Leslie Leigh (Les) Church
Les bravely and valiantly battled health issues for the last several years and was holding his own until demon Covid-19 came to call. On the evening of November 23, 2021, with family at his side, the angels came to accompany Les on his journey Home for a well-deserved rest.
On August 5, 1960, Leslie Leigh Church was born in Forsyth, Montana to Ethelyn and Charles Church. At that time, the family lived in the area between Sanders and Hysham, Montana. Les joined sisters Terilynn and Karen with Stacey arriving later. In 1968, the family relocated to Melstone and Les grew up there. Small town ethics and values remained with him his entire life. Les’s greatest strength and greatest weakness were the same–he always tried to help anyone that needed it and sometimes got behind on the jobs he had scheduled (which caused many late nights and weekends working at the shop trying to catch up). Les always tried to make certain people got the best price for the best part and took great pride in that.
Les’s dad, Charles, initially worked in the oil field and then bought the repair shop in Melstone, Charley’s Service. Les grew up as a third-generation mechanic (after his grandfather and father). All was not work, though, and Les was even a cheerleader for the girls’ basketball team in high school, as well as playing basketball himself. He was state champion for VICA winning gold medals three years in a row in auto mechanics. He also went to nationals three years in a row ranking in the top 25.
Vehicles always played a major role in Les’s life. He and a friend made a trip to Glendive in 1979 in his Plymouth Barracuda. Les was rolling around on the hood and being silly when a car with two girls stopped–one being Shannon. One thing led to another and they dated for a year, getting married June 7, 1980. Together, they lived several places, including Roundup, Forsyth (twice), and the Portland/Vancouver area. The one constant was that Les was always a mechanic. Finally, the family moved to Miles City in January 1998 and Les went to work for Mac’s Frontierland. In 2010, he opened his own shop, Les’s Repair. Les was proud of being a Senior Master Technician for Ford and even won a cruise from Ford. Sadly, the cruise wasn’t as much fun as it could have been due to rough seas and seasickness.
During these years, the family grew, first with the addition of Josh, then Kirsten, and finally, Hunter. Les loved loading up the RV and having family adventures–whether to visit relatives, new places, or to go boating. Second only to his love of family, was his love of and special talent with vehicles (especially Fords). Les was especially proud of his 1993 Ford F-150 Lightning and his 1965 Ford Fairlane. He enjoyed participating in or watching drag racing. Les was known for his sense of humor and being able to come up with a joke or smart remark for just about any situation.
Les was preceded in death by his parents and many other family members, including uncles and aunts. He is survived by his wife, Shannon; his children, Josh, Kirsten, and Hunter; his sisters Terilynn, Karen (Ken), and Stacey; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Les was especially close to his cousin, Rose, and his aunt Louise. Les also leaves behind many friends.
A memorial service is currently being planned for Spring 2022. If desired, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com .
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Friday May 5, 2023
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 South Center Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Friday May 5, 2023
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 South Center Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Peggy Quinlan Certain says
Shannon, Joshua, Kirsten, and Hunter,
So sorry to hear of Les’ passing.
With sympathy on your loss
and Prayers for your family.
Sincerely, Peggy & Brian Certain
424 rd 527 says
To Leslie Church family, so sorry to hear of Leslie’s passing, he worked on a lot of our vehicles. One memory was a part he ordered from napa,hard to get in for a 68 Ford truck. Maybe couple years later brake parts I stopped complaining about them. He just grinned and said don’t you remember we ordered that part walked over and dug the part out. He will be missed . Prayers for you all. Tom and Lillian Ostendorf
Chris Schlepp says
Prayers for the Church family, sorry to hear of your loss.
Donna & Ivan Orthman says
To Shannon and all Less’s family:
I am so saddened to hear this. I knew he had medical issues, but he always looked so happy when I saw him. He was always a genuine nice person and very honest. I have always been wary of dealing with people with car repairs because they normally don’t pay that much attention to women, when they try to explain what is wrong. He did not do that. There were several times he could have ripped us off, if he were that type of person, but he wasn’t and he never did. He will be missed.
Rob, Sherri, Derek and Braden says
So very sorry for your loss. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Wheeler says
So sorry for your loss. Les was a great mechanic but a greater gentleman he will certainly be missed
Denise Harvey says
All my sincerest prayers for you all! Les will be missed by many. Take care and I hope you find peace in cherished memories.
Denise Harvey
Lori clark says
This hurts my heart. I tried telling him daily that I enjoyed him and his personality . He was a very kind heart man and I will miss him dearly. Bless you les in heaven and bless his family. I pray for ur peace.
Esther Nelson says
Our prayers in the time of your loss and sorrow . May Your LORD Jesus be your comfort …
Jan cornutt says
Jan & DJ Cornutt
It saddens us to here about Less, he was a great guy, now how’s going to work on my car, lol, he was aways fun to visit with, we will pray for his family
Gina says
Church family, I am sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all,
ARIN B RANSOM says
A great neighbor, Mentor and Friend. Les was all that to many people and will be sadly missed
Rick and Dee Abbott says
To each of Les’s family members: We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss! The last time we visited with him at the shop a short time ago, it seemed he was feeling better than he had in some time. We pray that our God envelopes each of you in His comfort, peace and solace.
Ralph Poffenberger says
Down here in Yuma and just saw the passing of Les. So sorry to hear that and prayers for the family. Les was one heck of a guy. Miles City lost a great guy and mechanic
Lori Reierson says
To Les’s family I am so sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed running into to Les and catching up on the old days. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Munroe says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Les was a wonderful guy and a great mechanic. I will surely miss visiting with him! My prayers of comfort go out to you all.
Rod Hendricks says
So sorry to hear about Les ….. I remember as a kid in high school going down to Heberle and seein him and years later being able to work along with him. He was always in a good mood and always smiling and cracking jokes. I will miss my ol friend . Prayers and thoughts for the church family.
Sarah Wagner says
So sorry for your loss! Les was a great guy and mechanic. He put us back together more than once. And his sense of humor. Always a laugh and a smile.
Rose (Keeler) Coblentz says
I am so sorry for your loss. My brother Charles and Les hung out together during their school years. Our families were close. I will be praying for you all.
Karen Morris says
Les was more than just a great mechanic, he was a friend in the real sense of the word. He always made sure I had a vehicle to be able to go feed Jobie–even if he had to loan me one of his. There were a few times he was even able to talk me through on phone on how to do repairs enough to get my vehicle going (if that failed, he always came to the rescue). I will miss bantering back and forth with him. With his good advice, we stocked up on the “usual failure” parts so repairs could be made without a wait. Les was truly one of a kind and his passing leaves shoes that no one else can fill. To say he will be missed is an understatement. I grieve with his family and friends. I have no doubt that the vehicles in Heaven are all purring like kittens now.
Gene & Vickie Schneidt says
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Les. His obituary was well written; he will be greatly missed.
Joe Fredrickson says
Wow I’m speechless. Thank you for all you taught me and always just being my friend no matter the time or distance. I will miss you my friend. Rest Easy gone too soon but never will be forgotten. Thank you for every thing you did for myself and all they guys in our shop at Mac’s.
Karl & Rosella Heberle says
Shannon & Family: Les worked at our Ford Dealership for several years. He was a very good mechanic and also an excellent person. (No job was to hard for Les to handle) He will be missed. Love to all your family….
Jim Rye says
Prayers for the Church family. Les fought the good fight and now he is in Paradise…a good man gone way too soon! RIP Les…
🙏🙏
Terilynn says
Brother, I hardly saw you the last 22 yrs. Busy doing my job. Decided to move back to Montana to roost. Les found the a great car I am driving when I got here in May. I sold mine in Nashville and flew to Montana. I am sad that is last time we were together. I will miss our conversations on the phone. You are with our family that has gone before. And now you are well. Love you brother.
Terri Watson Coldwell says
Shannon and family, I am sorry to hear of Les’s passing. We grew up together for a certain time in Hysham. He was a hoot. Lost track of him until I ran into him in Miles City. I truly hope your memories will carry you through. God Bless
Karen Hough says
I am sorry to hear of Les’s passing. His family can be proud of his many accomplishments. He certainly was a kind person to his family and friends. God bless.
Eloise says
I haven’t seen much of Les in many years but a great memory I have of Les was when he was pestering the girls as we were playing. I don’t remember exactly what we were doing but it involved dolls that kept going missing and turning up in strange places. While we were hunting for one, another was being “dollnapped”. I am not sure that we ever found them all.
Rose Frizzell says
Dear Shannon, Josh, Kirsten, and Hunter, I will so miss him, however, every memory of him is Les and Shannon, not just Les! It was always the two of you and then, Les, Shannon and the kids! The last visit out here we all went to the beach in the motorhome (which fit perfect in the my driveway) and had a great time. Yes Josh and his remote race car with the crowds around watching him, and Kirsten catching crabs with her fishing net, crowds around her amazed!! What a beautiful memory among so many more of our times together. I know how hard it is going to be without your other half, my heart and prayers go out to all of you. Love you lots, Rose
Kris Crosby says
Sorry to hear of Les’ passing. My condolences go out to his family. As a teenager I spent a little over 3 years working with Les at Heberle Ford – working in the wash bay right next to his stall. Les was not only an amazing mechanic, but a unique personality who further set himself apart from others with his incredible knowledge of oddball vehicles or systems that others didn’t. I spent many “open shop” Tuesday nights working on my vehicles with Les’ help. He never would do the the work for me, but he would let me use his bay, and his tools, and walk me through each repair, step by step. I learned so much from Les – I have so many fond memories of him. He may be gone, but I’ll never forget him. Rest in peace Les.
carol watts says
Heatbreaking to hear of this, so sorry for his family’s loss. Les was a great guy, great mechanic and I considered him a good friend. He will be missed by so many, he left behind a legacy to be proud of. Love and prayers for the family.
Tim Donsbach says
Les, my friend, I miss you so much already. Got the news that you have passed on and have gone to be with so many others in heaven. My condolences and prayers are with each of you, his family. I moved here in 2015 from Phoenix with my 1996 F250 7.3l diesel. Les was the first guy I talked to in town, and was the first friend I made here. After getting to know each other, and enjoying our friendship, Les offered me a job. I was elated that he believed in me and that we could enjoy our friendship further. He was super knowledgeable in all areas and was always willing to teach you something and lend his tools so you could complete a job. He was always giving me something as well. Bringing back gifts of tools from Billings, giving me battery operated impacts, and truly being an amazing person and friend. I will miss you more than you know and look forward to seeing you again my friend! I truly enjoyed bumping into you and Josh and just catching up. Les was so much to so many, and he will be truly missed.
Carter Tuttle says
Les was a genuine asset to the community. He and his family operated a business that righted many complicated problems. Given the serious and adverse weather in eastern Montana, the important work he did truly benefits the safety of many people.
I moved to Miles City several years ago, and obtained a degree and fine education at the college there. While the outer community does not welcome an outsider like myself (I am from another county), Les and the other kind people at his business treated me well. I recently graduated and promptly moved away, so it saddens me that Les has passed away. His expertise, sincere interest in helping others, and honest business practices were refreshing during my time in Miles City. I hope his family and friends are well, in honoring the memory, and he can instill a positive example for the people of Miles City.
Vickie krause says
Just scanning the obituaries and was shocked to see Les’s name. So sorry! He was a great kind man & very knowledgeable. Your family is in our prayers. Dennis & Vickie Krause in Kentucky