On the evening of September 1, 2024, Dolores “Dee” Agnes Panich, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home in Whitehall, lovingly surrounded by family.
Dee, 81 years old, was born in Anaconda on March 10, 1943. She was the third of three children of the late Bernard and Della (Ouldhouse) DuMonthier. She was raised in Anaconda where she graduated from Anaconda Catholic Central High School.
She attended business school in Omaha, Nebraska and returned to Montana where she met her future husband, Butte native, John Panich in 1962. They married 5 months later on May 18, 1963 – the marriage would last 44 years until John’s death.
Dee and John moved around Montana for a couple of years, had two children, and then settled in Whitehall in 1966. Dee started in a postmaster replacement position in the Cardwell and Silver Star Post Offices in 1964 before transitioning into the Whitehall Post Office in 1967. She earned the nickname “Sunshine” by her customers because she always had the biggest smile. Right up to her death, she dazzled the residents of Whitehall with her uncanny talent of identifying them by their Post Office box number.
After serving 34 years in the postal service, Panich retired and spent a great deal of time with her 6 beloved grandchildren. In addition to her grandchildren, she had an endless love for animals. Everyone joked that if reincarnation was possible, they would want to come back as one of Dee’s cherished pets.
In additional to volunteering at the Whitehall Library, Dee integrated herself into the community through the Pinocle Club at the Senior Center where she valued the companionship of her wonderful friends and enjoyed the challenge of playing the competitive card game.
Dee enjoyed the thrill of riding motorcycles and could be seen racing around on the back of her son-in-law’s Harley. She also loved music, especially songs from the 50’s and everything in the country genre. She showcased her dance moves and western attire during her recent trip to Nashville with several of her grandkids.
Dee was preceded in death by husband, John Panich; father, Bernard DuMonthier; mother, Della DuMonthier-Howser; and sister, Marie Frownfelter.
She is survived by brother, Bernard DuMonthier of Wyoming; daughter, Charmaine and husband, Todd Murphy of Colorado; son, John and wife, Tawny Panich of Butte; grandson, Aaron Merrick; granddaughters, Corbynne Panich, Jazmine Murphy, Savana Panich, Brooklyn Murphy, Mikayla Murphy; as well as 5 great grandchildren and one on the way.
The family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary support that family, friends, and numerous others in the community have given Dee throughout her life, especially over the past few years and sincerely thank each and every one of them for their love and concern.
Special Thanks to: Senior Solutions Hospice, Dr. Steve Sacry and the staff at the Whitehall Medical Clinic, Rin and the Ambulance crew of The Community Integrated Health Program , Renata Godfrey home aide, and Renee Webster friend
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 28, St. Teresa of Avila Church, 109 2nd St. East, Whitehall, Montana.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whitehall Senior Center P.O. Box 238, Whitehall, MT 59759 or Four Paws Rescue P.O. Box 13, Cardwell, MT 59721.
Visit below to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Dee.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation services is privileged to care for Dee and her family.
CRESTON JONES says
She always loved when me and my siblings would walk our 4h animals down to her place for a visit. Her and John were great neighbors to my family she will be missed ♡
Kay Kelly says
I met this nice lady on a flight to Phoenix. We were both going to our granddaughters graduation at GCU. It was one of the best flights I had with awesome conversation. We would’ve been good friends had we met earlier in life. Condolences to her family.
Ann (Ouldhouse) Geiger says
Sad to hear of the passing of our dear cousin! She was always so fun to talk with and her laugh was infectious. She was so devoted to her family and Dear Ones. Deepest condolences to you all.
Jean Frye says
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.So sorry to hear of cousin Delores’s passing. We were able to get together for a visit at our uncle Chuck’s party about five years ago.We had a delightful time.
Todd Murphy says
Dee was a great person, a great mother-in-law, but an even better mother and grandmother, of course! She will be greatly missed by many. Rest in peace!
John panich says
My mom was the most giving person. She spent several years of her life caring for others. Thank you for your love and devotion to family and especially grand kids and great grand kids. May you fly with the angels now and your soul live for eternity. I love you your son john
Duane Anders says
Praying for you all. Your mom
Was a wonderful host to my family. We miss your mom!
Mark Soper says
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Deloris face to face but I travelled with her daughter Charmaine. I can tell Deloris was a good person just by how Charmaine would talk about her. She must have instilled great values to her children because I travelled with a classy lady. I was able to reconnect after 40 years off the road and the wonderful, thoughtful, caring,and compassionate woman was there and Charmaine continued to talk about her family and her mom. I wish for you Gods peace as you take time to grieve your mom’s departure from this Earth. You are in Theresa and my Prayers.
Darrel Cross says
One of the most beautiful hearts a person could have. My aunt Dee was a one of a kind. She was always a second Mom to me. John and Dee took me in my senior year in high school and my cousins Charmaine and John became my sister and brother. Love you forever and a day aunt Dee. When I get to heaven I’m sure I’ll find you,I’ll just listen for that loud whistle and the funnest Canasta game going on. 🌹
Vlemmings Rik says
I met Dolores during our summer break in 1983, she was such a warm person, I felt perfectly at home there. I have very beautiful memories of this, which will always stay with me. Much strength to the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beverly (Albert) Leary says
I remember Dee from our neighborhood, growing up in Anaconda. It was a great time to be growing up and to make friends remembered for life. Rest in peace with your Mom, Dad and sister Marie. My sympathy to her family and especially her brother Bernie.
Monica Zucker says
Dee was known to our family as “Grandma Dee” even though we weren’t biological. We met her 25 years ago when her granddaughter, Jazmine, and our daughter, Mya had pre-school together. There aren’t enough words to express Dee’s beautiful heart and love for her family and the friends that come along. Her smile was infectious and she made everyone feel special! We will greatly miss her but know her warmth and love will continue on in all of those she touched!❤️ Mya, Monica & Mark
Dawn Smith, Alex Shields and family says
Lovingly referred to as Grandma Dee by us, Dee’s smile was like a ray of sunshine that made everyone’s day better. From the moment we met Dee we felt like we were family. Her energy was infectious and she made everyone around her better. Her love for ALL of her family was very apparent. Dee’s mark on the world is a big one and she will be greatly missed by us.
Roxcee Anne Kountz says
Dee always had a smile on her face whenever we saw her. Charmaine, I always enjoyed our visits when you came to town. We were hoping to make it to the funeral but John is catching a cold so we might not leave home. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and your Mom is once again with her love. Thoughts and prayers, John And Roxcee Kountz