Lela Cousineau

Lela Bybee Brown Cousineau, 91 years old, passed away in her sleep on October 23, 2025 at St. Pat’s Hospital. She was born January 21, 1934, in Moreland, Idaho to Norman Lorraine Bybee and Hazel Verna Tompkins. She was the 4th child of 9 children.

She married Charles (Pat) Nathan Brown on June 21, 1951 in Lima Montana. Two daughters were born to them. Kathryn Joyce in 1952 and Patti Lynn in 1955. Pat was killed in an electrical accident in June 1975.

In November, 1978, she married Roger Cousineau and they continued to live in Drummond. Mom loved it here and never wanted to live anywhere else. Ranching was in her blood and being close to it in the valley made her feel very much at home.

Lela finished her high school education and graduated in 1975 from Drummond High School. She was involved in PTA, 4-H, Eastern Star, and served in many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She taught Seminary and was also active in the scouting programs of the church.

Her greatest loves were family, gardening, and music. Here and her sisters were taught to harmonize and they sang at many functions until marriage separated them.

She is survived by her husband, Roger, daughter, Patti Lynn, son-in-law Ven H. Savage, a brother, Warren Elliot Bybee, Florida, and brother-in-law Dee Merrell, Idaho.

Grandchildren: Ven Savage (Melinda), Kandi Christiansen (Kovi) Morgan, Utah, Joshua Savage (Jen) Gilbert, Az, Kayleen Davidson (Jared) Layton, Utah, Tannis Martinez (DJ) Tooele, Utah and Tyson Rhodes, Magna, Utah.

33 Great Grand Children 1 Great Great grandchild

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Charles Nathan Brown; Sisters Lexi Jean, Norma, Nedra, Bonnie, brothers Jim and Kent. Daughter Kathryn and husband William Rhodes, Granddaughter Eryn Le, grandsons Mikal Patrik and Jason. In-laws Lily and Pat Brown, Oliver and Mable Cousineau, Sister and brother in laws , Geri and Harry Trollope, Carol Kopp, Wilma Bybee, Carlene and Tim McCarthy, Jack and Rosie Brown, Gary and Sharon Brown, Norman Empey, Delmar Hudson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 am November 1, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6197 Hwy 1 Drummond, Montana. There will not be a public viewing. Burial will be at the Valley Cemetery, after which there will be a luncheon at the church, and visitation with the family.

To watch the livestream of Lela's service, please join the zoom link below.

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