Merle Hayden

A Funeral service for Merle Hayden, 79, of Baker, MT will be 11:00 a. m. , Thursday, October 24, 2013 at the Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Baker, MT with Pastor Garry Bass officiating. Burial will follow in Bonnievale Cemetery. “Family Receiving Friends” will be 4:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m. , Wednesday, October 23rd at Stevenson Funeral Home. Merle passed away Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Quality Personal Care in Baker, MT. Merle was born on May 30, 1934, the son of Arlie and Sadie (McManigal) Hayden in Beach, ND. He grew up and attended country school in Golva and Wibaux County, graduating from the Baker High School in 1953. Merle was married to Joy Johnson on April 17, 1954 in Baker. To this union, three children were born, Debbi Jo, Dave and Lawana. Together they raised their children and farmed south of Baker in the Webster Community. Merle also farmed north of Baker along with helping his father for several years. Merle also enjoyed driving semi-trucks for Lee Moline. He started his own trucking business and helped haul cattle and grain for many farmers in Southeastern Montana. Merle always had a passion for flying and enjoyed taking anyone up for a ride, along with checking the cows and their water. Merle’s son Dave and grandson Chase still operate the Hayden Ranch today. Merle enjoyed community gatherings. He enjoyed dancing with Joy but he especially enjoyed teaching his daughters. He served on the Southeast Electric Board for 37 years and on the Montana Electric Coop Association Board for 34 years. Merle was a farmer and truck driver at heart but he especially loved and cherished his family, grandchildren and lately his great-grandchildren. Survivors include, his wife, Joy, Baker, MT; a son, Dave (Deanna) Hayden, Baker two daughters, Debbi Jo (Fred) Varner, Baker and Lawana (Seymour) Volk, Elgin, ND; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, Allen (Carissa) Varner and their children, Mishayla, Elliauna, Nevaeh and Jaiton; Barry (Crystal) Varner and their children, Reese, Kiera, Rafe, Gage and Griffin; Chad (Mandi) Varner and their daughter Livia Jo; Chase (Debra, special friend) Hayden; Maria (Nick) Brown and their children, Mason & Aubree; Anita (Jarett Graham special friend) Hayden; Tara Singer and her children, Taylor, Teaunah and Tessa; and LeAnn Singer and her daughter, Madison; two sisters, Marilyn McLaughlin, Baker, MT and Marlene (Jim) Bechtold, Spearfish, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Willard; and two sisters, Ruby McClain and Opal Bloomgren.


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Burial Date: October 24, 2013
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: Thursday: Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT