Monty Jay Streeter

Monty Jay Streeter was born March 21, 1960, to Clair and Betty Streeter in Forsyth, MT. Jay joined his 3 older siblings, Tana, Jim, and Lyn and grew up on the family ranch in Colstrip, MT. In 1977 the family moved to a ranch in Big Timber, Montana, where Jay graduated in 1978 from Sweet Grass High School. It was on the ranch he learned from his father that ranching is endlessly hard work, responsibility, commitment, and overcoming challenges. In return, however, it is also a lifestyle that provides the opportunity of independence, accomplishment, self-sufficiency, and compassion. 

After graduation, Jay attended the University of Montana in Missoula where he obtained a degree in Accounting (Go Griz!). While attending the U of M, he met lifelong friends and his wife of 40 years, Allison Meyer. Upon graduation in 1982, Jay moved to Ryegate, MT, where his mom and dad were residing, to pursue his genuine passion of ranching. 

Jay and Allison married in 1984 and began building their life together, adding land and cattle when they could. They began their next journey together in 1989 by welcoming their daughter, Morgan, followed by their son, Trent, in 1992. After this, Jay continued to build his ranch but was happiest following his children to their numerous sporting events and activities, never missing a game or function they were a part of. Jay instilled hard work, responsibility, and family-oriented values in his children by spending time riding horses, moving cows, and branding, often with just the 4 of them. Jay continued to make his children a priority as they ventured into adulthood, always making time to visit them or plan a get-together. Jay was blessed to have his son return to the ranch setting after college, where he and Trent continued to build the ranching operation for the past 10 years. 

Jay was involved in the Golden Valley community. He spent periods of time as a brand inspector, school board member, and as a member of the Stockgrowers, FSA, and Farm Bureau. Jay was an avid basketball fan and thoroughly enjoyed tournament season, as he considered it his vacation. He regularly attended social gatherings to listen to live music and visit with friends. Attending Grizzly football games with many friends was always a highlight, in between fall cattle work. The Ryegate cafes were a favorite spot to enjoy coffee in the mornings and carry on conversations with other locals who shared this tradition. Many hours were spent in the coffee shop, which helped solve numerous problems, including what everyone was doing or should be doing, the weather, rain, snow, grasshoppers, and drought–just to name a few.

 Jay always had a dog, usually some form of red Australian shepherd, who would accompany him on his daily routes of tending to all aspects of the ranch life. Horses and motorcycles were always a big part of completing ranch work. Jay’s big smile, big laugh, and big presence will sincerely be missed by all who had the opportunity to know the down-to-earth, sincere person he was.

On December 14, 2024, Jay passed away at the age of 64. Jay is preceded in death by his father, Clair, and sisters, Tana and Lyn. He is survived by his mother, Betty; wife, Allison; brother, Jim (Stacey); daughter, Morgan (Jeremy, Bohdi); son, Trent (Lacie); granddaughter, Montana Jay, along with a number of other family members. 

A celebration of life will be held on December 28th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Ryegate High School gymnasium. A luncheon service will follow in the school cafeteria.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Monty’s name to the Golden Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. 107 Kemp Street, Ryegate, MT 59074 or to the Golden Valley Ambulance 107 Kemp St., Ryegate, MT 59074.

Arrangements are under the direction of Perkins Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.perkinsfuneralandcremation.com