Grace Patricia Gillette

On March 6, 2023, we said our final goodbye to Grace Weightman Gillette. She was a One-in-a-million girl, with an unquenchable zest for life, living every day out loud, full of joie de vivre. She will be remembered as the girl who lived on the hill, with fire-red hair, vibrant style, and resonating voice. A proud Irish gal who was a friend to all, one hell of a bartender, and an undeniable Butte icon. She was the 8th of 13 children, born on a winter day in Jan of 1932, to John (Al) and Marie Weightman. The Great Depression was underway and life was hard for everyone, especially a big family. To keep food on the table, the family moved from Lemmon, SD to Red Lodge, MT, and eventually landed in Kellogg, ID, where Gracie graduated from high school. At 19, Grace followed her sisters to Butte, MT, where she had thought she had died and gone to heaven! Her love of Butte would stay with her for a lifetime, Butte was booming and Grace quickly found work, eventually landing at Buttrey Foods where she worked as a checker for 26 years, She was so well-loved that people would wait in her line, even when others were open. She was blessed to have what she called the best boss in the world, Mr. John Lowen. Grace was an independent woman before it was popular. She raised two children on her own, Tanya and Kerry and helped raise her great nephew, Larry. She was very outspoken about her politics and religion, and was not afraid to speak her mind, "I'm opinionated" she would boast. In 1984, her dear friend Roy Delmoe asked her to partner on Bordens, a bar, hotel, and restaurant in Whitehall, MT. The next 10 years were full of hard work and lots of fun. Gracie knew how to throw a party! She celebrated every holiday with live music and special events, designed to bring out the best in all her customers. A Borden's favorite was Grace's version of the Gong Show, where willing contestants would compete for prizes and money, and a good time was always had by all. She adored her musicians and even had matching outfits made for many of them. Gracie and her brother Bud were exceptional dancers and would delight crowds with their jitterbug. In 1994, she said goodbye to Borden's and returned to her beloved Butts, where she continued a life of service, helping care for friends who needed a hand. She adored her two grandkids, Cassie and Ryan, who were often mistaken for "Supermodel Cindy Crawford" and the Most Handsomest Boy in the whole USA” after Grace would publish huge happy ads on special occasions. They are forever grateful for Grace's influence in their lives as she always reminded them to be adventurous, live in the moment, love with sincerity, and enjoy their lives! Gracie spent the last years of her life at the Beehive Assisted Living where she was so fortunate to have some of the finest healthcare workers looking after her every need. Special thank you to Luchy, Jovan, and all the workers in House One. You guys rocked it! A shoutout to Senior Solutions, your compassionate assistance was much appreciated. While she didn't remember much in her final years, her special bond with her son Kerry remained. Even when she didn't know who he was, she felt the deep, loving bond between them. Gracie was preceded by her parents, daughter Tanya and son-in-law Paul Kulkosky, brothers Jack, Gene, Bud, Walter, Martin (Moony), and Tommy, and sisters Eileen (Bill) Thatcher, Francie (Dick) Martin, Chuckie (Leonard) Bourgard, brothers in law Roy Kuchler and Daryl Brill. She is survived by her son Kerry (Rita) Weightman, granddaughter Cassie (Jon) Wick, grandson Ryan (Chris Jambor) Weightman, sisters Darlene (Flit) Kuchler and Gloria (Bootie) Brill, and brother Donny (Mona) Jones, Larry Evans and his mother Deborah Brian. There are too many nieces and nephews to mention here, but she loved you all! A final toast for Gracie, with her favorite cheer, "Here's to the girl that lives on the Hill, if she won't do it her sister will, here's to her sister!" We will miss you Gracie - you were well-loved and will never be forgotten! Thank you for making such incredible, vibrant memories for us. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Tuesday March 14th at 11 am in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Deacon Bernie McCarthy officiating. Interment of ashes will take place in Idaho. In lieu of flowers please spread kindness.

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Grace Patricia Gillette

January 18, 1932 - March 6, 2023