Kari Mae Trueax

Kari Mae Trueax, 63, of Missoula passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025 at St. Patrick Hospital. Daughter of Leslie and Helen (Doney) Trueax, she was born July 28, 1961 in Bozeman, Montana. She grew up in Paradise, Montana and was a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa located in Belcourt, ND. Kari was proud of her Native American heritage; she loved attending Pow Wows and making fry bread. 

Kari enjoyed music, dancing, camping, going on long drives around Montana, and the solitude that fishing brought her. She liked jigsaw puzzles, puzzle books, teaching herself to bead with a loom, and making beaded plant hangers, all while listening to her favorite tunes and singing along.

Although Kari experienced many challenges in her life, she had a caring heart and saw the good in others. Kari learned she had intellectual disabilities in adulthood, found support and new confidence at Helena Industries, then employment at County Market and Burger King. Kari was happy to work and to see people smile. However, her work life was shortened after a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and a long decline in her health.

Kari is survived by three children, George, Sarah, and Darlene, three grandsons, and two sisters, Stephanie and Truda. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Guy, two sisters, Jacqueline and Christine, and a child, Helen.

Kari’s family is grateful for the agencies that cared for her in her final years. She could be very feisty, stubborn, and forgetful, but their patience and compassion helped her navigate her world. So, in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations made to Opportunity Resources, Inc. Their care and services supported Kari with her disabilities and helped her quality of life beyond measure.

A private memorial service will be held in the coming weeks.