Ed Cheff

Ed Cheff, 74, of Missoula, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at St. Patrick Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Roy Edgar “Ed” Cheff was born on May 15, 1950, in Missoula, to Floyd and Anna Mae Cheff. He grew up on the family ranch in the Potomac Valley where he attended school and graduated from Sentinel High School in 1968. Ed was instilled with a very strong work ethic at a young age through his parents and it continued to the end.

After high school Ed started his lifelong career in the timber industry, which was one of his many passions. He then married his first wife, Belle Demeny, and they had three sons: Ray, Levi, and Martin. They later divorced. In 1976 Ed married his loving wife Patti Gallwas and they had two daughters, Ashley and Brandy. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years together raising their five kids.

For over 50 years he owned and operated Ed Cheff Logging where he was always on the cutting edge of logging technology for Western Montana. His love for the woods shined through in his work and led to him being recognized with several awards. He employed many friends and family over the years and was looked at as a leader, mentor, and was well respected within the logging industry.

Known for his love of his family. He enjoyed family time, skiing, camping, snowmobiling, trap shooting, hunting, fishing, golfing, Griz games, Nascar, chasing his grandchildren around, and so much more. He was always willing to roast a pig for any gathering, lending a helping hand whenever asked, and never turned down the chance to enjoy a “sasparilly”.

Ed and Patti enjoyed their bear grass hunts, tending to their well-manicured lawn, flower beds, and garden. They also enjoyed traveling, meeting new friends, and being active together.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Floyd and Anna Mae Cheff, his siblings, Elaine Ployhar, Tom Cheff, Cherie Jacobsen, sister-in-law Patsy Cheff, brother-in-law Craig Farley, and one bonus grandson Colter. His in-laws, Fred and Dorothy Gallwas, brothers-in-law Don Rakow and Jim Plienis. As well as many other family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Patti Cheff, children, Ray (Shawna) Cheff, Levi (Michele) Cheff, Martin (Jenny) Cheff, Ashley (Nick) Cheff, and Brandy (Kris) Marshall. As well as his nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two bonus grandchildren, one bonus great grandchild, and siblings, Jim Cheff, JoAnn Farley, and Steve (Bev) Cheff, as well as so many extended family and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, Ed would want you to enjoy time with your family and loved ones.

A celebration of life will be on Saturday, April 12th, at 2pm at Twin Creeks Logging Camp (20880 Hwy 200, Bonner MT 59823) and all are welcome.