Howard Moths

 

December 24, 2020

Howard Milton Moths, age 90 of Miles City, entered into heaven to meet Jesus, dying of natural causes.

Howard was born on February 26, 1930, to Franklin and Stella (Robison) Moths in Miles City, Montana, at Darcie Hospital, a Mothers-in-Waiting home. He grew up on Corral Creek in Custer County, Montana and attended Corral Creek School where his adventures riding his Shetland Pony (Daisy) to school provided many stories to tell. He graduated high school from CCDHS in 1947.

Because of the untimely death of Howard's Dad in 1949, Howard became the man of the homestead at the tender age of 19. He assumed this responsibility in order to care for his mother and sisters, relinquishing his own dreams of being a lawyer. After a few years of 'batching it' on the ranch because his mom and sisters moved to town, the bachelor life lost its appeal. He fell in love with a lovely, young lady from Miles City, Emma "Lou" Ekstrom, whose foster parents were A.R. and Eva Bastian. Howard and Lou were married February 15, 1952.


They raised six children: Deborah, Rebecca, William, Pamela, Eva, and John. One of the deepest heartaches that Howard and Lou experienced was burying two children. Rebecca (Becky) died at the tender age of four due to cystic fibrosis. John (Johnny) died at the age of 25 in a car accident.

Howard and Lou made their home on Corral Creek where they resided until 1972, when they sold the ranch and moved to Miles City. Howard changed careers and became a building contractor. Howard's ability to change careers was a blessing to the community. He completed numerous building and remodeling projects throughout town, including re-siding homes, building pole barns, additions to homes; he left a physical mark.


Howard left a spiritual mark too. As a young father, he realized his need for a savior, and accepted Jesus Christ into his life. He faithfully followed Jesus in baptism, reading his bible and praying daily, and modeling this for his family. In a hand-written note to his children in 1997, Howard shared with them his "greatest hope and desire, above all else, was to see each of his family and friends gathered with me and those who have gone before us in the joyous presence of Jesus – who showed us the way, making it possible for us by his death and resurrection."

He also enjoyed a family trip to Florida, multiple trips to Ohio to see Eva's family, and of course, he loved to take the kids and grandkids fishing! When Howard retired, he spent his time having coffee at Gallagher's, attending the activities of his grandkids, playing scrabble, listening to Paul Harvey, and watching Jeopardy.


Having experience with their own extended foster family, Howard and Lou welcomed and embraced into their home, a young woman Bonnie and her toddler son Michael. Bonnie eventually married Tim McGuire, extending their family with Brooke and Megan.

Howard was a lifelong learner. He embraced changes in technology, learning how to email and use the computer in his 70's. He was very witty, had a way with words, and a good sense of humor, which would have helped him dance circles in any courtroom – had that been the path he followed.


Dad is survived by his children, Deb Schmeling, Bill (Sherrie) Moths, Pam (David) Nisley, Eva (David) Anderson. His grandchildren: Jamie (Euan Cameron) Schmeling, Levi (Marti) Schmeling, Amber (Josh) VanLaecken, Travis Moths, Libby (Adam Opstedahl) Nisley, Ryan (Courtney) Anderson, and Lauren (Hank) Lobel. His great grandkids: Kayleigh & Ryder, Serena & Mikayla, Madeline, Jackson & Griffin, Ellis & Walsh. His sister Olive Robinson, nieces and nephews. His family of the heart: Tim McGuire, Michael, Brooke, and Megan.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Lou, daughter Becky, and son John, parents Franklin & Stella Moths, sister Leona Hall, brother-in-law John Robinson and foster daughter Bonnie McGuire.

Should one wish, memorials be made in Howard's name to YNOP (Your Network of Praise Radio), The Gideons, Trails End Ranch (Ekalaka, MT), The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or the charity of one's choice.

Howard's family would like to thank the many caregivers and medical professionals who have helped look after him over the past 10 years. Thank you to the friends in these communities who also helped enrich his life: Spearfish, SD, Miles City, MT, and Forsyth, MT. Above all, we thank our Generous God for giving to us this loving, caring, witty, hard-working, and fun dad, grandpa, uncle, great-grandpa. He has left a mark on all of us as well.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Private funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.

 

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