Michael Ames, age 87, of Glendive passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the Wibaux County Nursing Home in Wibaux.
Michael Erastus Ames, born June 24, 1924 to Edwin Howard Ames and Mary Margaret (Lambert) Ames in Mildred MT, the youngest of seven children. He spent his younger years helping his father in the family garage business and running errands for his mom. He started school at a young age, even then he made an impact on those around him as the neighbor boy wouldn’t go to school unless Mike went with him. Consequently he was the youngest person in his graduating class in Savage MT, he was not only 16 but he also graduated as Salutatorian.
The next few years were spent farming and ranching on the Ames homestead located near Intake with his older brothers Edwin and Edward. Mike worked at neighboring ranches until his brother Edward became seriously ill and Mike returned to help Edwin.
On May 22, 1953 Mike married Florence Harriet Mitchell in Miles City, MT. Mike and Harriet had four children as well as adopting three more.
Mike had various careers over the years including heavy equipment construction, oilfield troubleshooting, diesel mechanic, and ended his working life as an engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad. The job he enjoyed the most was engineering where he spent 20 years until his retirement in 1991.
Mike loved his family and one of his favorite things to do was going camping with them all. Many family vacations were spent camping, agate hunting, and rock hunting. He also loved to tinker around in his garage and his word games.
Holiday times were extremely important to Mike. One tradition originated with Mike that his family grew to cherish was the reading of the Christmas story from the bible and singing Christmas carols ending with “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.
He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Edwin, Edward, Francis, and Donald: and two sisters Margaret and Dorothy; and son Gerald “Jerry” Ames.
Mike is survived by his wife Harriet; children, son Thomas (Mary Lee) Ames of Glendive MT, and daughters Patsy (Allen) Fercho of Glendive MT, Glenda (Bill) Newhouse of Rapid City SD, and Michelle “Shelly” Ames of Billings MT, son Tyler (Samantha) Ames of Missoula MT, and son Samuel Ames of Glendive MT; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Mike will be loved and missed by all leaving behind a great name and lasting legacy.
Visitation will begin on Monday, May 28, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Glendive followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Glendive. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Dawson County 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.
Memorials for Mike may be sent to the Wibaux County Nursing Home.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday May 28, 2012
Assembly of God Church
Glendive, MT 59330
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday May 28, 2012
Assembly of God Church
Glendive, MT 59330
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Dick Culver says
To a man I`ve always respected and a family I`ve always loved. My condolences.
Dick
406-853-1060
Tyler Pust says
Tom and Family My prayers with you and your family.
Laura Kesler Quiroz says
My deepest sympathies are with your family at this difficult time. I’m sure that when Uncle Mike reached the heavenly gates he found my mother there waiting to great him, and welcome the last of the “Ames Kids” back into the family circle.
Colette & Dave Wilburn says
Harriet and family,
Our sincerest condolences to all of you on Mike’s passing. We’ll always remember him and the great outlook he had on life. Our thoughts are with you.
“Old” friends
Colette & Dave Wilburn
Kurt Schumacher says
My sincere condolences to Mike’s family. I just recently found out that Mike had passed. I worked with Mike on the railroad for a number of years until I left Glendive. He was a true gentleman and never said an unkind word about anyone. At times he was quiet when everyone else was trying to talk at the same time but I attribute that to him being so intelligent and figured he learned at an early age that you learn more by listening than talking. I loved working with Mike and always listened when he talked because I knew I was going to learn something from him. He had many experiences in life, some comical and some downright serious. I am honored to have known him well enough that he shared many of them with me.