Lyle Lee Estell, 74, died Aug. 29, 2008, in Big River of natural causes.
He was born Aug. 28, 1934, in Thermopolis, Wyo., to Edna Swanson and Lloyd Estell. He was raised by Mildred (Nelson) and Lloyd Estell, and was the eldest of seven children. He married Mary Jane "Janie" Trapp on Feb. 15, 1960, at Havre, Mont. They were married for 34 years. He retired from Hungry Horse Dam in 1989. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and camping. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a sister. He is survived by his three daughters, Debbie Hader of Columbia Falls, Mont., Janine Estell-Steppe of Tualatin, Ore., and Patty Peck of Hillsboro, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Flammang of Kooskia, Ida., and Penny Walls of Boise, Ida.; three brothers, Terry Estell of Chinook, Mont., Merle Estell of Great Falls, Mont., and Milo Estell of Libby, Mont.; and Cleo Wagner of Big River. A graveside service was held with family at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.
