Denise F Lutes

Denise Lutes, 87, passed away on Jan. 29, 2017 at her daughter’s home in Frenchtown MT.
She was born to Amos and Katherine Felt on Feb 15, 1929 in Anaconda, Montana. She was educated at the local schools and went to college at the University of Montana. She married Claude Roney (dec’d) and had four children, Katherine, Steven, Michaelene, and T. David. She worked as Missoula’s Welcome Wagon Hostess along with her best friend, Marian Cash. Her second marriage was to Gardner Lutes (dec’d) of Bozeman, where she lived, working at MSU in the registers office for 28 years. In 1997 she attended her 50th class reunion, where she reunited with her high school sweetheart, Dell Smith (dec’d), her soul mate.
She loved reading, music, dancing, travel, boating, cross-country and water skiing, white water rafting, fishing, golf and Flathead Lake. She was always on the go. Her mantra, “Keep moving”.
A loving mother and grandmother, she also had long-lasting friendships with classmates, co-workers, and people she met along the way.
Her family will remember her for her quick wit, laughter, beautiful smile, energy, creativity, optimism, and positive attitude. They include her four children Katherine (Frank) Beaty, Steve (Jerri) Roney, Michaelene Armstrong, and T. David Roney. Deema’s grandchildren include Daniel (Kizzy) Beaty, Christina Beaty, Brenda Blehm, Steve Roney, Chris (Mindy) Nowlen, Pat (Kristie) Nowlen, Nate (Alicia) Nowlen, Amanda Roney, Deawn (Ted) Meinzen. Great Grandchildren include Sydnee, Maycee, Willy, Calvin, Carter, Mya, Cade, Harper, Xavier, Caecilia, Austyn, Avery and Adyn.
Preceded in death by her parents, grandchildren Bobbi Roney and Brian Beaty, and son-in-law Don Armstrong.
No service is planned. The family & dear friends will gather privately to remember and honor her life.
Donation can be made to Partners Hospice of Missoula who assisted with her care the last months of her life and made it possible for her to be at home. Family would like to extend a special thank you to Karen Springer and Julie Monger for their loving assistance.