Monte Neil LeHew

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Monte Neil LeHew. He passed away Sept. 14, 2021, at the age of 81. Monte was born March 21, 1941, in Ladysmith, Wisc., to Oliver Earl and Ora Mae (Jordan) LeHew.

The LeHew family extended to seven children with Monte being the second eldest. He moved to Libby in 1956, took up residence and made it his forever home.

Monte is preceded in death by his wife, Patsy LeHew. They were married for 50-plus years before she passed away Dec. 23, 2017.

Monte's favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting and studying U.S. history. He loved and treasured his family. He enjoyed spending time with them and being the best grandpa to the grandchildren who adored him. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Monte had a great appreciation for country music and was especially fond of old-time gospel music. He loved the ones with special words about heaven. Monte would occasionally pick up a guitar and he had a very unique picking style. He could start a conversation with a total stranger and soon have them feeling as though they had known him for a long time. Monte felt the most at home within the wilderness, enjoying God's creation. He was a great listener and would always let people finish their sentences without interrupting them. He always left you with the feeling he was listening carefully when you spoke. If you were ever going to share a cup of coffee and a conversation with someone, there isn't anyone that would have been more ideal then Monte. He was always a country boy at heart.

Anyone who knew him loved him.

Monte is survived by his seven children: son, Danny LeHew, daughter-in-law, Katrina, and son, Monte LeHew Jr.; daughters, Kirbi Cambell, Geri lee Gartner, Kelli LeHew, Lynette Hanes and Rose Sandage; an extended number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild on the way; brothers, Earl, James and George LeHew; and sisters, Mary Archer, Colleen Workman and Barbara Fraley.

Visitation will be held Sept. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Services will be held at 1 p.m., Sept. 27 at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.