Keith H. Stokes Obituary
Born in Paradise, Utah on a cold, wintery day in 1925, Keith’s father-to-be met the doctor in a bobsled. He was born to Joseph H. and Roxie Stokes and grew up with siblings Lois, Roy and Sadie. The family grew up during the Depression. The family was short of money but long on love.
Keith graduated from high school in Burley, Idaho. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps and served in the Military Police. Upon discharge from the service, he enrolled in the University of Idaho where he resided in the Sigma Nu fraternity house. During the time he was in Moscow, he met and married Georgia Fisher, who became his friend, partner and love.
Keith and a friend opened an accounting office in Pasco, Washington. During this period, Keith and Georgia were blessed with a daughter, Susan Marie. Keith was offered a position with the government and they moved to Helena in 1950 During this, period, Keith passed the CPA exam and became a certified public accountant. Keith and Georgia were blessed with a second child, Jeffrey. Upon leaving the government, he opened his own office in Helena.
Keith and Georgia purchased two apartment houses, which Georgia managed. They constructed and equipped the Big Sky Care Center, which Georgia operated for eight years. They enjoyed a winter home in Palm Desert, California, which was a gated-community with golf courses and a self-contained restaurant.
With Georgia’s assistance, Keith was active in the Helena urban renewal and restored two historic buildings in downtown Helena. Both Keith and Georgia actively supported Carroll College and materially contributed to the financing of the new Science Building. They also founded an endowment for nursing students in need of financial assistance. They also spent several winters in their townhouse in St. George, Utah. Keith purchased two ranches in the eastern part of Montana, which he subsequently sold. Keith and Georgia also purchased a ranch at Canyon Creek, Montana, which they used as a summer home. Keith was an avid fly fisherman.
Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia, and his daughter, Susan McCoskery. He is survived by his loving son, Jeffrey of Helena, and grandchildren, Douglas McCoskery (Shawna) and Steve McCoskery (Mandi) of Billings, Montana; Jason McCoskery (Jade) and John McCoskery (Rachel) of Portland, Oregon. He is also survived his great grandchildren, Hunter, Ashley, Ramsey, Kylee and Addison McCoskery of Billings; and Jameson, Brennan and Zoe McCoskery of Portland; and nephews and nieces.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21st, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Forestvale Cemetery. A Brunch Reception will be held at the Montana Club 6th Floor, 24 W 6th Ave., after the burial.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Keith.
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Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 am
Saturday November 21, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 21, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Luncheon
After the Burial
Saturday November 21, 2015
Montana Club 6th Floor
24 W 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 am
Saturday November 21, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 21, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Luncheon
After the Burial
Saturday November 21, 2015
Montana Club 6th Floor
24 W 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Julie and Jeff Chaffee says
Jeff and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. His friendship and kindness to us as neighbors on 5th Avenue, will never be forgotten. May peace be with you through this difficult time.
Julie and Jeff
Barb and Becky Leeds, Winner, SD says
We are so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. Becky and I have so many memories of our times with Keith and Georgia when we vacationed in Helena. The fishing with Uncle Keith will be a time that Becky will never forget. Keith was a character and we will always love him for that. He was such a wonderful person. Jeff, we extend our thoughts and prayers to you, the boys and their families.
Thinking of you, Barb and Becky
Bob Warren says
Jeff
Sorry of your dads passing, my thought’s are with you. If you wish to call would be happy to hear from you. My number is in the phone book.
Bob Warren
Bob and Joan Clarks, says
Sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. He will be missed by so many
Keith and Debby says
Doug, Steve, Jason and John and families
Keith and I were so sorry to hear about your Grandfather passing. He had a good long life and I was glad that you were able to know him. Your visits to Helena meant more to him than you will ever know. May you have comfort in knowing that he is now with your Mother and Grandmother sharing good memories. Take care and may your memories give you comfort at this time.
Hugh Davis and Family says
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Keith. He was the last of the Uncles on both sides of our family. We always looked forward to his and Aunt Georgia’s visits. As children we thought Uncle Keith was a king and Aunt Georgia was a movie star. We will miss them both. Love, Hugh and Claudia Davis