Mike Griffith

Michael Ralph Griffith was born March 8th, 1949 in Baker, MT. to Ralph and Margaret (Beadle) Griffith. He came home to 4 loving Big Sisters (Sally, Mary Lou, Keitha and Donna) all whom just spoiled him as much as they could. At the age of 18 months Mike contracted polio, 2 of his older sisters also had polio but to a lesser degree. Over the years Mike had several surgeries, none of which ever stopped him from playing sports or going everywhere with his friends. During that time Mike was blessed with another baby sister (Gay), Mike is thinking, Wow, I?m out numbered 5 to 1! God was truly preparing Mike for something big in future years to come. Mike had many fond memories and lots of stories during his childhood years, many of which he has shared with Family, Friends and most recently as life lessons with his grand-children over the years. His High Schools days were no different, Mike loved his Class of 67 classmates and this past year had organized a reunion in which he was able to renew old friendships, something that he really cherished. After graduating in 1967 Mike went south with the O?Connors combining, an experience and adventure that he really enjoyed. Once back it was off to college in Billings for three years, then took a position in the insurance business for Clyde Burns and soon changed jobs and began what was to be the beginning of a true passion for Mike, working in the trucking industry, first starting out with Bee Line, then on to Western Trucking. Things then became even more interesting Mike met the Love of His Life, His Soulmate, Anna Halmans Petesch whom had a beautiful little boy named Matthew Thomas, Mike?s big heart was soon in love with them both, Mike and Anna were married in 1978, Mike adopted Matt, and they struck out in a new life together as One, shortly there after another son was born Patrick George. As Mike put it, ?Life is Good?, I?m so Blessed. Now being that Mike?s passion was for trucking, he and Anna discussed taking a huge step, so in 1985 they partnered with Al and Mark Heller to form ?Quality Transportation, Inc. , from there they added a brokerage company known as Q. T. , Inc. , they are a 48 State Carrier that Mike?s leased owner operators haul flatbed freight to all over the country, and at times even in to Canada. Their success was built on a dream and very dedicated hard work, Mike at the helm night and day, Anna close by his side. And as they say in the movies, ?Now for the rest of the Story?, remember back when Mike realized that he was out numbered by his 5 sisters, well God was just preparing his heart on how to be patient, caring, understanding, compassionate, etc. as over the years Mike has had only 6 male employees including himself all the rest are his great staff of Ladies including Anna. The Lord Truly does have a sense of Humor! Mike and Anna had many memorable trips, maybe the biggest traveling through the Panama Canal, usually accompanied on those vacations by close friends Kenny, Karen, Jack & Claudine, and many others, and yes there were always plenty of special stories, as only Mike could tell them as he laughed so hard it would bring him to tears. Mike and Anna have spent all of their years together running the business in Baker, with a satellite office in Rapid City. The boys have now married their Soulmates, Matthew (Amanda Groshans) whom have a son (Gavin) and Patrick (Angel Roberts) whom have a son (Micaiah) and two daughters (Paisley), and little (Shaylie) whom they adopted. Both sons are involved in different parts of the business. Mike has been a member of the American Lutheran Church for a number of years, also a member of Motor Carriers of Montana (serving as a past president), South Dakota Trucking Association, American Trucking Association, Board Member of the FMC Foundation, Baker Chamber of Commerce, and the Baker Lions Club serving the community in many capacities. Mike lived his life with all of his heart, his generosity was endless, his kindness and compassion for all was overwhelming, and he always put others first, God, Family, Friends, Employees and Owner Operators (that were treated as family) Customers, and the entire Community and Trucking Nation. Mike has touched the hearts of many just how many will never be known, Mike was a Blessing from God to all of us, he has Truly Blessed Us All in many different ways. We all Love You Mike, and we know that you are another Angel Watching Over Us All! Mike passed away on Monday, November 19, 2012, at his home in Baker, MT. Mike is survived by is wife of 34 years, Anna Griffith of Baker, MT. , sons Matthew (Amanda) Griffith and grandson Gavin of Bozeman, MT. and Patrick (Angel) Griffith, grandson, Macaiah, granddaughters, Paisley and Shaylie of Rapid City, SD. Sisters: Sally Schuetzle of Boise, ID. , Mary Lou (Robert) Stanhope of Wellington, NV. , Keitha Thompson of Farmington, NM. , Donna (Leslie) Crow of Baker, MT. , and Margaret Gay (Glenn) Rost of Black Hawk, SD. , as well as many Nieces and Nephews, Cousins and Aunts. Mike was preceded in death by Parents (Margaret and Ralph Griffith), Grandparents (George and Elsie Griffith), Mother and Father-in-law (George and Bernace Halmans), and Brother-in-law (Bill Halmans). There will be a prayer service at 7:00PM for Mike, Friday, Nov. 23rd, at the Stevenson?s Funeral Home in Baker. Visitation will be 4:00 p. m. to 9:00 p. m. , with funeral services to be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, Nov. 24th at the American Lutheran Church in Baker. Interment will follow the Funeral service in Bonnievale Cemetery at Baker. All of Quality?s past and present employees, family, operators and many friends are considered as being Honorary Pall Bearers. Donations can be made in Honor of Mike to the MCM (Motor Carriers of Montana) Scholarship Fund or to the American Lutheran Church.


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Burial Date: November 24, 2012
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: Saturday, American Lutheran Church, Baker, MT