James Wesley Stoos November 16, 1941 – June 15, 2025
Wes Stoos was born November 16, 1941, in Great Falls, Montana, and passed away in his home on June 15, 2025 at the age of 83. He left this world much like he lived in it — on his own terms.
He was the son of Jim and Doris (Kalbus) Stoos, and grandson to John and Hilda Stoos and Julius and Anna Kalbus — all of whom passed before him. He was raised alongside his brother Raymond Stoos in the heart of Montana, where hard work wasn’t optional, and neither was telling it like it is.
He graduated from Geraldine High School in 1959, where he played football and basketball, rode bulls and broncs, served on student council, and FFA. After high school, he went on to Western Montana College in Dillon, studying industrial arts and riding for the college rodeo team.
He married Jeri Lou Armstrong while in college and fathered three children: Michele Cottrill, Brent Stoos, and Todd Stoos. He later shared his life with wives Patti Lee (deceased), and Nancy Long.
He rodeoed hard for three decades, crisscrossing Montana in the summer while working construction the rest of the year. He took home countless buckles and a few saddles — proof that he could take down just about any steer he chased. He worked for Atco, traveling the world building barrack housing, and brought that same tough-as-nails attitude to every job.
A true cowboy through and through, he spent most of his life building with his hands — steel-frame buildings, homes, roofs, remodels — and was known for his exceptional finish carpentry. He never cut corners, didn’t sugarcoat his words, and had no patience for laziness. What he built, he built to last.
After retiring from rodeo, he kept on rolling — traveling the backroads of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, buying and selling trailers and antiques. Eventually, he opened the “Never Open Antiques” store in Lewistown — a place as full of character as he was.
He was proud of his family, though he didn’t always say it out loud. He is survived by his wife Nancy Long; his children Michele Cottrill, Brent Stoos, and Todd Stoos; his grandchildren Anna Cottrill, Alisa Cottrill, Celena Stoos, and Brett Stoos; his brother Raymond Stoos; and Nancy’s children, who became part of his life and story in later years.
He wasn’t the sentimental type, but if you knew him, you knew he cared in his own way. Whether it was a sharp joke, a helping hand, or just sitting in silence, he showed up when it mattered.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 28th at 11am at the Geraldine Montana Cemetery, led by Dana, Stillwater Hospice chaplain. Following the service, friends and family are invited for refreshments and shared memories at the Milwaukee Railroad Depot in Geraldine.
The family is inviting all who knew him to participate in a horseback ride down main street in Geraldine between the cemetery and the reception for one last ride with Wes. They encourage participants to wear his signature red button-down shirt and a straw cowboy hat.
For anyone unable to make the service on Saturday, there will be a small gathering at his home in Great Falls at 3pm on Sunday June 29th.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, a cause he could have utilized a few times during his rodeo career.
The family would also like to send their thanks to the folks at the Stillwater Hospice for all of their care and support during this tough time.
Come swap stories, share a drink, and remember a man who was tougher than most, and soft in just the right places — not that he’d ever admit it.
Verna Kroll says
Michelle, Brett and Todd
Sorry to hear about your dad. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Sally says
We are so sorry about this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys and your family
Gary G Thomas says
Wes Stoos was a classmate of my sister, Pat Thomas. Always a hardworking man, rode those bulls, played football and basketball but was a gentleman. Nice man
Brigette Clark says
Although no words can take away the sorrow that you bare. May it be comforting to you to know that others care.
Hugs & prayers,
Russell & Brigette Clark
Brenda beason says
Brent, Todd and Michelle. So very sorry to hear of this loss to your family. May you find solace from memories and knowledge of a long life for your father. Thinking of you all. Brian and Brenda Beason
Dave Kissner says
To the Stoos family, I’m so sorry to learn of Wes’s passing on, as I’ve known him since 1980 when he and his crew built an airplane hanger/shop for me on the Horner airstrip on the Bootlegger trail. We’d crossed paths many times over the years, considered him to be a good friend and confidant, RIP Wes, Until we meet again pal, Dave
Lael Conklin says
Our hearts go out to Nancy and all of Wes’s family. My husband and I have been neighbors to Wes and Nancy for the past decade. We shared some dinners and sweet conversation and always a wave as we passed by. Wes sure lived while he was on this earth, love hearing all about
his rodeo days. May he forever rest in peace, sincerely Jeremy and Lael Conklin