Lois June Crabtree, 89 of Choteau, passed away peacefully Saturday October 23, 2021 at her Beehive Home in Choteau. She was born in Great Falls on December 21, 1931. Her first 5 years she lived on the family farm near Power with her parents, George and Rose Dirkes and sister Lavern (Keiper). They eventually moved to Fairfield where her parents opened a meat market, and later added a grocery store.
Lois graduated from Fairfield in 1950 and went to pursue a degree in Elementary Education in 1953. She married John Richard (Dick, J.R.) Crabtree that same year. Lois taught first grade in Great Falls and in Oregon from 1955 to 1956 where J.R. was attending optometry school. In 1957 they moved to Choteau opening an optometry practice. They had four children; Greg, Janel, Bart and Rick.
Lois was very active in the community. She served in Trinity Lutheran Church, 4-H, Cub Scouts. She was the Montana Optometric Auxiliary President and she served on the Teton Medical and Choteau Activities Boards. She enjoyed a variety of crafts, playing piano and organ and entertaining family and friends at the beloved cabin, which they built west of Choteau in the 60's. When J.R. retired they travelled to many places and eventually spend their winters in Arizona and spring, summer and fall at the cabin. When J.R. passed away Lois continued to go to Arizona for a few more winters, then moved back to the beauty of the place she always loved- Montana.
Lois had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She lived on her own until 2016 when she moved to the Beehive. They took excellent care of her until her passing. May she rest in peace. "Thanks for all the memories, Mom. You will be greatly missed."
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home and a Celebration of Lois's life will be held Friday, November 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau; followed by interment at Choteau Cemetery.
Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com