Dennis F. Loftis

Dennis Farrel Loftis, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Hamilton on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the age of 81.

Dennis was born in Lookout, California, on March 15, 1942, to Marlton L. Loftis and Sibyl D. (Brannon) Loftis. He grew up in Ukiah, California, where he graduated from Ukiah High School. 

After high school, Dennis began working for the California State Forestry Department on the fire crew. During this time, he met his first wife, Jessie Brockman. They had two sons together, Rodney and Kelly.

Later, Dennis moved to Seattle, where he drove truck for a period of time. It was then that he first saw the Bitterroot Valley. He knew that these mountains were his true home. He moved to Hamilton in 1970 and started work with the Bitterroot Forest Service. His time spent out in the woods is where he found his love for the Bitterroot Mountains.

In 1972 he began working for Grizzly Manufacturing in Hamilton.  At that time he met his second wife Juanita Irion. Together they had four children, step daughter Michele, son Michael, and daughters Crystal and Kerine.  He and Juanita bought a home together in Hamilton at which time he began working at Safeway.  

Dennis had such a deep appreciation for the mountains and spent most of his free time hiking, hunting, cutting firewood, and picking huckleberries. Later on in retirement he loved to bowl and was on several bowling leagues. 

Dennis was a kind and generous man who always put others before himself. He was always willing to help out those in need, and was always there for his family and friends. We will always remember Dennis for his big heart, his love of the outdoors, and his sense of humor. He was a true friend and a loving man, and we will never forget him.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Marlton Loftis and Sibyl Brannon; siblings Gary Loftis, Rexine Mateson, Rick Loftis; Son Christopher Kelly Loftis.

Dennis is survived by his two sons Rodney Loftis of Hamilton and Michael Loftis of Santa Barbara, CA; two daughters Crystal and husband Chad Chaffin of Darby, Kerine and husband Brian Allen of Hamilton; Step Daughter Michele Loftis of Boise, ID; two grandchildren Donavon Chaffin of Coloma, WI and Amity Allen of Bozeman, MT; two brothers Don and Terry Loftis; sister, Connie and Mike Rossetto of Oroville, CA.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday Sept 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Daly Leach Chapel with reception to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis F. Loftis, please visit our floral store.