George M. Stewart

CORVALLIS - George M. Stewart was born Sept. 16, 1920, at the family homestead in Jackson, to Walter Stewart and Pearl (Neidt) Stewart, and passed away Sept. 13, 2009, at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospice with his children by his side.

George was raised on the family ranch in Wisdom, where he received his early education. His high school years were spent in Dillon, where he attended Beaverhead County High School. He participated in track and football, and was student body and B Club president, graduating in 1940. During high school, George was president of the state FFA and earned national honors in livestock judging. George attended Montana State College. He was a cadet officer in the advanced ROTC program, AG Club, on the livestock judging team, wrestling team, and in the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, until entering the U.S. Army, where he served in World War II with the 103rd Infantry Division. After his discharge, George returned to the family ranch in Wisdom. He moved in 1947 to a ranch in the Skalkaho drainage in the Bitterroot Valley. In 1960, he joined Ravalli County Bank as a loan officer. Later, he was president of First State Bank of Eureka, until his retirement, when he returned to the Bitterroot Valley.

George married Marian Hork, Sept. 20, 1947, and they had three children, Margie Stewart Madison, Walt and Tom. After Marion passed away in 1972, George married Elizabeth Kautz, who also preceded him in death.

George was very active in Future Farmers of America from an early age, where he received state and national honors. He was extremely civic-oriented, serving not only as a member, but also as president, in the Jaycees, Kiwanis, Elks, Eagles, American Legion and Darby Stockgrowers Association. George also served on various chamber of commerce boards, the Ravalli County Fair Board, Ravalli County Improvement Association, Grantsdale School Board, and served as a Hamilton volunteer fireman.

George was an avid golfer, becoming a lifetime member of the Hamilton Golf Club. He loved to fish, hunt, dance and socialize. George was an excellent cattleman, running cattle for many years, and always willing to help others.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Marian and Elizabeth; and sisters, Evelyn Golay and Bessie Rassmusen.

Survivors: Margie Madison of Encumclaw, Wash., Walt (Vickie) and Tom (Cindy), both of Corvallis; and grandchildren, Mari and Hank Madison, Dru, Derk Stewart and Ericka Stewart.

The family would like to thank Marcus Daly Memorial Hospice, the special waitresses who not only served him, but became his friends and watched over him, and Roberta Fite for her special care over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to Marcus Daly Hospice Center, or to any of the organizations listed above or to a charity of your choice.