Don Shaules
Donald Frank Shaules “Don” died peacefully in Billings, MT at St John’s United on January 12th, 2024, at the age of 86.
And that’s as formal as this is going to get. If you knew Don, you know he would say something about his life reminiscent of a John Wayne movie like, “I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.” Don loved John Wayne movies and lived the ranch life similar to a cowboy in them, with hard work, rough times, and romance all tied up with something witty to say. So here’s “The Life of a True Cowboy” starring Don Shaules
He was born on October 5th, 1937, in Billings, MT, and like an old western rode a Shetland pony to the little Indian Arrow schoolhouse in Ballantine. He loved the ranch where his parents, Kendall & Francis Shaules, raised him and his siblings, Dave, Dick & Meri Frances and graduated from Huntley Project in 1955.
Don married his wife Cleo about 20 years later, and they worked the Spring Creek Ranch, where he later enjoyed teaching his step grandchildren, Kevin (Cindy), Josh (Jerilyn), Ryan (Maria), and Kaile, the cowboy way. During this time he also became very involved in AA, where he was a sponsor to many that he held dear and gained close friends that he shared life with up until his death. He would have celebrated his 50th AA anniversary this year. Like an old western hero, Don gave back to his community by being a proud member of the Masons and was active in the Shriners, Eastern Star, and the Scottish Rights. Cleo passed away after an extended illness. Don was always thankful for her role during this part of his life.
You can’t have a western without romance, and a few years later he found it. He met Wesleta at a function with fellow members of Eastern Star. Just like the movies, a coffee date turned into dinner dates and then an endearing courtship that led to marriage at the little country church they attended in Huntley on August 8th, 2008. Though they met later in life, Don and Wesleta were the couple that rode off into the sunset and enjoyed a wonderful life together. They built a home in Huntley and shared many adventures including a hot air balloon ride, a trip to Australia, and a visit to the Ronald Regan Museum that he was very proud of. You always knew what side of the fence Don was on. They moved to The Wynstone in Billings Heights where they had many friends, Due to his illness they moved to St. John’s where he was well cared for until he passed. Don was a special part of Wesleta’s family, lovingly known as Grandpa Don to the grandchildren and great grandkids. Family gatherings were better with Grandpa Don, and he will forever be remembered as if he was always part of the family.
“Death can come for ya any place, any time. It’s never welcomed. But if you’ve done all you can do, and it’s your best, in a way I guess you’re ready for it.”- John Wayne. Don was ready.
Don is survived by; his wife, Wesleta (Branstetter) Shaules, and stepchildren, Sonya & Butch, Annette & Dave, and Cathy, as well as their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his step grandchildren with his first wife, Cleo, his sister Mary Francis Koss and nephew, Nathan, and the remaining Shaules family including nieces and nephews he was very fond of.
He is preceded in death by; his parents Kendall & Francis, brothers Dave (survived by Lois and their children, Bill [Rhonda] & Dan [Monti]), Dick (survived by France and their children Clint, Marc [Michele] & Bethany [Jamie]).
The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at St. John’s United and Fischer cottage for their kindness and care of Don. They were a true blessing to Don and Wesleta.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, January 20th, at 11:00am in the First Presbyterian Church at 13th and Poly Drive in Billings. All are welcome to come celebrate the life of a great man and true cowboy. There will be a reception following at the church, where we look forward to hearing your best Don stories.
In lieu of flowers send donations to The Shriner’s Hospital, that Don was a proud supporter of, or a charity of your choice.
