On the afternoon of January 8, 2021 Vernon Lee Moody passed away due to complications from Covid 19. His son, Dan Moody, was at his side holding his hand. The family is grateful for the wonderful staff at Cooney.
Vern was born on September 18,1932, to UD and Ann Moody in Great Falls, Montana. He was the proud middle brother of two sisters, Shirley Watson and Stella McMahon. The two of them are still every bit as feisty as their brother was. Their life was difficult as their father left when the children was very young. Because of their struggles they were a very close family. When Vern was in his early teens he stayed with his dad and uncles working on their fishing boat in Alaska.
At 17, Vern was attending high school in Simms and working on a dairy farm milking cows twice a day. He then had his mother sign the papers so he could join the United States Marine Corp. Dad always said that in the Marines he got an extra hour of sleep and all the food he could eat. He served honorably for 4 years, including a tour in Korea where he received the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. He carried shrapnel in his leg for the rest of his life. Dad was always a proud Marine.
Upon his return from Korea, he married Roberta Bodkins. After his discharge, they returned to Montana. Dad attended Montana State University earning his Bachelor’s degree. They moved to Helena, where he first worked at the Montana Highway Department and then the Montana Aeronautics Department. They were married 25 years and had 3 children, Cathy Moody Corr, (Ron, deceased), Dan Moody (Sara Graveley) and Lori Moody Voss, (Chuck, deceased).
While working for the state, he received his private pilot’s license and later his commercial license with an instrument rating. He flew for Search and Rescue but primarily he flew for his work developing in airports in small Montana communities. When you drive through rural Montana and see the grass airstrips with white cones, that was his work.
Shortly before retiring, Dad married Yvonne Fetty and they were devoted to each other for over 37 years. He did his best to be a good stepfather to her children, Terri,(deceased) Tammi, Todd and Travis. Dad and Yvonne were the most loving and caring grandparents anyone could ever have.
Dad retired, but he still worked, selling asphalt repair compound and then later worked for his friend Ed Thomas. Dad had many friends and his life was richer for them, but two must be noted: Ed Thomas and Jack Slevin. For 50 years they hunted, fished, and worked together. Thank you, Ed and Jack.
Dad played as hard as he worked. Vern and Yvonne traveled to Spain, Costa Rica and two times a year they would come visit family in Wisconsin. Family was important to Dad and always maintained a close relation to his former daughter-in-law Marbeth Granados.
Five years ago, his wonderful wife Yvonne, had a stroke and is now in the Masonic Home. Dad visited her three times every single day. During this difficult time he showed his generous heart by welcoming my new wife, Sara and her daughter and 4 children. He always called her “Sis” and gave her a hug every time she brought him his favorite cookies.
He is now at peace. “At Ease. Marine”. Brother, Husband, Father Grandfather, Uncle and Friend: we will miss you always.
Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Dan and Sandi Benson says
Dan and family,
Was so sorry receiving this news. Vern always had a laugh, smile, was loved by many and has left a positive legacy. May the days ahead bring you all peace and understanding. Virtual hugs.
Jen Eggum (Olson) says
Moody and Fetty families,
I was very saddened to hear the news of Vern’s passing. Vern was like a grandpa to my sisters and I. Having him as a next door neighbor for many years was an honor. He always welcomed us into his home and willing to help us out with anything, from simple things as starting the lawn mower to rescuing me when I slid off the road near Great Falls. He was an amazing thoughtful man. Rest In Peace, Vern, you will forever be in my heart!
Rick Olson says
Vern was our neighbor, our friend and our family. We shared so many wonderful memories together! Our love for this man ran deep…. Vern leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness to all who crossed his path. We need more Vern Moody’s in this world! Rest In Peace, dear friend.
Peace & Love,
Rick & Barb Olson
Annell Fillinger says
I am so saddened by the news of Vern’s death. I loved him so very much. He was my next door neighbor for 35 years. He was part of our family. The neighborhood kids were his delight and he never missed a chance to say hello and find out what they were up to. Vern & Yvonne’s house was always the gathering place for the neighbors on warm summer evenings. There will never be another Vern he was one of a kind. It has been a great privilege to call him my friend. May he rest in peace.
Jessica Lott says
Grandpa meant the world to me and I miss him so much. he was always cracking jokes, or telling stories. He would always battle with me the the packers were the best since I had a different team. Life’s going to be hard without him. But we’ll make it through. Love you grandpa Rest In Peace I love you,
Elaine Tuffli says
I am so sorry about Verns passing. He always treated me very well and made me laugh. He can have McDonalds in Heaven I hope. Love you Vern, RIP
Tonna Strasko says
Vern, your smile and laughter and caring for others will be missed.
You will be missed at First Presbyterian Church.
You are now in God’s hands.
Kathy Moran-Johnston says
Dan and Cathy – I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My sincere condolences to you and your families.
Marbeth Granados Mayorga says
Vern, you were the best father in law I could ever had..you will be in my heart ALWAYS. The best grandpa a child could have. I love you Vern and thank you so much for all the love and respect you gave me. Rest and peace and say hi to my dad.
Jill Dobson says
Vernon,
You were a great uncle and a Great guy!
I will miss your vernum’s (your witty one liners)
I enjoyed traveling on our various trips to see relatives with you and Yvonne and Mom.
Thanks for being such a great uncle you will be missed dearly ❤️
Your niece Jill Watson Dobson
Shirley Watson says
Vernon,
Stella and I will miss our brother more than you will ever know! We forgive you for all the knuckle bumps you inflicted on us when you were boxing for the golden gloves in Seattle. You always were our protector! Until we meet again ❤️
Love your sister’s,
Stella and Shirley
Jim & Michele O'Donnell says
Dan and family,
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Vern. Many memories come back when we were growing up of your dad. Some good times spent with you and he including branding at your relatives ranch. We sure put him through a lot at times in those days as well, but know that he forgave us for all that. It was also great reconnecting with him a number of years ago at he and Yvonne’s home.
Happy Trails Vern!
Big love Jim & Michele
Karlee Smith says
Cathy, Dan and Lori—
I have fun memories of times at your house on 5th, and the continuous fun kidding from your Dad. He was a gem and I know you’ll all miss him a lot. Sending hugs your way.
Karlee (Scow) Smith
Linda Hall says
My dear Yvonne, m so sorry for your loss. Vern was a kind and caring person.
Lois and Kerry Petersen says
Vern and Yvonne were so special to our neighborhood. One of the kindest people I have ever had the privilege to know. Heaven got a good one!! We love you Vern – RIP and hugs to Yvonne.
The Petersen Family
Bill Duffy says
Cathy,Dan and Lori,
I was very saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a great guy. He took me on my very first flight.
He will be remembered by many of us.
Sending you all love in this difficult time.
Robert Breeden says
Vern’s family,
Was saddened to see that Vern had passed away. He was the best boss I ever had. I worked for the
Aeronautics Commission and him on the air marking crews during the summers of 1963 and 1964. After that over the years, he always had time for a short talk with me.
May he rest in peace.
Scott Marshall and family says
vern will always be remembered by my family as one of the most friendly, generous people we’ve ever met. as newbies in the neighborhood, vern was quick to invite us over for a beer on the patio. soon, most of the neighborhood would be there laughing and enjoying each other’s company. visitors would find themselves with a beer (and coozy) in their hand, and the kids with a pop soon after they arrived. i knew vern for about 15 minutes before he gave me the code to his garage door and showed me where his tools where, should i ever need them. i will miss vern and carry his memory with me. yvonne, we are so sorry for your loss, and look forward to visiting you again once we are able.
Jean Cattaneo says
Vernon,
Your infectious grin and heartfelt laugh will forever be your legacy!
True to form, as a loving family man, you completed the Moody/Novak family reunion for Aunt Marge’s 100th Birthday in California – a weekend of lasting memories
You’re the dearest cousin/nephew one could have- we’ll miss you Vernon – rest in peace
The Novak Family
Larry & Judy Baker says
I liked Vern from the first time I met him years ago when he worked for Lantek. He had the most engaging smile that went all the way up through his sparkling eyes. Those eyes also sparkled with a bit of mischief as well. Vern was a delight to be around; always upbeat and encouraging. His laughter was loud and contagious. What’s not to like about that? He will certainly be missed by those in the neighborhood. But, hopefully, we will carry on his good neighbor status since we purchased his home in the fall. I smile when I see things around the place that remind me of him – which is often. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Rick & Christine Kritner says
Dear Dan & Family,
We are very sorry for your loss; please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. I remember how highly you spoke of him and how you’d call him when we were traveling for work together. It was clear how important family was to him as it is to you. He did a fine job raising a wonderful son who truly cares about people and spreads laughter and joy. Remember the good times!
Rick & Christine Kritner
Delores. Hill says
Dear Dan, Kathy, and Lori
Your Dad was an old friend of my deceased husband,Chap and a buddy of my deceased son, Steve. We sort of lost touch over the years, but he was always a part of us. He was a great guy and will be missed. May. God bless you all. My love and blessings. Delores Hill