Eva May Oxarart

MALTA-Eva May Oxarart, age 82, died April 10, 2017 at the Phillips County Hospital of natural causes, surrounded by her loving family.

A visitation for family and friends was held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 13 at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Funeral services were Friday, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Burial followed the service at the Malta Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Eva was born to Sherman and May (Koss) Grimsley on December 20, 1934 at the family homestead 36-miles south of Malta, Montana. Eva married the love of her life, Sonny Oxarart on June 7, 1952, nine days after graduating from Malta High School. They made their home and ranched in the Content area southeast of Malta, moving to the Hockert Place on Tallow Creek in 1980. She continued to reside there until making her home at the Hi-Line Retirement Center in 2013.

Eva always had a sense of fun and was known for many escapades in her younger years. Along with her duties as a ranch wife, she was involved in CowBelles and served as secretary for the Beaver Creek Roping Club and the Belknap Rodeo Association for many years. Eva was presented with a 35-year service award from the National Weather Service for her daily weather observations taken at her home.

A master gardener, Eva also enjoyed sewing, dancing and most of all, her grandkids and great grandchildren. She was once told, "You're the oldest one of us kids." by her grandson Dennis and was called "Grandma" by many other than her own. Her coffee pot was always on and you could count on a chocolate chip cookie to go with it.

Eva was preceded in death by husband, Sonny Oxarart in 1996 and parents, Sherman and May Grimsley.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Bim & Suzie Oxarart and Greg and Jenny Oxarart; sisters Faye Seel and Lillian Boos, all of Malta; brother David (Dolly) Grimsley of Missoula; grandchildren Dennis (DoDee) Oxarart, Aaron (Becky) Oxarart, Alisha "Bear" (Pat) Gibbs, April (Travis) Gronley, Nick (Shannon) Oxarart, Cody (Mary) Oxarart; and 19 great grandchildren.