Peyton H. Bennett, 95

 Peyton H. Bennett, 95, died March 28, 2015, of natural causes at Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell. 

He was born August 6, 1919, in Deer Lodge to James V. and lsetta M. (Stetson) Bennett. In 1920 he moved with his family to Scobey where the family engaged in farming for the next 60 years.

 In the depths of the “dirty thirties,” his mother and her four children moved to Oregon to establish residency to enable Peyton to attend the University of Oregon tuition-free. There he also worked part time to help support the family. He graduated in 1941 with a degree in accounting, after which his mother and siblings returned to Montana. 

Peyton was employed as a certified public accountant in Oregon, Washington and New York until the death of his father in 1955, after which he assumed management of the family farm until the early 1980s when it was sold.

 In 1960, Peyton married Florence (Ryding) Sheron, the mother of two sons, John and Dennis “Bink,” both of whom became part of his family. Peyton and Florence celebrated 46 years as a devoted team, enjoying the best of married life, before her death in 2006.

 Peyton was an active member of the Episcopalian Church in Scobey, serving numerous terms as an elder and treasurer for the congregation. Later he became a member of the Scobey Lutheran Church. His commitment to being a Mason and Shriner provided the fraternity and foundation of improving character and strengthening the community. Peyton completed the third and final degree to become a Shriner. 

After retiring from farming, Peyton and Florence traveled throughout the United States in their fifth wheeler, enjoying the historical sites and enjoying regional cuisine. At home or on the road, they always had time for their passion of playing bridge.

Peyton is survived by his brother Gordon and wife Norma Tirrell; sister Judith Eilertsen and husband Edwin of Minneapolis; nieces Kathy, Susan and Betsy Eilertsen, and niece Sarah Sullivan, nephew JV Bennett Ill, Bink and Mary Sheron, granddaughter Shannon Sheron of Seattle, Shawn Chouinard of Kalispell, and five great-grandchildren. 

Peyton was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Bennett, stepson John Sheron, and granddaughter Sharen Sheron Walker.

 Peyton loved life and life loved him back. He expressed gratitude every day for the many blessings, friends and family he enjoyed.

Interment will be in Scobey. A funeral service will be held in Scobey at a later date. 

 In lieu of flowers make a donation in Peyton’s name to your favorite charity.

Arrangements have been made by Buffalo Funeral Home and Cremation of Kalispell. To send a note of condolence to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com