Tater James Shows, 57, passed away in his home surrounded by family and friends on October 31, 2021 of an apparent massive heart attack. Tater was born on December 23rd, 1963 in Ennis, MT to his parents Gene and Mary Shows. He attended all grades in Ennis, graduating high school in 1982. After he graduated high school, he went to school in South Dakota and rodeoed until he suffered a career ending injury. In 1986 his first daughter, Breianna, was born, bringing him great joy. After his rodeo career ended, he worked at the talc mine and a ranch in Ennis.
In 1993 he reconnected with the love of his life, Debbie, at a rodeo. They eloped to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho in 1994. In 1997 they brought a daughter, Sabrina, into the world who was a huge light in his life. On December 14th, 2002, Debbie and Tater decided to renew their vows in the Church of Saint Bartholomew in White Sulphur Springs, MT. They lived their life out together on Debbie’s family ranch in Helmville where he played a key role in keeping the family together, solving problems, and always being there whenever he was needed. He was committed to his real job of being a line equipment operator for Rocky Mountain Contractors, giving them 20 plus years of dedication.
Tater grew up in Ennis doing all things outdoors from hunting to fishing with his dad and brothers. His siblings will remember him as a child as being a pain in the rear and the wild one of the siblings. He was committed to his favorite sports teams, the Ennis Mustangs, the Big Timber Herders when Breianna was in high school, the Drummond Trojans & Titans where he loved watching his nephews, family friends, and daughter Sabrina play, and the MSU Bobcats. Tater was also very devoted to education and the students at the small school in Helmville where he was a school board member for 14 years. All his hard work and dedication to the Helmville Community can never be replaced. He later shared his love for the outdoors, rodeos, and sports with his daughters and grandchildren.
Tater is survived by his wife Debbie, and daughter Sabrina, of Helmville, daughter Breianna Rowe of Ennis, grandchildren Addisyn & Garrett Rowe, brothers Monty of Oklahoma, Joel (Sherri) of Ennis, sisters Karla (Jeff) Rusow of Oregon, and Stephanie Hagl of Ennis, numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mary Shows, father-in-law Gerald Bignell, sister-in-law Mychelle Shows, brother-in-law Melvin Hagl, and grandson Chance Rowe.
Services will be held Monday, November 8th at 1:00pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Helmville, MT, and will be available on live stream at https://thomasandjude.org/. A burial will conclude Mass and refreshments will be available at the Helmville Community Hall.
The family would like to thank Helmville First Responders, Lincoln Ambulance, and St. Patrick’s Hospital Life Flight for everything they did for our father, husband, brother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either the Helmville Memorial Scholarship Fund and make checks payable to Helmville Community Club P.O Box 104 Helmville, MT, 59843, the Helmville Volunteer Fire Department/QRU P.O Box 69, Helmville, MT, 59843, or IBEW 44 RENEW Brotherhood Fund PO Box 3467 Butte, MT 59702.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Monday November 8, 2021
St. Thomas the Apostle
108A Main St.
Helmville, Montana 59843
Burial
Following the Mass
Monday November 8, 2021
Helmville Cemetery
Helmville, Montana 59843
Coffee and Cookies
Following the burial
Monday November 8, 2021
Helmville Community Center
Hwy 271
Helmville, Montana 59843
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Monday November 8, 2021
St. Thomas the Apostle
108A Main St.
Helmville, Montana 59843
Burial
Following the Mass
Monday November 8, 2021
Helmville Cemetery
Helmville, Montana 59843
Coffee and Cookies
Following the burial
Monday November 8, 2021
Helmville Community Center
Hwy 271
Helmville, Montana 59843
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Mitch Voss says
Here’s to a guy that would stop and listen to you and actually look you in the eye taking an interest in what you had to say. God speed TATER
Mitch Voss
Monty Shows says
Tater, was a pain in our backside especially as a kid. Hind sight is always 20/20, woulda, shoulda, coulda doesn’t matter any more. Above all he was our baby brother, we loved him dearly and will miss him every day.
Katie and Tommy Applegate says
Helmville has a huge piece of its soul missing with the loss of Tater. His dedication of time and heart to our community will be so missed. Tater, your love and pride for your family was enough to power a city. May you Rest In Peace. All the hugs, prayers, and blessings to his family.
Tawni Johnston says
Stanley and I are so sad to hear this news. It’s been too many years since we have seen Tater but have many fond, fun memories of him. Prayers to his family!❤️
Tawni (Launderville) and Stanley Johnston
Anna Stitt says
My heart has been aching for Debbie, Breanna, Sabrina, and all of your family. Tater has left us such a great example of how to be supportive of your family and your community. He will be sorely missed by the Helmville Community, and we will be forever grateful for the dedication and kindness he shared with this valley.
Jim Kennedy says
Debbie, Sabrina & family,
Tater was a very generous, kind and positive soul! After re-connecting this summer when we came to Montana, it was evident to Jim and me that Tater was a bright light in everyone’s lives! He made us feel so welcome as family and we felt like we were always welcome and yes, he truly was a good listener! We will miss him deeply and want you to know that you are all in our prayers, at this most difficult time. We love you all!
Jim & Lisa
Ryan and Tiffanie Zavarelli says
Debbie and Family
Sending our thoughts and prayers to your entire family. So heartbreaking and the community has lost a very special man.
Gary Reiser says
I have many good memories of Tater during our rodeo days. He was as nice as they come and didn’t have a mean bone in him. It sounds like he never changed, he just got better. Rest in peace friend and take good care of that grandson till everybody joins you.
Jodi Pauley says
So sorry to see this, very much enjoyed Tater around the fair and his support for 4-H. My thoughts and prayers to Debbie, Sabrina and family.
Art Wilmer says
Tater, they will definitely let you sign book 1 when you get to Heaven. Rest In Peace
Karla, Jeff and Kourtney Rusow says
Prayer for the Grieving
I give you this one thought to keep-
I am with you still – I do not sleep-
I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in morning’s hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flights.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone, I am with you still in each new dawn.
Love you, Tate. Your mischievous grin will be sorely missed.
Michelle Holt says
We didn’t know Tater. However after reading his obituary, we know we missed knowing a great guy. May your memories bring comfort. We are so sorry.
Michelle Holt and Ted Hannah
Kay Lear Behrens says
Dear Debbie and Family,
You have been in my thoughts all day. I have been trying to think of something I could say that would help you through this difficult period, but all I could think to do is to tell you how much I care about you, and that
Tater was a very wise man as he chose Debbie as his wife.
Love and prayers,
Kay
Mitch Willett says
A good man, friend, classmate, and teammate. He must have hiked a thousand footballs to me from 7th grade to the State Championship football game. RIP #53. 1982 State Champs!!
Mary Kay Bennett says
I didn’t know this man.,but wish that I could have shook his hand.
He not only had mischievous eyes but they have a very kind & penetrating look to them.
I am so sorry for your loss family, friends and town folks. What a loss this must be.
Ruth Kemalyan Weis says
Debbie, Sabrina, and Tater’s whole family;
I pray you find peace and comfort as you learn to live a new ‘normal’. My interactions with Tater weren’t many, but I learned he was a thoughtful and cordial man. Blessings on you all as you mourn.
Allen Bard says
So sorry that you have to go through this. He was a great guy to visit with and fun to talk to.
Todd Durham says
RIP Tater, can’t really wrap my head around that your gone. Fun was had by all when we were young. I’m sure that when you get to heaven Pete will find you some bulls to ride. Prayers for strength and understanding for your family❤️