Martha LaRae Koepke

December 13, 1942 - November 23, 2021

Martha LaRae Koepke passed away in her home on November 23rd, 2021. How do you speak about someone who possessed so many admirable qualities? She had amazing strength, protective kindness, patience, drive, and more. She was born and raised in Lima before attending Western Montana University in Dillon. She met her husband Ernest Koepke in 1963 and were married in 1964. She had her daughter Laurie in 1965 and graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was a teacher at Hillcrest Elementary school for more than 30 years, during which time she undoubtedly made an impact on many young lives. There was never a time in a public place (including on escalators in Las Vegas, a mall in Houston, or an airport in Amsterdam) that a prior student or parent of a student wasn’t expressing gratitude for what an amazing teacher she was. Her family was certainly well aware of this all along as her ability to teach did not end at the school house walls. She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a member and leader of the following organizations: The other of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, serving as Worthy High Priestess twice; The Order of the Eastern Star’s Ruth and Eureka chapters serving as Worthy Matron of the Ruth Chapter twice; The MU Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority serving as President and Montana State ADK President. Her piano playing was appreciated in both Star chapters as well as in other functions. She had a love of travel and photography, she thoroughly enjoyed exploring parks and wild areas across the western United States with her family. She was an incredibly caring person that not only took the time to take care of her immediate family members at different times throughout her amazing life, but also her extended family of friends, “adopted” kids and grandkids, and former students. She was an inspiration to many but especially her daughter and grandson. She will be missed dearly by all that knew her but will live on forever in our hearts. LaRae Koepke is survived by daughter Laurie Stoner; grandson Michael Andres, his wife Jennifer Frey and their son Wyatt Andres (great grandson); Jay Andres (“adopted” son) and his immediate and extended family. She is preceded by her husband Ernest Koepke, mother Martha Foster, her brother Joe Foster and his wife Camille. Her service will be held Friday, December 10th at 11:00 AM in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home in Butte. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery. A potluck reception will follow at the Masonic Temple in Butte.