Leo Sterns

Funeral service for Leo Sterns, 92, of Ekalaka, was held March 22 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka with Pastor Steve DeFord officiating. Burial followed at Beaver Lodge Cemetery.

Leo Sterns lived a full life and passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023, at Dahl Memorial in Ekalaka. Leo was born to Louis and Violet (Johnson) Sterns on November 7, 1930 in Ekalaka, Montana. He was raised along with his sister, Joann, on the Sterns homestead that was purchased by his family in 1929. Leo attended school at the Big Hill school house and then graduated from Carter County High School.

When he was a young man he met and then married Mary Belle Cline on October 5, 1954. They had a great love of farming and ranching so they settled on the Sterns homestead and began to raise their family. Three boys were added to their family, Dick, Clint and Rit. Leo and Mary were married for almost 60 years when she passed away in 2014.

Leo was hardworking and prided himself on a job well done. Time with family and friends was always cherished. He was most proud of one of his last projects, the family Sterns sign that marks the ranch.

Leo is survived by sons, Dick (Cindy) Sterns, Clint (Diane) Sterns, Rit Sterns; grandchildren, Skye (Michael) Hatten, Matthew Sterns, Courtney Montgomery; great-grandchildren, Cadence Hatten and Grady Hatten; multiple nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mary; sister Joann Sterns; parents, Louis and Violet Sterns; daughter-in-law, Sandy Sterns.