Jerry Lee Loutherback, 70

Jerry Lee Loutherback was born Jan. 4, 1948, in Littlefield, Texas, to Jimmie and Irene Loutherback.

Jerry passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 22, 2018, at his home in Elk, Washington.

Jerry grew up in southern California and quickly became a competitive athlete setting many school records at Bellflower High. He became an entrepreneur at a young age and found that he was successful at managing restaurants. He and his older brother, Ron, owned American Family Steakhouses in California. Jerry married Paulette Pierce and had two children, Jimmy Lee and Sherene.

They later divorced and Jerry moved to Kila where he pursued his dream of owning a horse ranch and living a simpler life. He married Julie Drexler and had a daughter, Jessica. Julie and Jerry became restaurant owners in Kalispell in 1986 with the Sportsman’s. Four years later they opened Julie’s Restaurant and Saloon.

When Jerry wasn’t busy running two successful restaurants he enjoyed riding horses. He and Julie put in a huge arena behind Julie’s Restaurant and began hosting regular o-mok-sees and eventually team pennings. It was not uncommon to drive by the restaurant every weekend in the summer and see hundreds of people riding and watching. Jerry worked hard and played hard and made countless friends doing what he loved. He remained an intense competitor and earned numerous buckles, jackets, blankets and plaques.

Jerry and Julie divorced in 2000 and, two years later, Jerry closed the restaurant and moved to Elk. He spent the remaining 15 years of his life living a quieter dream, training horses and giving riding lessons on his small ranch. He loved the slower pace of life and being able to invest in the people around him. He had many friends and all will feel his absence deeply.

Jerry leaves behind his three children, Jim, Jessica and Sherene, and his older brother Ron (Therese).

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Irene, his father, Jim, and his stepfather, Doug.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held in May.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please honor the memory of Jerry by saddling up your horse and going for a ride.