Lewis A. McBride, 96

On May 31, 2009, Lewis Andrew McBride, 96, passed away at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber from congestive heart failure.

Louie was born May 1, 1913, in Rocky Ford, Colo., to James and Ethel McBride. He was third in a family of six children.

The family moved to Montana on Dec. 31, 1927.

In 1935, Louie married Leona Walker. They had one child, Marilyn. They later divorced. On Dec. 16, 1948, he married Eva Hutchins.

Louie farmed with his dad for many years as well as on his own place along the Yellowstone before moving to Two Dot in 1951 where he and his brother, Glen, bought a wheat and cattle ranch.

In 1965, Louie and Eva moved to Kalispell where they built and operated the first coin-operated car wash. They later added a gas station to the business.

They retired in 1977 and wintered in Apache Junction, Ariz.

In 1996, he and Eva moved to Big Timber to be close to their family.

He is survived by his wife, Eva; daughter, Marilyn Talkington; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; as well as his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and his sister.

A celebration of Louie's life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the Boulder Valley Baptist Church in Big Timber.

Arrangements are by Stenberg Funeral Home in Big Timber.