Kent Griffin, age 83, of Helena

Kent Allen Griffin died peacefully at home on January 13, 2026.

Born in Great Falls, Montana, in 1942 to Glenn and Mavis Griffin, Kent graduated from Central Catholic High School. He attended Saint Edward Seminary for a year with the initial intention of becoming a priest before transferring to the College of Great Falls.  His life changed after meeting Marjie Jimmerson through a fellow seminarian (her brother Terry).  They were married in 1964 and spent the next 61 years building a life together. A hard-working man, Kent spent his career in banking – first processing checks, then as a traveling bank examiner, and finally as Operations Manager.  He was known for taking on any task necessary (including cleaning the office to allow the janitor a vacation).  As the emergency contact for the ATM, he sometimes helped frustrated customers by giving them cash from his own pocket, asking only that they repay him “when possible.”

Devoted husband, loving father, and devout Catholic, Kent was always available for a game of Cribbage, loved taking the family camping (especially for the annual family vacation to Kalaloch), and made sure to keep enough fishing poles to outfit a large group at a moment’s notice (summer or winter). He and his wife, Marjie, lived frugally, but their generosity was constant: giving to charity, helping with service organizations, and offering help and encouragement to anyone who needed it.

Kent lived a life of steady service. He contributed to countless community and church efforts, providing time and support wherever he could—building houses, fixing fences, running booths, sponsoring new members of the church, keeping the books, and doing whatever work needed doing. He was especially proud to become a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. Soft-spoken and rarely one to complain, Kent had a wonderful laugh and his own subtle way of expressing humor and opinion: a knowing side-eye or waggling eyebrows when something delighted him—or seemed a bit too ridiculous.

Kent and Marjie made their home in Great Falls, Montana; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Jamestown, North Dakota, before settling in Missoula, Montana, where they spent 16 years raising their three children. They later lived in Helena and Thompson Falls, eventually returning to Helena to be closer to family. Having all three children near by made holidays and birthdays festive occasions. Each location brought new friends and new opportunities to make connections and a positive impact on the community.

Kent is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, infant Glenn and Dan.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjie; his children, Vicki (Scott), Georgia, and Chris (Michelle); his grandchildren, Kelsey (Shane), Nate (Kate), Alex (Ashley), Ashley (Ken), Kate, Paige (Scott), Levi, and Andra; his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Everett, Cora, and Benjamin; and his siblings: Dick (Kari), Pam (Don), Kit (Richard), Pat (Ron), and Scott (Liesa).

Kent will be remembered for his strong, dignified presence, his gentle spirit, and his unwavering determination to do what was right—not what was easiest or most profitable. His life was a testament to faith, humility, and service, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral Mass with a luncheon to follow will be held at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena, Montana, on Friday, January 23, at noon.  At 5pm that day, a memorial service will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home.  Attendance at either or both is open to all. In lieu of flowers, please honor Kent’s memory by contributing to food banks or planting a tree.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

Friday January 23, 2026

Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church

120 W. Riggs Street

East Helena, Montana 59635

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Reception

Following the Funeral Mass

Friday January 23, 2026

Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church

120 W. Riggs Street

East Helena, Montana 59635

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Burial

Following the Reception

Friday January 23, 2026

St. Ann's Cemetery

East Helena, Montana 59635

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Memorial Service

5:00 p.m.

Friday January 23, 2026

Anderson Steevnson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

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