Sheila M. Blakesley, of Forsyth, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on April 23, 2020, of natural causes. She had recently celebrated her 88th birthday.
Sheila was born at the family home, on Park Street in Forsyth, on April 14, 1932, to Robert E. and Eleanor McKeever. She was the youngest of four daughters.
While attending Forsyth Elementary School, Sheila met her future husband, Bruce Blakesley, and they became inseparable. They once got in trouble in grade school for holding hands under their desks. They both graduated from Forsyth High School with the class of 1950.
After high school, Sheila went to college for one year at Mount St. Clare University in Clinton, IA. Bruce and Sheila continued to be a couple, even while Bruce went into the Army during the Korean conflict, exchanging many letters and photographs.
They both returned to Forsyth, where they were married on October 2, 1954. After living in an apartment in town, they eventually got a chance to purchase the home on Park Street where Sheila was born.
Sheila worked for First State Bank of Forsyth for many years, and had a knack for finances. She was a stickler for detail and a perfectionist, and was never satisfied until whatever she was working on was balanced to the penny.
After their first child, Michael, was born, Sheila became a stay-at-home mom. In quick succession, two daughters, Diane and Brenda, were added to the family.
After a few years, Sheila returned to First State Bank as a bookkeeper, and was eventually promoted to Real Estate Loan Officer. Eleven years after the birth of Brenda, another daughter, Sandra, joined the family; and as an encore, another son, Scott, was born eight days after Mike graduated from high school.
Sheila did not particularly enjoy cooking or baking, even though she was good at both. Her most enjoyable activity was probably bowling – she was a league bowler until she was 86 years old. She also was an expert seamstress; she often declared that she “wasn’t that good,” but she still produced many clothes, including some prom dresses, for her daughters over the years. She was an avid gardener as well.
Sheila enjoyed the family cabin on Tongue River Reservoir, which she and Bruce built from the ground up with the help of family and friends. Many summers of boating, skiing, and laughing to Sheila’s “campfire songs” were enjoyed by the family and countless visiting relatives and friends. Sheila would welcome just about any size group to spend time at the cabin, and always had a cold “Oly” in the fridge for anyone stopping by.
During the 1970s, Bruce and Sheila embarked on a series of trips to places like Spain, Mexico, Jamaica and others. She never tired of talking about these trips.
Sheila treasured any time spent with family, whether it was at a ball game or a family dinner, or just having everybody over for breakfast after church on Sunday. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved playing with the many old toys she had kept, which could be found in closets in the bedrooms of her home.
In her retirement years, Sheila enjoyed a brief career as a golfer, beginning at age 75. She was a daily presence at Valley Auto Supply, the family business, where she would bring the mail, help with the books and monthly statements, and offer much-needed advice. She was also a proud member of the Strong Women exercise group in Forsyth, where she was still active when the Covid-19 virus precautions forced her to take her exercise activities home. She and her daughter Diane completed a workout just hours before Sheila passed away.
Sheila was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Forsyth. She always insisted that her family sit in the front row at Mass, on the theory that the kids would appreciate it more if they could see what was going on. Over the years she was a member of the Altar Society, sang in the church choir, and always contributed delicious pies to the annual Harvest Dinners. Prayer was a vital component throughout her life.
Sheila is survived by her sons Mike (Lynn) and Scott (Heather), and daughters Diane (Todd) Friez, Brenda (Tom) Clifford, and Sandra Blakesley. She is also survived by two older sisters, Constance Rasky and Joan Zormeir, both of Billings; brother-in-law, Noel (Judy) Blakesley, and by 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce, and by an older sister, Mary Ellen Whittle.
In an effort to abide with the social distancing requests the family is asking that only family and close friends attend the service.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest donations to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Forsyth or the Rosebud Foundation.
Funeral Mass/Graveside
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 pm to 6:00 PM
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00PM
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Thursday April 30, 2020
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 pm to 6:00 PM
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00PM
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Thursday April 30, 2020
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, MT 59327
Mark Peterson says
Mike, Diane, Brenda and all of the family…My sympathies on the loss of your mom. Even when someone lives a long life, it’s still hard to say good-bye. I hope you have many good memories to remember her.
Lori catalano says
Sorry for your loss may she rest in peace
Sharon Wetsch says
To all the Blakesley Family, I was so sorry to hear that your Mom passed.. My sincerest condolences.
Sheila was such a big part of our community and will be missed.. Hold your memories close..
Thoughts and prayers..
Sharon and Duane Wetsch
Barbara Kirkaldie says
To the Blakesley Family, we send our deepest sympathies.
Sheila was always friendly and kind to us , she raised a wonderful family. God Bless you and help you through this very deep loss .
Arlen & Barbara Kirkaldie & Family
Lynn Tompkins says
So very sorry to hear about Sheila. I always knew when it was time for me to head out to work by seeing her drive by my house in the morning. Such a great lady and she will be missed in the community.
Sue Nickisch Hannah says
Blakesley Family, so very sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by many. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Debi Rapstad says
I was so sorry to hear about Sheila. My heart goes out to all of you at this time. Take care and hold your memories close.
Jenny Gardner says
Mike,Diane,Brenda,Scott,Sandra and families
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother she was a great lady. I know you have many memories to to hold on to. May she Rest In Peace with your dad.
Love Jenny & Randy
Colette Pedder Butcher says
Blakesley family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother. I remember her fondly from the time I lived in Forsyth years ago and when I became friends with Diane. Cherish all your wonderful memories. I know there are a ton of them. My condolences to all of you.
Toynette Rolston says
So sorry to hear about Sheila. I saw her at the fair last year and had a wonderful conversation with her. Her body was frail, but her mind was still sharp. We had many short conversations about life in general when I stopped in the Bank to do business. She was good banker, good friend and great mother.
Lynn Hecht Rusch says
I’m so sorry to hear about Sheila. Oh the memories of our mothers … Dad wanted me to also send his condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Samuelson says
Brenda and the rest of the family I am so sad for your loss. I have many happy memories of times we had together. .Am sending hugs to all of along with my prayers. ..Remember the happy times.
Sharon Lincoln says
Sheila was a good friend and a good neighbor. We had some great times together.
She will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty & Ron Nordlund says
Our sympathy is with all of the Blakesleys. Aunt Sheila was a special lady and will always be missed and remembered with love.
Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this time of loss. Hugs to all of you. ❤
Erick Swanson and Family says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Jim Borer says
Fond thoughts and memories at this time, my condolences. Am having a mass said for her and all of you.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Diane Friez and Family Sorry to hear of your loss of your mother ,Prayers go to your family
Risa Holmes says
To all the family, we are sending lots of love and prayers from Amarillo, TX. Hope you all can find comfort in wonderful memories and the time you get to spend together honoring Sheila.
Teri Zook says
Dear Blakesley Family: We were saddened to hear your dear mother passed away. She was still so vital, even at 80+… She must have been a wonderful mother. We had the privilege of knowing Scott well, and he is a gem, as no doubt all Sheila’s kids are. So hard to lose a parent:(.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Doug and Teri Zook
Lindsey Giles says
Diane and Talia, I wish you guys all the comfort and love while you grieve. Your mom and grandma sounds like an awesome woman and you both are an example of her.
Nancy and Ron Aasland says
To the Blakessley family,
We don’t live in Forsyth anymore but Noel B. has been a friend for a long time. So sorry to hear of Sheila’s death. She raised a nice family and she was VERY hospitable. I believe she also worked with my Mother Virgina Leffler at the bank for a time.We send you our sympathies and our love as you go on from here.
Love,
Nancy Leffler Aasland and Ron Aasland
Joe Kurkowski says
Diane, Brenda, Mike and rest of the family, just sending you our love and condolences. She was a wonderful person. Joe, Ramona, George, and Peg Kurkowski.
Kathy Dreyer says
My first recollection of my Aunt Sheila was when Bruce was in Korea and she was waiting for him. It was the first time I had ever seen anyone wear an ankle bracelet! Bruce and Sheila were the “fun” aunt and uncle. Many times in Billings we would all end up out at Wong’s Chinese Restaurant at the end of a family-filled day!! Visiting with Aunt Sheila at the many family functions has been so interesting; discussing various family history which she remembered. I always loved her smile, just like her dad, Grandpa McKeever! Our love to All, Kathy (Whittle) and Larry Dreyer
Barb Allard says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this time
Beth Piper says
Gina, so sorry for the loss of your grandmother.
Janice Watson says
So very sorry to hear that Sheila has passed away. She was a wonderful lady
Bruce and Andeen Raymond says
Mike and Lynn, so sorry for your loss. She sounded like an awesome lady. May God Bless and comfort ALL of her loved ones, now and in the days to come.
Janice Rasky(Siemers) says
Goodbye Aunt Sheila one of the 4 McKeever girls. You will be missed by many. My condolences to the family.
Bobbee Heberle says
To Sheila’s Kids,
I am so sorry for your loss, She was a great Lady. I hope your great memories help you all through this difficult time.
I was one of the Lucky neighbor hood kids who got to hang out at the Blakesley’s!! It was wonderful getting to play withall those toys, Mike, Diane & Brenda were there, so lot’s of toys!!!! If i was lucky i got to see Mike show a magic trick or run his toy train!! Sheila was always generous with her homemaid cookies, and invites to dinner. Sheila was a Great neighborhood Mom and kind and careing person. I will miss our short visits in the store and arounf town.
Dennis Lusin says
We are very sorry to hear of Sheila’s passing. As a young couple in Forsyth your parents were always kind & welcoming to us. I especially enjoyed my time associated with Sheila in the Bank. I agree that attention to detail was very important to her. After leaving the Bank I still enjoyed my visits with her and hearing about her family. I can honestly say Sheila was very proud of all of you. Please know Diane & I are thinking of you
Shirley Leffler Saunders, Bigfork, Mt. says
Sheila ws “little sister” to my close friend, her sister, Joan. The McKeever families were prominent Forsyth families to all of us who attended Forsyth schools. I admire Sheila for her talents and joyful and friendliness attitude! She and Bruce were inseperable. I am a part of the Bank history in that I worked there my Jr. and Sr. year of high school and in the summers during four years of college–I loved working there, as did my Mother, Virginia Leffler, for 25 yrs. Thinking of your families with sympathy.
Ericka, Jim and Madison says
Mike, Diane, Brenda, Sandra, Scott and families,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mom, mom-in-law and grandmother. She was a very special lady and I enjoyed each time our paths were fortunate enough to cross. She leaves a wonderful legacy will all of you, and your memories of times together will last a lifetime. I pray those memories help get you through the difficult and sad times ahead.
With lots of love and our sincerest condolences.
Karen Weamer says
Sheila will be missed by many people including me. She was always fun to visit with and I enjoyed her. With prayers and sympathy, Karen Weamer
Tom Killham says
On behalf or the Killham family we send our deepest sympathy and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. We will always cherish the good memories of all the good times our families spent together. She will be missed for sure.
Merlyn & Ginny Weber says
Sheila was very good to me. I worked as a bookkeeper for Bruce for many years. I loved the whole family. I will keep all of you in my prayers. What a life & heritage for her kids, grandkids & great grandkids. Love you all.
Ann (Zormeir) Peterson & Joseph, Brennan & Keira Blazer says
Dear Mike, Diane, Brenda, Sandra, Scott and families: I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Bruce, Aunt Sheila and our families together each year at Tongue River, kayaking, learning to water ski, and drive the old Willy’s jeep. Remember the time I made Dad’s heart stop when I almost took out the corner of the cabin? Or the time I nearly jumped out of the kayak until Brenda and Diane got rid of the daddy long legs in it? I have been so blessed not only with wonderful, faith-filled parents, but with many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well. I always enjoyed spending time with Sheila, Bruce, and all my cousins. We have all been blessed to have many years with our parents, but parting is such sweet sorrow until the day we see them again. You are all in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and consolation. May happy memories and the love in them help you to bear the loss.
May God bless and keep all of you in His loving care.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
Im so sorry for your loss, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vernie Johnson Stoddard says
So sad to see Sheila’s obituary. We went to school together from lst grade thru high school and were friends all those years. Have fond memories of girl scouts, drill squad, country dances and sleepovers at the McKeever home on Forsyth Flat. Had my last visit with her in the summer of 2018 — two hours or more of catching up and looking back. I was looking forward to visiting again in 2020 — sadly not to be.
GENE HARRINGTON says
BRENDA, MIKE, & THE REST OF THE CLAN: WITH ALL OF THE STRANGE STUFF GOING THIS YEAR I SOMEHOW
MISSED HEARNING ABOUT THIS OR I WOULD AT LEAST SAID SOMETHING TO YOU IN PERSON. I AM SO SORRY
FOR YOUR LOSS.
GENE HARRINGTON