John Leroy Conover
1931 - 2010
John Leroy Conover left this earthly life on June 24 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born September 28, 1931, the eldest child of John Albert Conover and Murlin Claire Walker.
John spent most of his life on the family ranch which included his grandfather’s homestead. John and his siblings, Bill, Mary Ellen and Dale learned how to work at an early age, often herding sheep when they were 8 or 9 years old with the assistance of a good horse, good dogs and a rifle.
The family lived on the Craig Cornell Ranch for a few years, and in 1943 they bought a house with a barn in Dillon so the children could attend school without having to walk such great distances. Spring and summer months were spent up the Blacktail at the family ranch located in Sheep Canyon and Cabin Creek.
John graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1951, and in 1956 he met Gladys Audrey Goldsworthy while she was attending college in Dillon. On October 17, 1957, they were married, and in September, 1958 they started their family with the birth of Kim Elaine, followed by Sheila Kay in June, 1960; Alan Craig in June, 1962; Nancy Lynn in December, 1963; and Laurel Brianna in October, 1980.
John worked the family ranch by the side of his father, and continued the legacy until his death. He was a great stockman who loved the land, and dedicated his life to that stewardship he held so dear.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Beaverhead Ranchers Roundtable, and the Montana Woolgrowers Association.
His family and ranch were his life. By example he passed on his legacy to appreciate Gods’ creations, to work hard and respect others, and to endure our trials with grace and dignity.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Gladys; children Kim (Dan) Nye, Kay (Barry) Riesland, Alan (Diane) Conover, all of Dillon; Nancy (Ed) Urick, Ketchikan, Alaska; Laurel (Brian Jess) Conover, Deer Lodge; grandchildren, Sean, Tadd and Anika Nye, Wendy (Jacob) Ortman, Emily Smith, Amanda Riesland, Shane Conover, Chad and Clay Feragen, and Brandi Stone; sister Mary Ellen (Jean) Eve, Great Falls; brothers, Bill (Jana Kay) Conover, Orem, Utah, and Dale (Donelda) Conover, Dillon; aunt, Opal Walker, Rigby, Idaho; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Montana Woolgrowers Association, Barrett Hospital Home Health and Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 29, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 10:30 a.m.
Per his request he will be laid to rest at a family graveside service in Sheep Canyon in the earth that sustained him for 78 years.
Happy trails Daddy!
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