Beloved Father and Grandfather, Kenneth James Staley, lost his second battle with lung cancer and passed away Thursday morning in his Helena Valley home at 55 years old.
Born on February 15th, 1959 in Helena to Martin “Pete” and Birdie Staley, Ken grew up in Helena and attended Helena High School. He was truly a Jack of all Trades and mastered everything from managing a kitchen at the Legal Tender in Clancy to laying pipe across the state with Murray’s Well Service. Starting his own business, K&S Mobile Transport, he operated locally and within the northwest for the past 11 years. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and believed in family values and the significance of a hard days work. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed every available opportunity in Lincoln at the Virag family cabin. Not only was he the King of the Grill but his culinary masterpieces were well known locally. Outside family, Ken’s true passion was muscle cars and he was a member of the local MOPAR Association, where is better known for his 1970 Plymouth Duster which was often seen on the road or at various local car shows. Kens magnetic personality and lovable demeanor touched the lives of many and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him can tell you he would give you the shirt off his back and still take the time to make you dinner.
Ken is survived by Ken’s special lady Lisa Heppner and is survived by his children; Michael Staley, Michelle Staley both of Helena, Donald (Joy) Staley of Virginia and his 14 grand-children. His mother Birdie Staley of Helena and 6 siblings; Gary Versteeg of Washington, Bobbie (Ron) Guerechit of Billings, Dale Staley of Helena, Rose (Tonto) Mason, Dorothy (Scott) Virag, Brenda Staley of Helena as well as several nieces and nephews. Ken is preceded in death by his father Martin Staley and brother Francis Cowan.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 6th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 7th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H., 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the funeral service. A potluck reception will immediately follow the burial at the Eagles Lodge, 801 N. Fee Street. Memorials in Ken’s name are suggested to Dorthy Virag c/o Ken, 1300 Hudson, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ken.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 6, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the funeral service
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Eagles
801 N. Fee St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 6, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the funeral service
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Eagles
801 N. Fee St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Cathy (Pullin) says
Birdie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss and sorrow. Many years have passed and our lives have gone in different directions, but I remember our childhood south Rodney playmates. Bless Ken’s passing.
Diane Sharp says
To the Staley family:
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this time. Ken was a good person and will be missed by many.
Daniel Staley says
Kenny was a great man, a father, a uncle, and a grandfather, he was loved by many. Kenny was a great uncle to me i will never forget the great summer we had fishing, camping, or just hanging out at family partys I love you uncle kenny i will miss you.
Brenda Staley says
Kenny was the youngest of my four brothers
I have many many memories of him. He was always up for a practical joke, he also had a soft side too. Kenny loved his animals. I know he is with our dad sharing jokes or the two of them are teaming up for a pinacale game which Mike, Chelle & Donny you know would last all night and somrtimes be finished the next day. I will miss and NEVER forget you my brother.
Dale & Debby Brackman says
On behalf of the Helena Area Mopar Owners Association, we extend our sincere condolences to Ken’s family & Lisa. He was very well liked by all of us, and we will miss his presence (& his most excellent BBQ ribs), in the club. Ken was always eager to help the club in many ways, including taking part in our annual highway little clean-up, attending most meetings, acting as treasurer and providing a venue for our annual picnic last summer at his sister’s cabin in Lincoln. He will be sorely missed by many.
the austin family says
our prayers and thoughts are with your family
Robyn and Aaron Siegers says
We are deeply saddened to hear of Kenny’s passing.
Lillian Tovey says
Dorothy, Rose and family I am so sorry. I enjoyed visiting with Ken and so did Eddy and I know they are together enjoying the best of wildlife in Heaven.
Kathy crawford says
Dorothy and family so sorry for your loss . My prayers and thought are with you during this difficult time .
Rose Mason says
We will all miss you Kenny. We had a good life growing up together. You are in Heaven helping dad out. My prayers go out to Kenny’s children, grandchildren and Lisa. Love you always my brother. Rest In Peace
Kristy Teague says
I will so miss you Grandpa:) Kenny was always such a kind gentle soul and will be missed greatly by all. In all the years I have known him I never met anyone who didn’t like him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Strength and blessings your way. Love Kristy
Michelle Staley says
My dad was a kind and gentle man who could always make me smile. I will miss his hugs and his daily phone calls. There are so many memories with him that will keep us going strong. Thank you all for being there at this difficult time. He will love forever in our hearts. I love you Daddy.
Kathy Stevens says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Birdie, Dorothy, and family! I didn’t know Kenny, but I am sure he will be greatly missed! God bless and comfort you!
Dakota J Staley says
My Grandpa was a good man. He loved his cars but more than that he loved family. I got to ride in his semi when i was younger and go to car shows with him in his beloved plymouth duster for that is why he was the greatest person i have ever known.
Seanna (Staley) Irvin says
Hi Papa,
found myself thinking about you today and realized I never did get to see your obituary, so here I am. Forever in my heart, you were truly one of a kind and the best Grandpa a kid could ask for! I’ll forever cherish those memories. I’m sorry I never made it back home to visit you. Love you forever and always – your first (so obviously favorite) granddaughter.