Rickie Lee Noland, 71

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Rickie Lee Noland, 71, born Nov. 28, 1952, in Whitefish, to Jack Noland and Elizabeth Allred Noland. Being born and raised in Whitefish he was able to learn to waterski at four years old and had a love for the outdoors all the years of his life. He was really sick with rheumatic fever as a small child which really irked him as he couldn't always play as hard as the other kids.  

He was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a brief career in the Army. He married Jullie Waller and had five beautiful children. As a young father he worked long hours for BNSF railroad just like his father. Later he opened Flathead Janitorial with his younger brother. 

His favorite career, however, was working for School District 5 and as building head for Hedges Elementary for 22 years where he was loved by all the administration teachers and children. He so much enjoyed seeing the children learn and grow. Even long after he retired a trip out in public with Rick often meant hellos and hugs from people who knew and loved him. He felt like a celebrity and loved the attention. 

After retirement, he spent his winters in Quartzsite, Arizona, where he was also well-loved. In fact, Rick was loved by everyone who met him and he loved them right back. He left so many friends and family behind. 

He especially loved his children and grandchildren. Family was everything to him. He had such a big heart and so much patience as he taught multiple generations to drive, fish, work hard, and love God.  

He loved to read, hunt, fish, and play games with his family and friends. He was so often busy helping others and he was always up for an adventure or fun-filled shenanigans on his motorcycle, side-by-side, and Corvette. 

He was preceded in death by his dad, Jack; and his daughter, Jessica "Jessie" Noland. 

He is survived by his children Jared (Heather) Noland of Kalispell; Kevin (Jeanette) Noland of Missoula; Amy (Charles) Lighter of Glendive; Mandy Noland of Chandler, Arizona; his 17 grandchildren, Kelsey, Parker, Tori, Chandler, Tag, Kayla, Shaylynn, Karleigh, Kaitlynn, Preston, Austin, Ela, Alyssa, Reece, Kirk, Venna and Vallon; his great-granddaughters, Daisy and Holly; his mom, Beth; his siblings, Debbi, Denise, Mark; and many more family and friends. 

He was a loving, forgiving, super kind-hearted father and friend who was a great example to us all. He left us way too soon. He will be missed greatly and loved always.

RIP Rickie Lee Noland, Nov. 28, 1952 — Dec. 16, 2023.

A funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m., with a viewing at 9 a.m., on Jan. 3, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1380 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell, Montana 59901.

All are welcome who knew and loved him.