On January 18, 2008, life long area farmer/rancher, Charles Maves 76, passed away in the McCone County Nursing Home in Circle.
Charlie was born June 8, 1931 in a little house in Terry, MT to Albert and Nellie (Smith) Maves and joined his sister Anna of the family home. Charlie was raised on the family farm NW of Circle. He graduated from Circle High School in 1949.
On May 16, 1963 he married Sally (Miller) Boles and adopted Lesa Boles. Charlie and Sally made their home on the family farm 20 miles NW of Circle at the end of the road. Charlie always said if someone showed up they were usually lost or a salesman. This marriage union was blessed with three sons, Ray, Jay and Lee. Charlie and Sally spent the next few years raising kids and registered Angus cattle. In 1976 they received the Outstanding Conservation Farmer award. Charlie went to an artificial insemination school and used that knowledge to better his Angus herd. He is probably best known in the county for his Angus cattle and his custom hay grinding business which he has done for close to 30 years. Charlie was active in the NFO, Northern Plains Resource Council, and the American Angus Association.
Charlie endured the usual hardships of farming and ranching and always found a way to deal with the hand he was dealt; but the personal loss of his family took parts of his soul. Yet when he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer he stated “We will do what needs to be done.” During his radiation treatment in Billings he never complained and anxiously awaited the weekends so he could come back to the farm.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Nellie Maves, and his brother in law Kenneth Schillinger, a daughter that died at birth (1966), his wife Sally (1991), and sons Ray (2004) and Lee (2002).
He is survived by his daughter Lesa Tew of Glendive, his son Jay of the family farm, his devoted sister Anna Schillinger of Circle, and daughter-in-law Sue Maves of Forsyth. Additionally, he is survived by his special friend and companion Pat Cochran of Kimberly, ID, grandsons Travis Tew and his companion Melissa Hunt of Baker and Devin Maves of Forsyth, and granddaughters Stacy Tew of Glendive and Shannon Moon and Jaimie Maves of Circle. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at the First Lutheran Church in Circle, MT
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.