The Ekalaka Eagle - Your Community Builder

Frank Sibley LaBree, 94, of Forsyth, MT, passed away on February 22nd. He was born the second child to Charlotte (Lottie) Mulkey and Frank N. LaBree on December 6, 1927, in Ismay, MT. They brought him home with a wagon team using hot rocks to keep him warm for the long trip. He joined his sister, Rosalie, with sisters, Marlee and Janice, to follow. Thus began his life being surrounded by, as Frank would say, "all these damn women."

Frank married Jeanne May Strom on September 7, 1952. Jeanne passed away in 2012. Jeanne said the first time she met Frank; he was bucked off (saddle bronc) higher than the crow's nest at the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale.

They had five daughters and moved many times to work for various ranches. Along with cattle work, Frank built many miles of fence and broke hundreds of horses. In addition, he was a county brand inspector for ten years and state inspector much longer. At the age of 60, Frank and Jeanne bought a ranch of their own north of Ingomar, MT where they spent some of the happiest times of their lives.

Frank always liked helping neighbors near and far, even when he needed to do things at home. One of his strongest passions was handling cattle horseback, which he spent a lifetime doing late into his years. He had a unique ability to make it look easy in all sorts of situations and tried his best to instill this in everybody he rode and worked with. He was the true definition of a cowboy.

Frank was a tough guy all his life. Despite injury and illness, like riding and roping with broken ribs and sprained ankles or chopping ice after shoulder surgery, he always got the job done. His grit, or stubbornness, continued until the minute he passed away.

Frank was a serious card player and was always up for a game of Pinochle, Cribbage, or Whist. However Crazy 8 and Casino with young grandkids was also a must. Although Frank didn't like to dance as much as Jeanne, he did love good toe-tapping music and to the enjoyment of his girls and grandkids, would shrug his shoulders to the music. Frank loved hearing and telling a good joke and his sense of humor will be remembered by all. His jovial laugh will echo in the ears and hearts of his family and friends forever. As he became lost to himself and us, he still maintained his witty personality and tapped his feet to the music.

Left to cherish the memories are his daughters: Julie (George) Stephens, Lori (Donnie) Finnicum, Lisa (Terry) Patterson, Frankye (Scott) Chandler, and Jodi (Ben) Rounce, grandchildren; Amy, Robyn, Quintan, Sondra, Matt, LaBree, Tyson, Lauren, McQuade, Haylee, and Hannah, and twelve great-grandchildren with one on the way; and his sisters, Marlee Askin and Janice Isaacs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jeanne, sister, Rosalie Askin, and so many dear friends and family.

We rejoice that our parents are together again, whole, and at peace.

A celebration of his life will be held at Stevenson and Son's Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT on April 12th, at 1 p.m., with a luncheon to follow. Feel free to wear your favorite plaid or striped western shirt and in lieu of flowers, drink a beer (or have a bowl of ice cream!), play a game of cards, and donate to the charity of your choice.