Ken (Kenneth) Charles Herrly, loving husband and father, passed away August 24, 2025 and has now joined the love of his life, Betty, forever in heaven. Ken was a proud Butte boy born to Della Bowdler on February 10, 1940. Not one for schoolbooks and classrooms, Ken opted to join the Army in 1957 and was sent to Fort Ord, California for basic training and then stationed in Maryland.
Once he met Betty Cooper in junior high school, he was hooked and from that point on, he would have eyes for only her. They married on July 24, 1959 and stayed together until her passing on May 4, 2024. They welcomed three children, Jim, Pam and Diana.
Ken had many talents and passions. His first was arrowhead and artifact hunting and collecting. Ken enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son and taking his family camping. His greatest passion, however, was wildlife photography. Betty gifted him a simple Canon camera in the late seventies and what began as taking just a few photographs turned into his lifelong obsession.
There was a story behind every photo. His photos were breathtaking and several artists used them as reference for their own art. Ken would wait hours for the perfect photo and still think it was not good enough so he would keep snapping and wind up with hundreds of images of the same thing! Ken was also a self-taught framer so he could mat and frame his own photos.
Ken was very social and loved visiting with family and friends and he loved making people laugh with his unique humor. He worked unique jobs in his early years, including one as a Hotel Finlen bellhop. Ken worked for Harkins Wholesale until his retirement when he could then devote all of his time to his photography and traveling with Betty.
Ken was proceeded in death by the love of his life, Betty; mother Della Bowdler and sister Carol Bouley.
He is survivedby his son, James (Sondra); daughters Pamela (Art); and Diana (Sally), as well as wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and private services are planned for a later date. His family invites you to leave your own memories of Ken on the axelsonfuneralhome.com website. You can also visit Ken’s Montana Fish and Wildlife interview video on Youtube by searching Ken Herrly’s Wildlife images.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Ken and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Ken.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Cathy Maloney says
Mr. Herrly was a legendary photographer, a humorous storyteller and a gentleman/friend. I enjoyed his visits and proudly display his work in my home. He was so professional and passionate about perfecting the school display that hangs in our courthouse. He will be greatly missed but has left a humble impression that will live with many for generations. Thank you for sharing this kind and gentle man with me.
Glenn Laitinen says
I was in the Skyline Sportsmen with Ken and we had some great discussions on phogography and wildlife. Rest in peace Ken.
Edie McClafferty says
We are so sorry for your loss. Ken was a great friend and an outstanding person. He will truly be missed by us.
Danny and Edie McClafferty
Mac’s Glass
Barry Brophyf says
Ken framed many pictures for me and Butte High School I could sit and talk to him for hours. I went through many albums of his pictures from Yellowstone Park. He was a great person, and his pictures were stuning. The world is a better place because of you dad.
Barry Brophy
Shannon says
Ken and Betty were both amazing people. I have so many fond memories of them. They were like family to us growing up next door to them and still visiting them even after I moved out. I am so thankful we have photographs framed by Ken that hang in our families’ houses.
Love and prayers,
Shannon Cooney
Debbie Powley says
I had the wonderful privilege of meeting both Ken and Betty while working at Big Sky Senior Living. Such wonderful caring people and I enjoyed listening to Ken’s adventure stories and how his eyes lit up while showing his wildlife pictures! He gave me some of his photos which I will cherish always! My condolences to his family
Benjamin M Bouley says
Uncle Ken and Aunt Betty were fantastic people. Ken introduced me to hunting and I enjoyed our many outings. He helped me in so many ways to become the person that I am today. I will hold his memory close to my heart forever. Miss you Uncle Ken.
Anonymous says
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences.
Growing up, Ken and Betty lived next to my aunt and uncle. You could often catch Ken and my dad chatting over the fence on the 3rd of July—they could go on for hours if you let them.
Ken was a wonderful man, known for his gift of gab and his incredible eye for wildlife photography. If you gave him the time, he’d happily take you through album after album, each one filled with so much pride.
Even after he stopped framing, he was generous enough to dig through his materials to build just one more frame. His kindness, creativity, and generous spirit will truly be missed.
Pauline Giacomino
Dan and Kim Roberts says
Pam, Jim and Diana we are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Ken and Betty were wonderful, caring and funny to be around. Besides Ken ‘s many talents he was also a member of our co ed volleyball team. We had so much fun during our games and Ken always had well placed shots that helped win games. We are so lucky to have his incredible pictures he framed and many beautifully framed artwork with Ken’s added detailed touches. He was fearless getting so close to bears and other wildlife for the perfect picture. Heavenly peace to Ken and Betty. Love and prayers to you.❤️
‘
Shari Kelley says
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with Ken at his home a couple of times. I purchased some of his beautiful photos and he did some amazing matting/framing for me. I loved hearing his stories of how he caught the “best shot”. He was a kind and gentle soul. May he rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
Vonnie nuthak says
I became friends with Ken and Betty through my art/framing. Needless to say he enhanced my art with his perfect framing. He gave me many of his slides and photos some I used for my paintings. We had many good visits about many subjects. Kens framing was always perfect; I always knew I could count on him. I will miss them both . My thoughts and prayers to Jimmy, Pam add Diana.
Kathleen Cashell says
Jim, Pam and Diane. I am sincerely sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. I have so many cherished memories of your parents and can still see the darken staircase that lead to Ken’s framing room downstairs. He framed all my art for 20 years and I was privileged enough used his photography in my art work. His humor, jokes and story telling always had an audience with me. I was blessed to have known your mom and dad over the years. Deepest sympathies to all.
Stacy Leipheimer says
I throughly enjoyed getting to know Ken and Betty when I would drop off framing or purchasing his incredible photographs. He always had so many wonderful stories to share.
Sending my deepest condolences.