Marie Stella Duran

Stella Duran was born on October, 19, 1929 to José and Frutosa Sanchez in Rodarte, New Mexico. She was the eldest of six siblings. Stella‘s mother passed away when she was only 12 years of age, leaving her with the responsibility of helping to raise the family. She took on a maternal role at a very young age, which played a significant role in her becoming the loving, caring and selfless mother and grandmother that she was. Stella met her future husband, John Duran, as a young child attending the same grade school. She worked at the local post office in Rodarte where John would visit often. Stella stayed in contact with John while he was in the service for several years. Upon John’s return from the service, Stella and John married on August 3, 1949 in Taos, New Mexico. After their first child was born, they made a life-changing decision to pack up their family and move north to the Richest Hill on Earth, Butte, Montana. Little did they know that this would become their forever home. Her husband John worked as a hard rock miner for the Anaconda Company for 35 years. Throughout this time, Stella and John raised five beautiful children Gloria, John, Ruth, Susie, and Lori. They lived on Virginia Street for their first 20 years in Butte. A close knit community, where Stella was known for making the best tortillas on the block! She welcomed the neighborhood kids into her home as if they were her own. Stella and her family made many lasting friendships in this special community. At this point in time, she worked at the Shoetorium in uptown Butte, where she repaired and sold shoes. Stella’s next chapter began as the family moved to the flats near Clark’s Park, where they resided for the next 50 years. This home became the central location for family gatherings. From Virginia Street to the flats, their home remained a safe haven for family and friends. It was always open to welcome anyone in need for a meal, a place to stay or even a good conversation. Stella and John celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary on August 3, 2021. Stella’s husband John passed away September 6, 2021 in Butte, MT at the age of 93. Over the next year, Stella continued to live in her family home doing the things that she loved, such as crocheting, watching Family Feud, visiting with her family and dancing to salsa music. Stella passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Stella is survived by her five children: Gloria (and Bob) Baide, John (and Vicki) Duran, Ruth Morrow, Susan (and Bud) Washburn, and Lori Duran; their 15 grandchildren: Suzy, Tammy, Chad, Angie, Bob, Linda, Johnny, Jamus, Josh, Billy, Sara, Christina, Martha, Anna, and Mikey; 29 great grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Trebor, Karly, Allyson, Daij, Billy, Myles, Jennaveve, Emma, Morgan, Brysynn, Maci, Bryce, Torsten, Iyzek, Zain, Leila, Lyric, Ziggy, Oliver, Audra, Sophia, Otto, Steven, Lakelynn, Britannia, Remee, LilyAnn, and Rij; 2 great great grandchildren Christina and Nathan. Stella will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She lived a long happy life and touched the lives of many. The celebration of Stella’s life will be celebrated at a later date.

Tributes

Marie Stella Duran

October 19, 1929 - December 3, 2022