Maureen Montelius

Maureen Geil Montelius

Maureen, 82 of Missoula passed away on Thursday May 9th of kidney failure at the Beehive home.

Maureen was born on December 13, 1941, in Missoula to James “Bud” and Grace Geil.  She attended Missoula Catholic grade school, graduating from Missoula County High School in 1960.  Maureen married Donald “Don” Montelius on December 30, 1961, in Missoula quickly building their first home in Clinton, MT.  Their house was the only pink house in the small town.   Before moving back to Missoula in 1962, a son David was born, three years later they welcomed their daughter, Tawnie into the family.  Maureen’s early jobs included a car hop, serving ice cream at the Dairy Queen and then later working as a dental assistant for Dr. William Fry.  Always busy, Maureen’s activities were a school lunch lady and den mother, but raising her kids was the job she valued the most.   She followed her children throughout their grade school and high school years attending every game.  She also attended the Lady Griz Basketball games with her cousin, Honey Madsen.

Upon their retirement, Maureen and Don purchased a second home along the river in Seeley Lake.   The cabin was a favorite gathering for their kids and grandkids that followed.  Maureen enjoyed all the wildlife that surrounded them at the lake, this was their sanctuary.  The memories at the cabin will remain with us all, those were such happy times!

Maureen was proceeded in death by her husband Don Montelius, her parents Bud and Grace Geil and her brother James “Jimmy” Geil.  She is survived by her son David Montelius (Hope) and daughter Tawnie Baughman (Dennis) as well as grandchildren Ashley Schuman (Chris), Justin Montelius (Jonna), Brandt Montelius (Bobbie Jo), Nick Baughman (Amanda) and Taylor Sanchez (Brendon).  Maureen was blessed with 10 great grandchildren, Kellynn, Landyn, Logan, Carson,Kruz, Kash, Beckham, Brock, Gunner, Caleb and baby Kamryn arriving in June.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff at Beehive Homes who took care of and comforted Maureen during her stay there.