and we became instant friends. The 3 summers I spent on the Twitchell Ranch digging dinosaurs was truly one of the best experiences I’ve every had in my life and I’m so thankful that Jay was a part of that experience. I only found out about his passing today when I was starting to plan a trip to Montana to see my friends. My first deer hunt was with Jay, he taught me how to ride a horse and all about life on a ranch, experiences I’ll never forget. Thank you so much Jay, I’ll never forget you, Rest in Peace my friend.