Lyle Babb

Lyle Wallace Babb

December 24, 1935 – July 2, 2021

A son, the first male child in the family for two generations, was born on December 24, 1935. He was named Lyle Wallace, born to Harry Babb and Elizabeth (Durm) Babb. Lyle was the only child born in the "house that Harry built" on the Tie Creek. Lyle was raised on the Durm/ Babb family farm/ranch. He attended elementary school on Tie Creek at Plainview, Montana and graduated from Carter County High School in Ekalaka, Montana, Class of 1953. After high school Lyle worked a few years for Oliver and Madelyn Teigen on their ranch near Capital, Montana. He worked for a short time in the Pine Hills area logging and working in Val Kuntz's sawmill. He then returned to work at the Oliver Teigen Ranch.

He married Kay Jean Newman in Spearfish, South Dakota, on August 28, 1959. They were blessed with their first son, Kenneth Lyle, June 4, 1961. Lyle, Kay, and Kenny moved to the Durm/Babb family ranch/farm in the fall of 1962, due to Lyle's father, Harry's failing health. Lyle worked for the United States Forest Service to supplement the income. He worked as a seasonal summer help for four years. The fourth year he was promoted to fire guard and observed the Long Pines area from the watchtower. The family was again blessed with a second son, Calvin Lee, on February 22, 1963. Lyle and Kay worked to build up the family place together, and later, with the help of their two sons. In 1972, Lyle and Kay bought the Babb Ranch from Lyle's grandmother, Ellen Durm, for the sum of $1. Lyle was ambitious and enterprising, in addition to the regular ranch work, he and his sons did custom farming. Lyle bought a semi-truck and hauled cattle, sheep, hay, and grain. He also operated a custom hay grinding business.

Lyle and Kay established a successful Amway business, during which time they enjoyed traveling and meeting new friends. They spent a brief time in Huntington Beach, California, and Port Townsend, Washington. Lyle and his sons cut timber following the Long Pines fire of 1988, and operated their own sawmill with the help of "The Old Lady and the Little Kid," according to grandson, Casey referring to himself and Grandma Kay. Daughter-in-law, Kelly, and granddaughter Kelsey, as well as several friends from the area, also assisted in the family sawmill. Some of the lumber was utilized for the expansion of the Community Bible Church. Lyle and Kay also dabbled with raising ostriches.

Lyle positively influenced the lives of many young people, including his nephews and nieces, Sky Ranch boys, and a special young man from Norway on an agricultural exchange program. He was an active member of the community serving on the Plain View school board, and the Camp Crook United Methodist Church board. Later he was a member of the Community Bible Church in Camp Crook, South Dakota, also serving as a chairman of that church board.

In 2000 Lyle and Kay sold the ranch and joined their son, Kenny and his family in Broadus, Montana. After moving to Broadus, Lyle and Kay joined Kenny's family as members of the First Baptist Church, now known as Faith Bible Church. Lyle was employed as the night custodian at Powder River County District High School for several years. Lyle, and his grandson, Casey spent many summers working for Craig and Jackee Randall of Broadus with Lyle swathing, and Casey baling the hay. Lyle was involved with Mike Copps and Don Bidwell in establishing the St. Vincent's store in Broadus and brought it to fruition. Lyle then helped manage St. Vincent's for some time until his declining health forced him to retire.

Lyle had obtained his pilot's license and found enjoyment in his flight time with his two Piper Cub J3 airplanes throughout the 60s and 70s. He appreciated going on several hunting and fishing trips, throughout the years, with his father-in-law, Roy Newman. Lyle had the opportunity to harvest an extremely large Canadian Bull Moose. It was the first moose he had ever seen. Before Roy passed, he and Lyle relished one last fishing trip together with family members, including Lyle's sons and grandson.

Lyle and Kay enjoyed spending time following their sons' school activities as they were growing up. He and Kay also loved following their grandchildren's sports activities and music concerts. Lyle was fun loving and delighted in visiting with family and friends. He and Kay were fond of attending area dances in the early years. He enjoyed card parties with family and friends. Prior to his move to the manor, Lyle and grandson, Casey passed the time playing numerous Domino games. Following an accident on March 26, 2021, which fractured his neck, Lyle was placed in the care of the Powder River Manor in Broadus until the time of his death.

Lyle's pride and joy were his family, especially his two grandchildren. Lyle passed away nine days after the birth of his great granddaughter, his namesake, Lyla Jo. Though he never had an opportunity to meet her, when shown a picture, he expressed that she was a "pretty baby."

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elizabeth Babb; a brother, Leon; a son, Calvin; three half-brothers, and two half-sisters. Lyle is survived by his wife Kay Jean of 62 years; daughter/sister-in-law, Sara (Mark) Clark, of Lexington, Tennessee; a son Kenneth (Kelly) of Broadus; grandson, Casey of Broadus; granddaughter, Kelsey (Nathan) Trotter of Edgemont, SD, great granddaughter and namesake, Lyla Jo Trotter; a sister, Rita (Babb) Knipfer of Ekalaka, and family; brother, Loyal (LaVonne) Babb, of Rapid City, SD, and family; numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 10 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus, Montana. A luncheon will follow the memorial service at the church. The burial will take place Saturday, August 14, at 3 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Camp Crook, South Dakota. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Camp Crook Community Center. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting: stevensonandsons.com.