Zane G. Murfitt was born in Terry, MT, on August 20, 1925, to Sam and Hester Murfitt. At the age of six, Zane moved with his family to Helena, MT, where he attended school, graduating in 1943. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II.
Following Zane’s military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Montana, earning a degree in Business Administration in 1950. He remained a devoted Grizzlies fan throughout his life, receiving the 2015 Community Service Award for his dedication & devotion to the Montana Grizzlies and University.
Zane built a career in banking, working in Helena, Stanford, and Philipsburg. While working in Helena, he met the love of his life, Barbara Langlois. The two were married on April 28, 1951. They raised five children: Brad (Jennifer), Russ (Lori), Linda (Rick), Steve (Gigi), and Janice (Doug).
In 1960, Zane and his family moved to Philipsburg, where he began working at the Flint Creek Valley Bank. He served as President of the bank He remained dedicated to his career, working there until November 2022. One of his career highlights was serving on the Federal Reserve Board of Directors 9th district out of Minneapolis from 1980-82.
Beyond his professional achievements, Zane was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Philipsburg School Board, he held the position of Mayor of Philipsburg for 16 years, served on the Philipsburg City Council, the Granite County Hospital Board, as well as many other services.
Zane played a key role in transforming the Taylor Knapp property into what is now “Zane G. Murfitt Park,” a cherished community space in Philipsburg. In recognition of his efforts and dedication, the park was officially dedicated in his name in November 2018.Zane was inducted into the Montana Hall of fame for his years of playing Fast Pitch Softball – winning the 1949 State Championship on the HO Bell team!
Zane is survived by his children and his sister, Nina Krakenberg. He leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: Kendra (Justin) Routh, Heidi (Troy) Clemes, Allyson (Shawn) Helde, Christopher Murfitt, Zane (Kelsey) Murfitt, Gabe (Ryanne) Murfitt, Kate Bratz (Cody), Joe (Alana), and Laura (Sloan) Fix. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Hudson and Kenli Routh; Maycee and Cambree Jeanotte; Avery, Ellison, and Marlowe Murfitt; Henry, Ellie, and Finn Murfitt; and Olivia, Gavin, and Brielle Helde.
Zane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; grandson, Michael; brothers Zach (Beverly) Murfitt and Walter (Howdy) (Myrtle) Murfitt; sisters Zalia (George) Logan and Donalda (Jim) Maness, niece Noretta Anderberg; sister-in-law Joan Neal; and brother-in-law Mick Neal.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 1-5pm at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 103 W Kearney, Phillipsburg, MT 59858. A masonic service will begin after the visitation. A visitation will also take place Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 11:30am-12:30pm at the church. The funeral service will begin at 1pm at the Granite County Museum, 135 S Sansome St., Philipsburg, MT 59858. Burial will follow the service to Philipsburg Cemetery, Pearl St., Philipsburg, MT 596858. The reception will be back at the Granite County Museum after the burial. Condolences can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com in memory of Zane. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity in memory of Zane would be greatly appreciated.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Masonic Service to begin at 5 PM
Friday March 14, 2025
St. Pauls Presbyterian Church
103 W Kearney
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Visitation
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday March 15, 2025
St. Pauls Presbyterian Church
103 W Kearney
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday March 15, 2025
Philipsburg Museum
135 S Sansome St.
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 15, 2025
Philipsburg Cemetery
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday March 15, 2025
Philipsburg Museum
135 S Sansome St.
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Masonic Service to begin at 5 PM
Friday March 14, 2025
St. Pauls Presbyterian Church
103 W Kearney
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Visitation
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday March 15, 2025
St. Pauls Presbyterian Church
103 W Kearney
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday March 15, 2025
Philipsburg Museum
135 S Sansome St.
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 15, 2025
Philipsburg Cemetery
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday March 15, 2025
Philipsburg Museum
135 S Sansome St.
Philipsburg, MT 59858
Share
Betty J Munis says
Zane was a true gentleman and an example of citizenry in a rural community. He helped build Philipsburg not only through his work but also through his service to community. The world would be a better place if more folks were like Zane. He will be truly missed.
Mary Jo Carstensen says
We have lost a truly remarkable man. I have many fond memories of Zane going back to childhood. I can remember seeing Zane about town, most often near the bank. My curious spirit was always fascinated, and felt quite lucky when he would give a nod, and that charming smile. Into adulthood, I remained enamored with him, and his gentle ways, true kindness, and again, that smile. We are all very blessed to have known such a legendary man. The world is a better place for having him to share it with.
Kurt and Lynn Unger says
Zane was a true friend and a gentleman who was always there for us and his community over the years! He always stopped into our shop across the street from the bank, bringing his smile and well wishes!. He was one of a kind! Always reaching out to us and the community and helping and supporting make the community a better place every day! We will miss him!
Kurt and Lynn Unger
Russ Plath says
Zane was a great role model my entire life. His dedication to his family, his community and his religion were very inspiring for me. he has left a strong legacy of a great family, a great community in Philipsburg and a very devout Christian community. Zane and Barbara were like second parents for me. I love them and their family very much.
Donna Davis Loomis says
What a legacy of caring, love, and devotion to family and community. Prayers of solace and beautiful memories to the Murfitt family.
J.Johnson says
A good person whose legacy will last for many generations. He was my friend.
Chuck and Heidi Hinkle says
We send our condolences to Zane’s family. He was a great part of philpsburg, helping making it a wonderful community. He always knew us and always said hello or stopped to chat a bit. I’m not sure if Zane started the Holy Family Manager outside the bank at Christmas but it really made me happy to see it each yr. It spoke a lot of the character of the Flint Creek Valley Bank. Zane, you will be missed.
Lois McCready says
What a wonderful person Zane was. He will always be remembered in my thoughts. Condolences to his wonderful family.
Norene Jenks says
Zane was a true gentleman. Always helpful and kind to all the people in Philipsburg. Didn’t matter your status in life. He was a friend to all. I count it a privilege to have the good fortune to know he and Barbara and their children.
Rest in peace Zane. Norene Jenks
Jennie Munis Greene says
When I remember Zane it is his character that stands out the most. He was honest and direct-he looked you straight in the eye when he spoke to you. You knew that he said what he meant and meant what he said. I respected that. He and Barbara always made you feel valued and glad to be in their company. I am thankful for the good people that I knew growing up in Philipsburg. The Murfitt family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Elva (Olson) Flanik says
Zane Murfitt was a beacon shining for the tiny community of Philipsburg, a true honorable gentleman, beloved by the community. He did so much for the community and raised such a nice family with Barbara. I was blessed to have known him in my life, he used to greet me “Bluebird” and my name stuck Everytime he saw me. He helped many in the community and his resolute manner was always appreciated in his dealings at his work. We have lost a true gentleman to the world. My condolences to his family. What a legacy he has created.
Ken Mordan says
My deepest condolences to Zane’s family. My thoughts are with Brad and Russ at this time. Your dad was a wonderful person who helped me and my father, Bill Mordan from Drummond, in so many ways. His banking skills and close friendship with my dad helped make Bill’s Food Center a successful business for my family.
As the prophet goes – All of life is a dream walking. All of death is a going home. Welcome home, Zane
Bruce and Sherry Daigle says
While we never personally met Grandpa, we have heard many stories about the man from his Grandaughter, Kate. His legacy is timeless.
Dick & Carrie Hoehne says
Sorry for your loss. Zane was a great person and will be missed.
Dianne says
The classic twinkle in your eye, your wry smile and sense of humor, watching my preschool daughter first become so enamored with “Grandpa Zane” … sweet longtime memories. You were one of a kind, sir, truly.
Susan Wolff says
I saw Zane’s obituary in the Philipsburg Mail last night. While sad at the passing of him, what a life he and your family had and gave to so many. Zane was my first banker, way back when. I loved his interest in Montana history, every account holder, and how he kept track of us. I am so grateful to have been in Philipsburg for the concert last August to celebrate his 99th birthday. Love to all.
Cindy Watkins says
To know Zane was to love him. He was instantly likable in part due to his gentle, quiet demeanor and smile. I had the pleasure of his company on a handful of occasions because of his connection to the Watkins’ family and his love for the U of M Grizzlies.
It was an honor to attend his funeral today. What a legacy he leaves behind. ~Cindy (Jim) Watkins