LaBrees named 2024 Days of '85 parade marshals

Anna Heggen LaBree

In 1884, Anna Heggen LaBree's grandfather Edward Heggen filed his homestead three miles NE of Ekalaka. He and his brother George helped build some of the first buildings in Ekalaka. George Heggen's broad ax used for these buildings is currently in the Carter County Museum.

Anna, the daughter of Elmer and Alice Heggen, grew up in Carter County, graduated from Carter County High School and went to college in Billings.

Anna has been an active member of the community. She served as the Carter County Fair Board secretary from 1964 to 1967. In 1968, Anna was elected president of the Carter County Geological Society and on May 5, 1970 she signed the contract to buy the current museum building from Vern and Dorothy Silvis. With her interest in the future of the museum, she was also on the museum board when they purchased the adjoining lots to the museum and the building on Highway 323.

In 1976, Anna served on the committee compiling stories for the Carter County history book, "Shifting Scenes" Volumes 1 and 2. That project was a part of the United States 200th anniversary celebration. In 2010, when it was time for Ekalaka to celebrate its 125th anniversary, Anna was the editor and coordinator of Volume 4 of "Shifting Scenes." She was also on the planning committee and helped organize the program depicting the founding of Ekalaka.

In 2000, the Lively Learners Homemakers Club nominated Anna for "State Mother of the Year." Later, Anna was awarded the honor of "Montana Mother of the Year." She represented Montana at the National Convention of American Mothers, Inc. in New York City.

Her interest in young people led to many opportunities. Anna served as a Vacation Bible School and Good News teacher. She also served on her church board for many years. She was vice-president and then became president of the Tennis Club seeing the tennis court through to completion. Anna served as a counselor for the American Legion Auxiliary Montana Girls State, taking area Girls State delegates with her to Helena. After raising her three children, Anna was also a substitute teacher for 24 years in the Ekalaka schools.

Jesse LaBree

Jesse LaBree, son of Pat and Nellie LaBree, grew up on a ranch NW of Ekalaka, where he attended the O'Fallon Creek School through the 8th grade. Due to buses not running, he boarded in town for high school for four years and made the 17-mile trip home on the weekends. After graduating from Carter County High School, he started his ranching career. Jesse's grandparents homesteaded NW of Ekalaka in 1910.

On June 30th, 1964, Jesse married Anna Heggen. They had three children: Dixie, Elton, and Jana Jo, who they raised on their ranch NE of Ekalaka. Jesse and Anna recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Jesse has been active in the community. He served as State Deputy Livestock Inspector for 51 years.

He served as a director and treasurer of the Carter County Sheep and Cattle Growers for many years. He served on the ASCS board and county election board. Jesse served on the KGLE Christian radio board and also was a director for the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. Jesse has served on his church board and participated in the community choir for many years.

Jesse enjoyed going on the local wagon trains. He went on the Great Montana Cattle Drive of '89. He was part of the group who were asked to be extras in the movie, "Far and Away." The group brought their horses and wagons and took part in the Oklahoma land rush scene in the movie. Jesse still enjoys riding his horse and moving cattle.