“Love is powerful, share it unapologetically with yourself and those around you”
Written from Avery’s journal on August 10th, 2025.
Avery Ray Stiles, 23, of Clancy, Montana, unexpectedly passed away from natural causes on August 30th, 2025. He was born October 3, 2001, in Helena to Eric Stiles and Stacy West. Avery was blessed with a devoted stepmother, Danielle, who loved him as her own. He was also guided in his youth by Steve Fainter and Robert Turner, who played significant roles in his upbringing and taught him many valuable lessons.
Avery was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others. He especially enjoyed mentoring younger children and sharing his love of sports with them. From a young age, he was active and adventurous, racing motorcycles and competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments. During his years at Jefferson High School, Avery was a dedicated athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track. Despite graduating during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Avery earned a football scholarship to Montana Tech, though the shutdown prevented him from playing. During that time, he also explored a phase of apocalypse prepping and put his researching skills to use for survival strategies and collecting seeds, reflecting his curious and resourceful nature.
At the time of his passing, Avery was working proudly as an apprentice plumber with his father. He valued the opportunity to learn the trade and to build a future. Outside of work, Avery enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests. He loved reading and exploring new ideas, coding and creating, immersing himself in all kinds of sports, engaging in online gaming, and prioritizing health and fitness through working out and staying active. These pursuits reflected his boundless curiosity, competitive spirit, and dedication to personal growth.
Above all, he treasured time with his family and enjoyed sharing his perspective of life with his siblings. He was a loving and guiding presence for his siblings, always offering encouragement, teaching them new skills, and sharing his humor and adventurous spirit. Avery celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through challenges, and created countless, cherished memories with each of them.
Avery is survived by his parents, Eric Stiles and Stacy West; his stepmother, Danielle; his siblings, Sierah Turner, Serena Stiles, Hailee Stiles, Traic Fainter, and Lyrik Fainter; his nephew, Bayler Townsend, son of Serena Stiles; and his cousin, Sienna Engstedt, with whom he grew especially close in recent years after she moved into the family home. He is also survived by his grandparents, Linda and Roger West, Eileen Valdez, and Ed and Sandy Young.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Peggy and Louie Stiles, and his aunt, Michelle Young. Avery will be remembered and deeply missed by numerous extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Generated by AI, inspired by Avery’s curiosity and love for AI.
A celebration of Avery’s life will be held September 13th, 2025 at 1pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. with a light lunch reception to follow at the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Doug Dodge says
We are heartbroken. So sorry for all who knew and loved him.
Tyler and April Bogy says
Eric, Danielle, Serena, and Hailee – we are deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear of this news. May God bring you comfort in knowing Avery is always loved. Sending you prayers and healing thoughts during this time.
Faith Simonelli says
I remember babysitting you when you were little. I am heartbroken and will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers. May you fly high with the Angels.
Casey Stclair says
Very heartbroken and saddened about this tragic news. Ive always had the very upmost respect for Avery and his family. Avery was a light in every room he stepped in. One of the most respectful, humble, and talented young men I’ve ever met. A true leader on every team I was blessed to be on with him. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to those who loved him.
Katrina says
My heart is breaking for your family, as you face yet another loss of a precious loved one. Avery was always such a kind and talented person. Thoughts and prayers are with you all, with hopes that all of your amazing memories of
time shared together will get you through these hard times.
With Love, Katrina Livesay and girls
Shawn Kremer says
Jax shared the heartbreaking news with me, and I want you to know how deeply sorry I am. My heart aches for your entire family. You’ve endured so much over the past few years, and this loss is truly unimaginable.
Avery was an extraordinary young man — a remarkable teammate, a loyal friend, and an incredible athlete. He touched so many lives in such a meaningful way.
Please know I’m holding you all close in my heart and keeping you in my prayers. I hope that, in time, the beautiful memories you shared with Avery will bring you some comfort and peace amidst the grief. If there is anything at all our family can do please do not hesitate to ask. You’re loved and supported by all🤗🤗. Love Shawn, Jax and Paige
Bill Wood says
Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rick & Jane Marks says
Eric and Family, our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Kris Mayes says
So sorry for your families loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sacara Giulio says
Avery was such a bright light. His smile always could brighten up a room. He was a respectful, kind, carrying, talented young man, the world may shine less bright with out him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sarah & Clint Layng says
Avery was such a bright, energetic and fun young man who touched so many lives. There truly are no words to offer comfort in your time of loss. We have so much love and great memories of Avery and your family. May time slowly ease your pain and turn to the wonderful memories providing you a glimmer of peace. Our love and thoughts are with your families.
McCorkle Family says
Sending love and prayers for a young man who made a positive impact on many. Love to you all from Missoula.
Rhett Buckland says
Eric and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you all.
Margot Myers says
I watched Avery grow from a young boy. In every stage of life he was so sweet, generous, and genuine. He had such depth of character and would blow me away with his ability to connect with others and bring a calming joy to the room. He was talented and intelligent, but that didn’t come without hard work, which he never shied from. Through these moments of doubt, anger, and soul sucking pain, I look up to Avery and know he is working to relieve us, sending words of encouragement and huge hugs.
A happy memory is when he came to Missoula for his 21st birthday! What a celebration! Wild to see him grown up. We danced and sang and were merry. I remember thinking how he was going to crush life. He had innovative ideas on how to pursue his dreams. He was motivated and looking towards his future with excitement. He seriously gave me hope for his generation helping this world.
How lucky am I to have known this precious boy.
Avery, thank you! Thank you! I love you, I feel you, I am here for you as you are for me.
Love,
Margot
Marilyn Naphies says
Eric, Danielle & Family, our hearts go out to you with the loss of Avery. He was always a joy to be around and we enjoyed watching him play sports. Such a talented young man with so much potential.
God Bless all of you.
Love, Bob & Marilyn Maphies
Neil & Denise Brunett says
Denise and I enjoyed him very much. We send our prayers to the you! Great young man!
Sara Koeller says
Eric and family.
I’m so sorry to hear the news of your son passing. The pain felt in loosing a child is at times unbearable. I didn’t know Avery but reading all of the messages he sounds like an amazing young man. Thoughts and prayers
Mike Kummer says
So very sad to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you ago out to all of you
Susan and Rich Proul says
Dani, Eric and all of Avery’s family..,there absolutely are no words that can console you for this tremendous loss. Our hearts are breaking along with all of yours. Keep all the wonderful memories you have and those of everyone sharing close in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. We love you and may he rest in eternal peace …