“Just Do It!” That slogan easily depicts Emily’s persona and life story. Emily Leigh Stonington Hibbard was born on January 12, 1947 in Oak Brook, Illinois to Oliver Gordon Stonington MD. and Catherine Davis Stonington. As the middle child with four siblings and a competitive family spirit, she always had a sibling around to test her skills. She was raised in Denver, Colorado. In those days one could ride horses for miles on the trails outside of Denver which she did with her brothers and friends, beginning her lifelong devotion to horses. Her family’s passion for outdoor exploration and adventure nourished her love for the outdoors. Emily graduated from Bennington College in Vermont, and earned a Masters of Education at the University of California at Berkeley.
With a desire to teach, she got a job as an Outward Bound instructor in Colorado which further fueled her adventuresome character. Eventually, she brought her teaching skills to the classroom and become an elementary school teacher, ultimately spurring the idea to create the Bozeman Environmental Education Program. This program combined her love of teaching and passion for the environment. Her greatest teaching accomplishments however were as a mentor to many lucky women with whom she shared her sage advice and remained close friends with to the very end.
Emily was a world traveler with a global mindset seeking to understand the issues and people of the places she visited. In 1974 she backpacked 45 miles from Norway to Finland. And then on her honeymoon (which included her brother and sister) in 2004 she skied the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. In the “just do it” spirit, Emily learned to kayak by running the full length of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. Not bad for a training run! While traveling, Emily had a knack and determination at finding the best swimming holes to go skinny dipping and fortunately, never got fined or busted by ranch hands. She and Chase loved Paris having found their favorite hotel and bakeries to satisfy her craving for croissants, lattes, beef tartare and Chase’s love of fine wine. Other memorable travel included a magical trip to South Africa, Namibia and the Okavango Delta, plus fabulous ski trips to Mistaya Lodge in Canada and to Europe with a group of fellow Montanans. And the good fortune to travel to China as guests of the US Ambassador.
Emily moved to Bozeman in 1978 immersing herself in the community. Not usually domestic, she sewed an 18’ tipi with a Singer sewing machine where she lived for 18 months while overseeing the construction of her home in Kelly Canyon. Her career evolved becoming the director of the Montana Wildlife Federation, the operations manager of the Patagonia Mail Order facility in Bozeman, two terms in the Montana House of Representatives (one as minority leader) and one term in the Montana State Senate. While in office she served as the Chair of the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education (WHICHE).
Emily was an advocate of community service. Due to her great persuasiveness, many people found themselves going door to door for her political campaigns or recruited to serve on boards. Her “just do it” philosophy had a ripple effect into good citizenship. Emily served on the boards of the Outdoor Science School, Human Resources Development Council, High Country News, Montana Conservation Corps, Davidson Trust, and the Montana History Foundation.
While serving as a legislator, she crossed party lines, falling in love and eventually marrying Chase Hibbard. Emily became a participatory partner on his family ranch embracing the demands of a large scale operation. With Chase’s patience, and Emily’s curious mind, she dove deep into understanding ranch management, finances, and the unpredictable impacts of Mother Nature. Emily focused on the sheep and learned to train and work with her beloved border collies. Chase secretly hoped he could re-incarnate as one of Emily’s dogs. She brushed up on her Spanish and engaged with the South American and Mexican workers. Throughout her life, Emily always had a dog at her side and horses waiting to ride. Chase and Emily had a fabulous partnership nourishing each other’s intellect, challenging each other’s political views, testing each other’s athletic and competitive spirits, and supporting each other to be engaged citizens.
By looking into Emily’s big blue eyes, you could detect the depth and complexity of her character. The sparkle evoked adventure, love, tenacity, competitiveness, impulsiveness, and compassion. Emily was a risk taker as an athlete, in marriage, business, politics, investing, and in friendships. That meant she was also willing to be vulnerable. Emily was not afraid to confront the “elephant in the room.” Her crucial conversations went to the heart of many matters even during her last days on earth. Forget the small talk, she wanted meaningful conversations. We loved Emily for the whole package, which meant accepting her talent for acting first and asking for forgiveness later. That trait created many memorable stories including buying a horse at an auction without a horse trailer or check book. Emily had a great gift of connecting people and creating friendships. Most importantly, Emily was an optimist. At end of life, she accepted the last “just do it” with grace and mental strength.
During her previous marriage, Emily adopted her ex-husband’s two children Erik and Natalie, who provided her the opportunity to navigate parenthood, growing personally from those inevitable parental challenges. Natalie and Emily’s relationship evolved into a deep friendship with Natalie being a critical companion and caregiver during her entire illness. Emily took great pride and pleasure in her five grandchildren, finding and building on areas of common interest with each. Emily died on June 26th, 2019 from complications of pneumonia and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Emily is survived by her husband Chase Hibbard, daughter Natalie Wysocki (Kevin), her grandchildren Tate, Gianna and Georgia Wysocki, stepchildren Tyler (Heather) Hibbard and Marshall Hibbard (Terah) and step grandchildren James and Laine Hibbard. She is also survived by her siblings Dave, Gordo, Pete, and Jani Stonington, nieces and nephews, and an amazing and diverse network of friends. She was preceded in death by her son Erik Swanson.
A celebration of her life will take place 1:00pm, Friday, July 12th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow the celebration of life in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Montana History Foundation at 1750 N. Washington St. Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Emily.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 12, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of her Life
Friday July 12, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 12, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of her Life
Friday July 12, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Julia Hernandez says
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I personally know the loss of a loved one, and the pain can seem overwhelming. However, I found comfort in the Bible’s promise for the future (Acts 24:15) I hope this helps bring some comfort in this time of sorrow.
Betti Hill says
Ohhhh my, we just saw this news. It broke our hearts. Emily and Rick share the same birthday and we enjoyed celebrating together. She was sooo special. God bless Chase and Their family.
Rick and Betti
Joe (ans J. Anne) Roberts says
Just stunned Chase. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Just realized that Emily and I were born 5 days apart
—- Joe (and J. Anne) Roberts
Lauren Murphy says
Chase and family.
I am not sure I have ever met a more kind or upbeat person than Emily. She was a joy to know. Mark and I loved seeing her out at Morrison’s with her horses. She really loved them! She will be missed by so many but especially her family.
Lauren and Mark Murphy
Sherie Grace says
Chase and Family.
Those blue eyes of Em’s always sparkled, full of life. She always greeted me with a smile and good morning when we crossed paths on Mount Helena Trails with our dogs. I will always think of Em when I walk those trails. What a special lady, as we all know.
Sherie Grace and Brooke Hunter
Ralph Beer says
Sorry to learn of your loss. My wife and I got to see Emily in action during a legislative session and were really impressed with her poise and character.
Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
We always enjoyed running into Emily, usually on Mt Helena , as she walked her good dog, Hank. She was always cheerful and full of life and curiosity. In our Spanish class she quickly became a star performer, with her excellent pronunciation and reading skills. The world will be a little more empty with her passing; best to those she leaves behind.
Carmine Mowbray says
Emily’s is a beautiful life story. She was magnetic. My thoughts are with you all at this deep loss.
Lorretta Lynde says
It has been such a pleasure to know Emily. She is as the epitome of courage and grace. Her passing leaves a big hole in the state of Montana, and she will be deeply missed.
Case and family, please accept our condolences.
Lorretta and Bob
Lorretta Lynde says
It has been such a pleasure to know Emily. She was the epitome of courage and grace. Her passing leaves a big hole in the state of Montana, and she will be deeply missed.
Chase and family, please accept our condolences.
Lorretta and Bob
PETER F HUNTER says
I worked with Emily at Montana History Foundation. She was grace personified. We had a wonderful almost daylong visit at the Hibbard Ranch and I learned so much about her that day. Our job was to raise more funds for the Foundation and she was great at it. I am saddened for everyone close to her and so shocked to hear this news. I only recently met her and Chase at a coffee shop and she gave me a big hug. What a great capable lady who really helped Montana grow.
Betsy Marston says
Emily’s support and stalwart spirit helped Ed and me run High Country News through challenging times; she always was there for us and the paper. The word gallant comes to mind when I think of her, and the word dauntless, too. I will never forget Emily and I am grateful just to have had the chance to know and appreciate her. My sympathies to her family and I wish I could join you to help celebrate her wonderful life. What a woman.
Webb Brown says
Kathy and I are thinking of Emily’s family and friends with this great loss to Montana.
Dave Cox says
Please accept our heart felt condolences. Such a special person, we are all so much better for having known her! She packed so much into an exemplary life.
sharon iltis says
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Emily. She was a guiding star shining bright and clear.
Her laughter, smile and welcoming heart was and will always be a beacon shining a Golden Light of Love ( including a ray that says”Just do it”) I am forever grateful to have had this friend in my life , my heart goes out to her family.
Kevin Devine says
Chase and Family,
I want to convey my regrets on the loss of Emily to you. Getting acquainted with her on the ski trips to Europe was a real blessing and would always seek out your dinner table for enjoyable and interesting conversation.
I am very sorry for your loss but happy for the opportunity to enjoy ski trips with her. She was also very good at picking out and finding a ski route to the best ski-in mountainside restaurants!
Stephanie Sater says
I am sorry for your loss, Chase and Family.
As a fellow shepherdess sharing the passion for sheep, horses and working border collies.
Maggie Coon says
Like Betsy Marston, I first got to know Emily through the wonderful enterprise that is High Country News. Our many years of service on that board blossomed into a great friendship. I see Emily as a true woman of the West. She had a deep understanding of the complex issues facing this region and a passionate commitment to protecting the places she loved. Emily had a find strategic mind, a keen intelligence and a radiant warmth that touched all who knew her. I will treasure every memory of our time together and will forever feel the blessing of our friendship. Thank you, my dear friend, Emily. You were indeed a beautiful woman!
Maggie Coon, Twisp, Washington
Twila Wolfe says
What a terrible shock to learn of Emily’s demise. I’m so sorry. It was such a pleasure getting acquainted with you and Emily on the marvelous ski trip, Chase. I LOVED skiing with you and appreciated the way Emily was able to find and arrange the dining experiences. Coincidentally enough, I had just looked up information she gave me about places to go in Paris because I was just going there as part of the D-Day celebration trip.
With sympathy, Twila Wolfe
Peggy Kelley says
Oh Chase, how saddened I was to hear of Emily’s passing. I know how much you will miss this vibrant woman who meant so much to you. I never got to meet her but from what I read, she was amazing. I’m glad you have many wonderful memories to cherish.
Hugs and prayers, Peggy Kelley
Sharon Tudor Isler says
Dear Chase and Natalie, Was so sorry to read of Emily’s passing. Haven’t seen her for years, but remember her as an amazing person and admired all she did. We knew each other in Bridger Canyon, and I sold their house on Bridger Woods Road many years ago. Natalie, it was wonderful that you could help her in her last time. Know she loved you so much. So glad, Chase, that you found each other and had many wonderful years. Thinking of you in your grief. Warmly, Sharon Tudor Isler, Bozeman
SHEILA RICE says
Chase and family, I am saddened to hear of Emily’s passing. She was absolutely one of a kind and we need more of her kind in our human family. We served together in the 1991 and 1993 legislative sessions. Together with Vivian Brooke (RIP), we three seatmates in the 93 session, tired of listening to endless debate on what the price of a hunting license should be, created an amendment to provide that only females legislators could speak on Fish and Game bills, thus saving thousands of dollars because we could adjourn early due to shorter debates. Of course, the House amendments manager would not allow us to introduce it! The last time I visited with Emily was a golf game with Trudy Schmidt at Meadowlark Country Club in Great Falls. As usual, Emily won the game and my golf technique was improved by her advice.
I like to think the heavens are brighter tonight because there is a new star among them.
Bless you and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sheila Rice
Bill Ryan says
Truly a remarkable lady, of of my most admired people. It was a great gift to know M
lucinda Butler says
I met Emily when I stayed at her house en route to climb in Canada with mutual friends from Outward Bound years ago. She was very welcoming and let us stay for many days. She had just finished her house and we helped put some finishing touches on the interior and weed the garden. Later my husband and I attended a wedding for a mutual friend, Craig Fournier. Emily still had the tepee she created. I was saddened to hear of her passing. She touched many, many lives via the Outward Bound program, her teaching and of course in the Montana Legislature. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lucinda Stearns Butler Billings Montana
Pam Alvord says
HI CHASE.. i am so sorry to hear of Emily’s passing. She was a vibrant woman and well thought of in Bozeman. I know how hard it was to lose Mike 4 yrs. ago from Cancer after 46 years of marriage. Light, health, and healing and much love, Pam Boughn Alvord
Tal & Wendy Williams says
Chase and family
We are so very sorry to hear about Emily’s passing. Her obituary sure painted a picture of her zest for living life to the fullest. Our hearts go out to you.
Ross Cannon says
My sympathy to Chase, Emily’s family and the Hibbard family. I got to Emily when she was in the legislature where she was the highly effective House minority leader. She was a lovely person and loved by those fortunate enough to have known her. She will be missed.
Bob Gilbert says
Chase couldn’t go to service. My back is bad and can only stand a few seconds.
Emily was a good hand to you and the ranch
Bob
Glenn "GT" Foust says
So sorry to hear of “M’s” passing. She was the little sister that I knew in Denver in my interactions with the Stonington family. I have memories of playing “doctor” at the house near Dora Moore Elementary School and playing in the treehouse at the 7th and St. Paul house. I didn’t fully know of her many accomplishments, but was informed about her by family and friends in Denver. You have my deepest condolences.
Wendy McPhee says
I’m so sorry. Emmy was one of my best friends in high school. I adored her then, but unfortunately we haven’t seen each other since our twenties. She was always a wonderful person, but I am amazed at the list of her incredible accomplishments. I’m proud to have known her.
Melanie Sargent (Lani Modesitt Sargent) says
What a FULL but all to short Emmy had! How well I remember the many fun times we had at your house on 7th and St. Paul. I was both very surprised and saddened by the notice. I appreciate your putting the obituary in The Denver Post . I hope all is well with all of you.
Rod Pashley says
Dear Chase and family. I was much saddened to hear of Emmy’s passing. My thoughts are with you as I send my sincere condolences. I live in Scotland but for 3 years in the 1970s I worked in the US as a Course Director for North West Outward Bound School. Emily and I worked in the North Cascades and Winthrop/Twisp area was our base. She was a much valued and inspiring colleague and instructor becoming a dear friend to many. Fun, adventure, challenge and compassion was the essence of Emily. It is not surprising that she continued to live life to the fullest and it was a huge pleasure and indeed an honor to have known her. Our birthdays were only 4 days apart and born in the same year making her passing incredibly more reflective for me. A wonderful, wonderful person.
Susan Rogers Livencik says
i remember Emmy from high school. She was a year behind, but we were lab partners in a physics class, and enjoyed each other’s company. I was also on ski team, admittedly vastly less good than Emmy, but thinking of her always reminds me of the better parts of high school life.
Susan Rogers Livenick says
Internet helped me misspell my married a name in earlier post – but Emmy would have thought I was Susie Rogers. Long ago.