On the morning of Friday March 29,2024 DEt Meskimen lost her battle with cancer at the
Ruby Valley Medical Center in Sheridan, MT. DEt Ann Cook was born to Art and LaBina Cook in Bozeman, MT on April 16, 1947. She grew up in Willow Creek, MT riding horses, raising sheep, and enjoying her youth playing with her cousins. Growing up, DEt was active in Rainbow and 4-H. DEt attended grade school and high school in Willow Creek. After high school graduation she attended Montana State University to pursue a degree in Home Economic. DEt met the love of her life in Willow Creek, Clarence “Tuff” Meskimen. After fulfilling her father’s request of graduating college and Tuff’s return from Vietnam. They were married on July 5, 1969.Tuff and DEt moved to Townsend, Montana where she taught Home Economics and coached track. They later moved to East Helena where they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Ara in 1976 and son Ace in 1978. DEt spent most of the children’s young years as a “Stay at Home Mom”. During this time she became a member of several quilt groups and started her “collection” of fabric and quilting supplies. Once the kids were older, she returned to work first at St. Peters Hospital then venturing across town and worked for Lewis and Clark County Motor Vehicle department. Tuff’s health required her to retire and assist him in his health needs. They traveled and spent as much time with her Granddaughter Sophie and Hadley. After Tuff’s passing in 2010, DEt volunteered with Lewis and Clark search and rescue.
In 2021 DEt moved back to the Gallatin Valley to Three Forks to be closer to her children and granddaughters. DEt is survived by her daughter Ara and son Ace and two special granddaughters Sophie Belle and Hadley Nicole, Brother-in-laws Bernie (Peggy) Meskimen, Jack (Gwen) Meskimen and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. DEt is proceeded in death by her parents, husband Tuff and infant son Luke Meskimen. Memorials can be made to Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue and Ruby Valley Medical Center in Sheridan.
Viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held Saturday April 13, 2024 at 10 am at the funeral home. A graveside service at Mount Green Cemetery in Willow Creek at 3:00 pm. A reception will follow the graveside service at the Willow Creek Fire Hall.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 12, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 13, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday April 13, 2024
Mount Green Cemetery
Willow Creek, Montana 59760
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday April 13, 2024
Willow Creek Fire Hall
Willow Creek, Montana 59760
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 12, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 13, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday April 13, 2024
Mount Green Cemetery
Willow Creek, Montana 59760
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday April 13, 2024
Willow Creek Fire Hall
Willow Creek, Montana 59760
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Linda Miller says
I will miss you dear friend. I pray you are in our Savior Jesus’s loving arms.
It was such a joy to have you as our neighbor in East Helena. Really enjoyed our Christmas Eve celebration’s as our children were growing up. We have some fond memories. Ara and Ace keep them close.
Arliss Sakos says
My heart is heavy to read this news this morning. DEt was my home economics teacher and track coach. We started in touch for several years after I graduated and she gave birth to Luke. She was such a kind person. She will be missed.
Sara Medley says
I worked with DEt decades ago at St. Peter’s Health. She was fun-loving, kind and such a hard worker. I caught up with her the Motor Vehicle Department and for several years actually looked forward to standing in line just to say “Hi”. She loved her family so much. My deepest condolences.
Edie Witham says
I have so many wonderful memories of DEt and I’m so sad to hear of her death. When she lived in East Helena we had a great neighborhood and did so many fun things together. She will always be a dear friend and I’m thankful that the pain of cancer no longer causes her to suffer. Rest in peace my friend and know that you will be thought of with love. Thinking of Ara, Ace and all of DEt’s family and sending prayers and condolences. May the memories you have of your mom and grandma give you strength to get through this very sad time.
Rhonda Helmick says
DEt was my Home Ec teacher. I will always have special memories of time spent in her classes beginning in Fall 1969. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. 🌹
Kelli Kaufman says
Ara and Ace, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a great lady. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patt Jenks says
Was so sorry to hear about DEt’s passing. She was such a good friend and we all enjoyed her at our doll club and fabric talks, lol, Prayers are with the family. Patt Jenks
Amanda Hamilton says
So grateful to have known her. She was an amazing artist with her quilting.
Karleen Hanson says
Ara – I’m so sorry for your loss. My mom passed away just two months ago. Some days I laugh thinking about her and others I cry. It’s a difficult time. Please let me know if I can help in anyway. 💖
Karleen
Erin Warner says
Ace & Ara, I’m so thankful and grateful for the time spent with your family during my years in Montana. I don’t know if your mom coined the phrase, “harvest your shoe farm”, but I’ve used it MANY times with my own family. Your mom was so welcoming and kind! I will be praying for both of you as you mourn the loss of your mom.
Brooke Logan says
Ara and Ace,
Your mom was one of a kind. She always had a giggle or a smile for me when I would see her. She loved you kids more than life itself. She was so talented in her crafts and would always be willing to help. May she rest with your Dad now. What great parents you two had. Sending a hug your way.
Kate Settle-Ruland says
A truly great 4-H mom, I enjoyed my time in her company in high school, she helped me in making my first quilt and we spent time talking about horses, rodeo and rodeo queening. she was always kind and funny even when she was irritated with us. Ara and Ace, you had great parents, I will always remember them fondly they were wonderful people. Sending you both hugs during this difficult time. Take care.
Lois Lebahn says
I was very fortunate to be your Mom’s neighbor for many years. I enjoyed visiting with her when I would go walking past her house on my walks. She was a great neighbor. Take care.
LeAnn Ferron says
The first time I saw your mom was when we moved into our house behind her and your dad’s place. She was a young mom who came ‘hoofing it’ across our yard carrying Ace in the baby carrier ready to welcome her new neighbors. Through the years, she became a dear friend to us always ready to visit when we stopped by. I raided her flower bed (with her permission) to gather sunflower seeds for our yard and her milk weed pods. She had such a positive attitude towards her treatment and rarely needed me to drive her to St. Pete’s for another grueling round. At times we spent dinner with her and she loved the pizza we brought from Vigilante Pizza, sharing it with the cat that hovered near her the whole time. I will treasure those times and felt a great sadness when she moved. But our phone calls to her helped somewhat. She thought so highly of you both, Ace and Ara. I miss her a lot! And will think of her as her sunflowers grow in my flower bed. Take care.