George Stribley

George Henry Stribley passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday evening, March 3, at St Vincent Healthcare after a brief illness. George was born to Bert Lee and Nellie Dugan in Ardmore, South Dakota on April 17, 1917. He was the youngest of four children. At age five George moved to Billings with his father and siblings. His father devoted his life to the care of his family and that dedication to family, church and hard work set the foundation that guided George throughout his ninety-five and a half years. His life long passion for golf began at an early age caddying at Hilands Golf Club. He attended Fratt Memorial School and graduated from Billings High School in 1935. George worked at the Laurel refinery until he was drafted into the Army in 1941. He was a Sergeant in the 41st Division and served in the Pacific Theatre. He received an honorary discharge in 1944 due to malaria and returned to the U.S. He briefly attended college in Chicago, but again returned to Montana when the malaria reoccurred. It was at this time George made the decision to stay close to his father and show him the devotion that was once given to him. George first encountered the love of his life, Charlotte McCahill, boarding a city bus in Billings. The tall, statuesque brunette dressed in a fur coat captured his eye. They officially met for the first time at a St. Patrick's church function. They married July 14th, 1951 and he built them a home adjacent to his father where they lived for nearly 57 years. Together they had four children. George worked for Gates Rubber Company for 33 years. He was a charter member of Lake Hills Golf Club and had 5 holes-in-one. His passion for the game continued through age 91 and he played his last real round with his wife still walking the fairways at Lake Hills. The friendships developed through the game of golf were priceless. He was an avid hunter and sports fan. When he retired he continued his passion for golf, sports and gardening. He particularly enjoyed the top row below the center window in the Central High gymnasium surrounded by friends. His family relished the last four and a half years since Charlotte's death. Our father inspired us with his continued devotion to family and church. He never sat idle and was game for anything, “No problem!.” His passion for visiting and friendships never waned. George is survived by his four children, Susan (David) Irion, Peggy, Joe (Karen), and Ann (Dennis) Tipton, grandchildren, Jakob (Tina) Irion, Megan (Kobey) Stovall, Hayden, Caitlin, and Joe Stribley, Sam and Kelly Tipton, step-grandchildren Whitney and Tanner and step-great grandchildren Rilie and Payton. He was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte, his parents and siblings (Robert, Mary Ryan and Olive Harebo). George's family members wish to thank the many friends from the St. Vincent Healthcare Chapel and St. Thomas parish along with the Parkhill neighbors who befriended him. We would also like to thank the staff at Grand Marquis Assisted Living for their kindness in the last seven weeks of his life. A special thank you to Dr. Neal Sorenson and the other physicians and staff at St. Vincent Healthcare for their excellent and compassionate care. Service: A vigil service will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel Monday, March 11th, at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be at St. Thomas Church on Tuesday the 12th at 10:00 a.m.