Leo Grover Shute

Leo Grover Shute of Helena, MT passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his children on Thursday, February 23, 2023. He was 84 years old.

Leo was born on September 7, 1938, in Black Duck Minnesota (near Bemidji) to Ralph J. and Julia (Profitt) Shute. He met and married the love of his life and wife of over 60 years Patsy Louise (Kelly) Shute of Townsend, MT. They lived most of their lives in Helena, MT but also lived in Frankfort, Germany after Leo was drafted into the army in 1960. Leo served with the 3rd Infantry Division. Germany is where their eldest son, John, was born. All their other children were born in Helena including son David, daughter Lisa, and youngest son Danny. Leo was a loving father and grandfather. There was nothing he would not do for his family and friends. 

Leo was well-known as a hardworking man. He began work in a lumber yard at the young age of 12 to support his mother and three sisters. He also worked as a logger and a miner until he finally found his career as a truck driver. He drove for Associated Food Stores, Ralph Larson Trucking, and R & K Trucking which all spanned more than 60 years. He earned a 29-year safe driving award as well as a 5 million miles accident-free award from Associated Food Stores. He estimated that he drove nearly 10 million miles over the course of his career. A favorite thing for Leo to do was have coffee with his family and friend and tell stories of his adventures over the road. These stories included icy roads, chaining up the truck, near misses with animals and other vehicles, and many accidents he came upon and offered to help. He was working on his last day for R & K Trucking. While preparing his truck, he collapsed and was taken to the hospital. His family knew he would work up to his last day on earth. 

When Leo was not working, he was with his family and friends. He enjoyed car shows, hunting, dancing, playing cards, and shooting the breeze. Leo loved to take his beloved 1952 Ford F1 pickup, Baby Blue, to car shows. He won numerous awards such as Best in Show. In any event that had music, Leo would be on the dance floor. He had long legs and arms, shaking and moving to the beat no matter his audience. His daughter and granddaughters have fond memories of learning to dance by standing on his boots. At family gatherings, Leo and Patsy would start up a Pinochle game. The family would play for hours together, laughing and creating memories that will last forever. At home, Leo and Patsy would play Rummy. Patsy kept a log of who won each game and liked to gloat when she was ahead. Leo also played Solitaire if he did not have a partner. He loved to shoot the breeze and could talk for hours. If you were in a hurry, you tried not to start a conversation. He will be remembered for his hard work, larger-than-life heart, and his love for family and friends.

Leo is survived by his children including, son John Shute of Helena, son David (Suzie) of Helena,  daughter Lisa (Bob) Scott of Helena, and “adopted” daughter Johnna Kanta of Helena and his 8 grandchildren; and his 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous family and friends who he loved and fulfilled his life. He is preceded in death by his wife Pasty, his parents Ralph and Julia Shute, his son Daniel Shute of Helena, and his brother Leon Long of Helena.

Leo’s ashes will be interred along with his wife Patsy’s ashes at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. William Henry Harrison near Helena, MT on Friday, June 2nd with a graveside service at 1 pm. A celebration of Leo’s life will immediately follow at VFW post 10010 in East Helena, MT. 

Please visit the Simple Cremations website and leave a memory or tribute to Leo at https://www.simplecremationmt.com/obituary/Leo-Shute#tributewall. His family would love to read them. 

Memorials may be sent to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59602 or, at their website https://lchsmontana.org/.  

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

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