Tamaria "Tammy" Ely

Tamaria (Tammy) Lee Stockton was born to William James (Jimmy) Ely and Audrey Ellen Stockton Ely on September 28th  1949, in St Ignatius montana. She was the oldest of six children, that’s when the caretaking in her life began. Tammy was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, she wasn’t raised traditional but she always respected and honored her culture and traditions. She started her education in St. Ignatius, being sent to the Ursuline’s, where she didn’t last long before she was kicked out. Being the oldest landed her the job of being her father’s ranch hand, where she learned to ride horses, as she was a natural born rider. She spent her childhood summers up at Lake Mary Ronan working housekeeping in the lodge. She was known to pull a cork and throw hands when she needed. She never was the bully and always stuck up for the little guy in the room. No matter the situation she would still make something funny to laugh about it. She graduated from the Ronan High school and started her career life where she worked numerous positions throughout CSKT tribe in different programs. She was very fond and passionate about the healthcare, behavioral, and the youth programs she worked with. She ended her Career working with MME where she was able to foster two adults that came from the Boulder facility, Lyle and Gary. She would travel to different events bringing them along to experience a different lifestyle than what they have been a custom to. Gary and Lyle became a part of her family, every dinner party the crew was there. The Applet family has long been Tammy’s extended family for a long time, they all took care of one another someway or another. Tammy had a remarkable talent of connecting with everyone regardless of their situation. She loved to wheel and deal so you knew you could find her at the casino or the next yard sale in between. She enjoyed going on cruises while stopping in at everyone’s place she passed. You could always find Tammy at a kitchen table playing pinicol, cards or simply just BSN. Her laugh was loud and contagious that always filled up the room.

As she had a big heart for all, she married 3 different men rumors to be 4. Before she met the love of her life Henry Courville. Henry had a prior child that helped fill a void of not being able to have a child of her own. Michelle Courville was one of her biggest joys in life then came her grandson Anton Atwin to fill her heart even more. After her grandson became an adult that’s when all her strays became her babies and her favorite one of all time was Mr Clinger.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents William James (Jimmy) Ely and Audrey Ellen Stockton Ely. Her Husband Henry Courville, Daughter Michelle Courville. Oldest brother Leonard Nueman, sisters Billie Ely, Christy Richardson, Kathy Snyder and sister in law Gina Ely

She is survived by her grandson Anton Atwin, brothers Steve Ely and Bodie (Bobbie) Ely, Sister Drenda (Sunny) Teigan. With numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and plenty of strays.

The family would like to thank on her behalf of the numerous caretakers she had throughout her life as she has battled with health problems for a long time.

We love you very much Auntie you will surely be missed.

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