Ethel Louise Scheet, a fixture in local Republican Party politics for years, died Oct. 18 at her Helena-area home. She was 79.
Ethel was born in Helena in 1942, the eldest of 12 children, and spent much of her life in East Helena. She married Gerald Scheet on Sept. 13, 1958 in Helena, and together they raised three children. Ethel served on the East Helena School Board for 12 years in the 1970s and twice was a candidate for the Montana Legislature. She was an avid member of the Last Chance Pachyderm Club for many years and served as its president in 1993.
She also operated Northwest Computer Supply during the 1980s and served a member of the local Crimestoppers Board.
Following her husband’s retirement, she and Jerry moved to a home outside Helena. Ethel loved living in the country and enjoyed watching the parade of wildlife that wandered across her property. She believed that being a role model for her family was very important and considered her three children to be her legacy. Her family was always her priority and she considered loyalty to be one of the most important qualities an individual can have. Ethel, an enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, was especially proud of her Native American heritage.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Ben and Maxine Fleury; sister Kathy Fleury; and brothers Bob, Ed and Marty Fleury. Her survivors include sons Brad and Breck Scheet; and daughter Barb (Bob) Anez; grandchildren Sierra (Cyril) Blyseth and Alyssa and Mikayla Scheet; and great-grandchildren Cassandra and Kakashi Blyseth; sisters Leslie Campbell, Linda Hoover and Annie Van Horn; brothers Steve Fleury, Dave Fleury, Larry Fleury and Henry Phillips.
Ethel’s family would like to thank the dedicated and caring assistance given her by Hospice of St. Peter’s staff, particularly Karissa and Mickey. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society or a charity of choice are encouraged.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Scott St. Clair says
Heart-felt condolences to the Scheet and Fleury Families. As a born and raised East Helenan and career ASARCO employee, I knew Ethal as well as Gerald and a few of her siblings. I had a lot of respect for Ethel. I often consulted for her opinion and knowledge. She was a wonderful lady, always taking time to visit when I would run into her no matter where it was. She will be missed as she was one of those special
East Helena people.
RIP my Friend
Scott St. Clair
Valerie Nelson Jorgenson says
I’m so sorry. Ethel was such a wonderful, beautiful woman ..and patient with the parade of kids that would call her house a second home! I have such fond memories! Love to you all, Val
Len and Kathleen says
Our sincere condolences on your loss, Barb and Bob.
Linda King says
Barb, I was sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I think of your parents w/ much fondness and was glad they were so close by. My love to you and Bob. xoxox
Beth Ries says
May she rest in peace.
Linda Vaughey says
For years Ethel was a regular attendee at our evening Republican Women’s Club meetings and Noon Pachyderm luncheon. She often was on my monthly call list. Once in a while our conversations would veer into a topic son-in-law Bob had just reported on in the Helena newspaper….she was so very proud of him! We always had guest speakers at our meetings and luncheons. We could always count on Ethel to be one of the first, if not THE first one with questions, never bashful about getting the ball rolling into conversations with our guests! She was fun, inquisitive, and knowledgeable – a great member of our groups. We missed her presence when health finally kept her from joining us.
Fond memories of days gone by. Condolences to her family and may her memory be a blessing.
Ann Van Horn says
Brad, Breck, and Barbra I’m sorry for the loss of your mother. I know she was a good woman and a good mother she will be missed by all that new her. Take care, of each other, may God bless you all. Love Ann Van Horn.
James Maher says
My condolences to the family. Ethel will be missed. Wonderful woman