Timothy J. Stratton slipped away from us at his home in Miles City after a lengthy illness. Despite his good heart, it eventually failed him on May 20, 2024. He was 77 years old.
Tim was born to Lyle and Dorothy Stratton on November 17, 1946 in Eau Claire, WI. The family, which included Tim’s two older sisters Suzanna and Judy, moved to Miles City when Tim was a baby.
He attended school at Sacred Heart, Custer County High School, graduating in 1964. He also attended Miles Community College. Tim discovered his first love at a young age…Baseball. Although he was small, at only 9 years old, he was asked to play organized ball with a team of 12 year olds (this was something he was very proud of.) Tim would follow his obsession for baseball playing for the Miles City Mav’s in high school and then for the Armed Services League.
In 1966, Tim enlisted in the United States Army where he would serve from 1966 to 1969. Tim would often speak of his time in Vietnam. Although he went through a lot during this time, he treasured the memories made there and the friendships he formed.
After the Army, Time had a variety of different jobs, a couple of which were working for the United Beverage and Budweiser companies where he worked his way up to sales positions. For a time, he was also a surveyor for Morrison-Maierle. Though he enjoyed some of these positions, baseball remained the love of his life and his passion, often shirking some of his responsibilities by taking off to whatever town the next game was in. Tim played for various Miles City teams, but his favorites were the 600 Café and the American Legion.
From Tim’s first marriage his one and only son was born; Josh Andrew Stratton in 1970. Josh became Tim’s number one priority. When Tim would return home from a job or a baseball game out of town, Josh was the very first stop he would make no matter what. They were each other’s best friend. This was evident to anyone who knew the two of them.
Though they attended high school together, Tim officially started dating Terry Ann Thomas in 1978. Dancing was something they had in common, and both greatly enjoyed doing. The two of them would jitterbug away the years to come. When referring to the ease in which Terry anticipated Tim’s next dance move, Tim once told her, “I always knew you’d be right there” which turned out to be the theme of their lives together. They were married in 1979 and were together for 45 years.
Tim was a social butterfly and had a multitude of friends who greatly enjoyed having a beer and spending time with. He also loved the holidays and spending time with family.
An avid sports fan, Tim enjoyed watching baseball and football. His teams were the Atlanta Braves and the Green Bay Packers.
A special thanks to Father Joe and Deacon Bill for performing last rights and to everyone else who helped Tim at the end. Terry and josh always commented that Tim lived his life by the old quote, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.”
Tim is survived by his wife, Terry Ann Stratton; son Josh (Jade) Stratton; his daughters Kim Aita and Carolyn Sipe with six children; his grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Jena (Nelson) Walker, Jonna Stratton, Jade Stratton, Jace Stratton, Jayli Stratton, Hannah Aita and Ben Aita; his great-grandchildren: Kaley and Karter Walker, Aria and Alyvia Burck; sisters Suzanne Carter and Judy Stratton.
Full military honors will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the V.F.W.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2024
VFW
119 N. 6th St.
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2024
VFW
119 N. 6th St.
Miles City, MT 59301
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DANIEL DINARDI says
Tim was a good friend he will be missed very much
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Terri, Josh & all the rest of Tim’s family & friends-
I am so very sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. May the good memories comfort & keep you in the days to come. My sincere sympathy to all.
Bruce Wilson says
Tim was a good friend for over 65 years, Tim, we had some great times together, RIP. my friend.😥
Tayvee Steen says
So very sorry for your loss, Terry, you will be in my prayers along with the rest of the family. God Bless you all.
Jan Dinardi says
So sorry to hear of Tims passing. Prayers to the family
Julie K says
I’m sad to hear that Tim passed.
My condolences to all of the family.
Hugs for you, Terry. ❤️
Kim Kelly Peterson says
Terry I am so sorry to see Tim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to you and your families. RIP TIM.
Chris says
So very sorry for your loss.
TomPatch says
My brother and friend for life. You are in a much better place now. I will never forget our times and fun together. So sorry for your loss Josh.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Terry, Josh, and all of Tim’s Family, Our condolences on Tim’s passing. Such a good guy! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
linda walker says
So sad. Hugs to you Terry.
Kelly Joyce Kracht says
Very sorry to hear about Tim
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
RIP Tim
Donald Bundy says
Terry, Josh and family, so sorry for your loss . You all will be in our thoughts and prayers . May the memories comfort you and help you through these difficult times and in the future.
Roberta Rickman says
Terry, so sorry for your loss.
Doug and Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Our prayers r with Tim’s family during this time of grief and learning to have your hearts filled with memories of your life with Tim.
Mick & Sandy Gapay says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Tim.
Maureen Larson says
Terry, Josh and family,
So very sorry to see that Tim had passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad, difficult time.
Doug Benge says
Sorry to learn of Tim’s passing. Another from our class gone too soon. First memory of Tim was in Little League many moons ago. We were the two shortest guys on the field. RIP.
Becky Hanson Stanton says
My sincere sympathies Terry. It was so good to visit with you the other day at Osco. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcy Parks says
Terry, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Shannon Holmen says
Terry, so sad to hear about Tim. He will be missed. Here’s to good memories.
Steve Preston says
So sorry to hear about Tim. He was a fine person with a good heart.
Sharon Rabtoy says
So sorry to hear about Tim. He was a very nice person. Prayers for the family.
Mark Browning says
Goodbye to a longtime schoolmate and friend; RIP Tim.
Bruce and Kathy Ziebarth says
Sorry t o hear of your dad passing away JOSH. Condolences to you and your family.
LaRae Tangen says
So sorry for your family’s loss. Prayers to you all.
Janet Klein says
My condolences to you Terry and family.
ronald lala says
So very sorry to hear that Tim has passed away. New Tim for many years and had some great times.My prayers and condolences go out to Tim and his family. Rest in peace my friend.
Teresa Geib Klein Bacon says
My Condolences to the Family, i remember him well in HS
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Terry, Josh and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. I haven’t seen Tim for awhile but enjoyed our visits when I did. Sending my condolences to all.
Joe and Ginger Kiel says
Josh, Terry and families, We are so very sorry for your loss. sending prayers to you all.
Linda Hodgson says
So sorry to learn of Tim’s passing. Prayers for Terry and family. He was a great friend and classmate. RIP Tim.
Jan ronning says
Terri and family,
my sincere sympathy and prayers during such a difficult time. You’re in my thoughts and sending you a hug!
May your memories and good times bring you comfort.
Ron and Connie Watts says
Josh,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. God bless you and your family during this time.
JULIE KAUFMAN says
Terry, I enjoyed all these pictures! Especially you in your beautiful wedding dress that I was honored to wear years ago at the revue at Friendship Villa. You wore it way better than me! 😁 ❤️❤️
Bella Gulden says
Tim, may you rest in peace.
Hazel Stabler says
I never knew Tim as an adult., but when I was about 18 or 20, I rented an apartment from his Dad. “Timmy” was about 6 and would come and visit me quite often. He was a cute little boy. I enjoyed his visits 💞
Mickey and Terry Turnquist says
Terry, Josh and family, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Thompson says
Rest in peace Tim. We had some good times together. My sincere condolences to the family.
Ed& Melva Curnan says
Terry,JoshJade and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace G. I.🙏🙏
Tayvee Steen says
Terry, so very sorry to hear this, he will be missed , Lots of love and prayers. Tayvee Steen
Theresa A Bradshaw says
Terry and the rest of the family, Tim will be missed going to miss those good times with you both
Jackie Crowley says
Josh, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Jack Hanson says
My thoughts and prayers to Tim’s familiy. I knew Tim from school and many activities including baseball. RIP Tim.