Floyd Montgomery Dolence (Monte), 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his wife at his side, on July 9, 2017.

Monte was born on August 10, 1937 to Joseph and Bessie Dolence, in Caldwell, ID. Growing up on farms and ranches, helping his parents were some of the fondest memories for Monte. He spoke of many of his adventures and experiences quite often.

When Monte graduated from high school, he attended college in Moscow, ID, for a few semesters. that wasn’t exciting enough for him, and so he went back to helping his parents on a large ranch in southwest Idaho.

After a time, he married Judy Snow. Judy and Monte had six children; Daniel (Yvonne) Dolence, Christine Dolence, Pamela Dolence, Ryan (Crystal) Dolence, John (Michelle) Dolence, and Craig Dolence. Monte and Judy were later divorced. During their marriage, Monte worked for MK Construction. He worked in South America for a time, and then for Simplot in Caldwell, ID. Monte later came to Ronan, Montana and started a paving company. He later sold that and went back to Idaho. Making trips back to Ronan occasionally, he met his current wife, Wanda on 9/11/2001.

Monte and Wanda were married on December 2, 2001 in Dillon, MT. Monte was also baptized on the same day. The two enjoyed many adventures over the next 15 plus years. Monte always had a “good idea.” These ideas brought him to Elim, AK, where he helped enlarge a runway to handle larger planes. The following year Monte and Wanda flew to Alaska to work in a gold mine located 45 air miles south of Fairbanks. Later that year Monte found himself in Quartzite, AZ selling lures in the big flea market and then used equipment in a junk yard.

He headed home to Montana and then to North Dakota to drive truck for Wanda’s brother, Mike. After completing the job he came home to work for Wanda’s brother Randy. He hauled hay around Montana, and while working in Browning, ended up in the hospital with a broken hip. This did not keep him down for long. A week after a hip replacement he was back on the road. He loved his “Pete.”

Monte was happiest when helping. He was a consummate professional and could make things work that others had written off.

Monte loved his family very much. He is survived by his wife and children, as well as grandchildren, Adam, Jacob, Benjamin, Kylie, Tara, Cody, Brendon, Eric, Katie, Megan, Kelsey and Gavin; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 step children; 7 step grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren; a brother, Leon (Bonnie) Dolence; a nephew, Rick (Brenda) and nieces, Jan (Vic) and Brenda. A large extended family will remember him fondly.

He joins his parents, Joe and Bessie.

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