Monte Layne Eayrs, age 68, passed away at the Glendive Medical Center on August 15, 2022, after a courageous, hard-fought battle with cancer.
He was born to Ralph “Dutch” and Dorothy (Dolson) Eayrs in Glasgow, MT on August 22, 1953. He joined his brother, Jack, and was soon the big brother to his three sisters, Tracie, Colleen, and Kristi. Monte grew up on the Milk River where he developed his hard work ethic and love of raising cattle and seed stock. Throughout his childhood, the Eayrs showed Angus cattle all over Eastern MT. During high school, he wrestled for the Scotties, and his coach, Mr. Kato, left a lifelong impact on Monte.
In 1971 after graduating from Glasgow High School, he attended MSU Bozeman for two non-consecutive quarters and decided that the cowboy way of life was for him. In 1974 he married Nina Ewing and with this union, his daughter Kathryn was born. During these years, Monte worked on ranches from the red desert of Wyoming to the Canadian Border and always had a job at the Cornwell Ranch. He also partnered with Sherm Ewing, running cattle from Hardin to Browning.
In 1987, Monte and Stephanie Helland were wed, and they soon welcomed their three sons Logan, Mark, and Paul. They made their home north of Glasgow, ranching and raising Black Angus bulls as seed stock alongside Dorothy. In 2001, the opportunity presented itself to the family to purchase a real ranch southeast of Fallon. They moved and called Cabin Creek home.
Monte will be remembered as a family man, storyteller, an old-school real stockman, a genealogical history buff, and cowboy. He was humble, dedicated, and methodical. Monte never believed in taking shortcuts in life, always electing to do things the right way. He raised four wonderful children and was very proud of each of them. Monte was blessed with five grandkids, they were the light of his life. He will be dearly missed, but we will continue to see his presence in the cattle herd he built and the lessons he taught us. When Monte was diagnosed with cancer, rather than asking for prayers for himself, he asked everyone to pray for rain.
Monte leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Stephanie; daughter Kathyrn (Jay) Dahlstrom of Picabo, ID; sons Logan (Kacie) of Ismay, MT, Mark of Fallon, MT, and Paul (Kelsey) of Glendive, MT. Monte cherished his grandchildren: Emily, Eiley, Webb, Walter, and Nellie. His surviving family includes his mother Dorothy Eayrs of Glasgow, MT; brother Jack (Pearl) Lund of Kinsey, MT; sisters Tracie Vanderpan, Colleen (Tom) Johnson, and Kristi Spain of Bozeman, MT; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves behind his lifelong friend Lee Cornwell and trusty horse, Chief.
Monte is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, his father, and in-laws Ron and Joan Helland.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 2 p.m. at the Terry Community Presbyterian Church, afterwards, a reception will be held at the Terry Legion. After fall cow work has been completed a celebration of life will be held in Glasgow, and all friends and family are welcome.
In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Glendive Community Cancer Fund or Prairie County 4-H. Condolences may be made to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 20, 2022
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 20, 2022
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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Ted Stein says
Stephanie & family, We are so sorry to hear about Monte’s passing. I would like to wish you and the family my condolences as my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sure he’ll be looking down on you all and be with you each and every day.
Arlen Alice h Miller says
STEPHANIE & Family, sorry to hear of Monte”s passing, Been wondering how he was doing, our condolences and thoughts and prayers are with you all
Louise Twitchell says
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you all. Monte was a great guy.
Cheryl & Jeff Morrison Family says
Steph, I am very sorry for Monte’s passing. His quiet grace has been very evident this past year. I am grateful you were able to treasure him for the time you had. Your photo-bug passion will be an immense blessing in the days to come – you have truly captured his love for you, my dear lady, your boys, their ladies, & especially your sweet babies <3
Logan, Mark & Paul, you gentlemen carry a very special piece of your Dad – the love of this land & the critters that bless our lives. His ability to cherish & thrive in this harshly beautiful country is truly significant.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Kitty Lou Rusher says
Monte was such a genuine human being, a joy as a student way back. What a wonderful telling of his life, of his family, and his love of the land and cattle.
My sincerest sympathy to you, Stephanie and Dorothy, and the rest of his family and friends.
Tracy &Stefanie Forcella and families says
Stephanie and family:
We are extremely sadden to hear of Monte’s passing. He was such a kind soul. Deloris was talking about how he used to come into the Butcher-shop to gather a handful of hot tamales chat a minute and then be on his way. She said when they sold out she made sure to buy him a large bag from Costco so he would always have some hot tamales. He will be missed by all!
Ben & Eileen, Strad & Kent Benjamin says
Dear Stephanie & family, We are so sorry to hear of Monte passing. He was such a nice fellow, we have you in our thoughts & prayers. God bless you all. Ben Eileen Strad & Kent Benjamin
Eileen Benjamin says
Dear Stephanie & family, We are so sorry to hear that Monte has passed away. We have you in our thoughts & prayers. God bless you. Ben & Eileen, Strad & Kent Benjamin
Marcy Parks says
Paul, I’m so sorry! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Burt, Monique, Kael, and Isis Keltner says
Discussions with Monte were immensely enjoyable and truly valued. We think so very highly of him, and are glad to have had the opportunity to know him. Vaya con Dios!
Donna Underberg says
Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Donna says
Stephanie and family,
What a quiet but gracious man. He left an awesome legacy for future generations. Through your camera lens, I learned a lot about Monte and your family. Thank you for that.
We will be thinking of you Saturday and look forward to celebrating his life with you in Glasgow.
Take care and God bless you all.
Love, Gary and Donna
Jean Kampf says
Stephanie, Logan, Mark, Paul, and all family members;
It is with great sadness that I attempt to express my deep condolences and love to all in your time of grieving over the loss of Monte.
It’s so hard to lose someone you love.
I just want you all to know how deeply I feel for you all in your time of loss and grief.
Jane Glasoe says
Steph and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Now it goes one day at a time. It will get better believe me.
My thoughts are with you all.
Janet Stahl says
Monte was such a good man; evidence is his beautiful family. Was a great friend and class mate. Our thoughts and prayers with Dorothy and Stephanie and the rest of the family
Jan Stahl and Alice Bradshaw (Stahl)
Janet Loomis says
Stephanie and family, so very sorry for your loss. I am sorry I was out of town and unable to make the service. May God Bless you all
Janet
Wade Clowes says
I’m so sorry to hear that Monte has passed. We grew up together in Glasgow, went through school together and wrestled on the same team for four years. I was looking forward to seeing him this year at the Class of ’71 reunion and was sorry to hear he was battling then.
Monte was always authentic Monte – a real original. I’ll miss him.
Craig Luse says
Sorry to hear of Monte’s passing. If you met him he always had somthing to talk about.