Raelene Eason, a remarkable woman of strength, creativity, and quiet leadership, was born to Ray and Lois Lynch in December 1947 in Dillon, Montana, at the Old Barrett Hospital—where the bill totaled just $52. Even as a baby, her resilience was profound: she survived a near-fatal case of Red Measles at six months old, setting the tone for a life lived with resilience and grace.
Fondly known to her friends and family as Mick, Raelene attended Mary Innes Grade School, Bagley Junior High, and was part of Parkview Junior High’s first graduating class in 1962. She graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1966. Throughout her school years, Raelene demonstrated leadership and artistry. She took piano lessons from Hazel Baxter and later Kay Wolf, played saxophone in the school band, accompanied the choir, and joined the twirling team—ultimately becoming head majorette her senior year.
Her talents were wide-ranging: she co-edited The Beaver newspaper with Don Campbell, served as president of the Girls’ Athletic Association, taught swimming lessons, played catcher on a softball team, and even co-chaired the junior prom, “Love Makes the World Go Round”—attending in her handmade prom dress despite a broken leg from a skateboarding accident.
She and Rosemary Miller choreographed a winning routine to “Walk on the Wild Side” for the Farmers Union talent show, earning a $25 prize! Her artistic talents were evident early on, painting signs for local businesses and decorating window displays for Eliel’s. She later became the advertising director for the Dillon Tribune.
After three years at Western Montana College studying business and art, Raelene married Mike Lansing and gave birth to her daughter Michele in San Francisco in 1969. Raelene returned to Montana, and they later welcomed her son Raymond. Mike and Raelene later divorced but remained friendly. Raelene later married Jack Eason. Together, they raised their family while they managed the Hairpin Ranch in Jackson, then the Cross Ranch in Grant, and eventually moved back to Dillon.
Her working life reflected her resilience and creativity—supporting the family through roles at Johnson’s Saddlery, the Chamber of Commerce, the Beaverhead Country Club (which she and Jack co-managed for three summers), and the local Sears Roebuck. After Jack’s passing, Raelene raised her children alone while working full-time at Barrett Hospital. During that time, she married Claryl Haggard and welcomed stepson, Ceth, to the family. Claryl and Raelene later divorced. She worked for the State of Montana, the Beaverhead County Health Department, and Southwest Montana Community Health Center. While in Dillon she was elected and served on the Dillon City Council, a calling that followed in the footsteps of her father, Ray. She also served on the Dillon Library and FEMA boards, the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Resource Center Board and formed lasting and loyal friendships everywhere she went.
After Raelene retired, she moved to Butte where she truly found her place in the world and hit her stride. She loved Butte and Butte welcomed her with open arms. In Butte, Raelene continued her dedication to community. She volunteered at the Butte Archives, St. James Hospital, the Lady of the Rockies, and the Berkeley Pit gift shop.
Raelene was a talented seamstress, creating custom clothing for her family and others, especially for weddings, proms, and formal events. During the covid pandemic she stepped up to serve her community again, by making over 1500 fabric facemasks for the people of Butte. Her crocheted afghans, often finished in just days, are cherished by loved ones. Her cooking was incredible, especially her pasties, perfectly crisp on the edges, ultra flavorful in the center, and always in high demand! Homemade pancakes were often warm and waiting in the oven when her kids were young and she left for work before they awoke, a quiet gesture of care amid her responsibilities. Her meals were reliably delicious, and always wonderful.
She had an effortless sense of style – always polished, always well-designed, and always sharp. Whether heading to work or attending community events, Raelene looked stunning, with a natural poise and beauty that turned heads without ever trying. She dressed with intention, blending practicality and style in a way that reflected her inner strength and artistic eye.
She had a quiet but fierce sense of advocacy—never afraid to stir up “good trouble” when someone needed help or when something wasn’t right. Whether fighting for the rights of vulnerable groups of people or sewing thousands of masks during the pandemic, she always acted unselfishly and with courage and compassion.
As a friend, Raelene was known for her steady presence and thoughtful listening. No matter how busy she was, she made time to sit with others, offering calm wisdom and genuine care and concern.
Her independence defined her. She lived life on her own terms—charting her own course, creating with her hands, and trusting her instincts. Her patience was powerful; she understood that good things took time, and she brought that same intentionality to her work, her family, and her relationships.
In her final chapter, Raelene faced a Stage IV ovarian cancer diagnosis with the same quiet resolve she carried her whole life. She asked for facts, made informed decisions, and moved through treatment with dignity, never seeking attention or pity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lois Lynch; her husband, Jack Eason; her sister-in-law, Bobbie Lynch; and her nephew, T.J. Lynch.
Raelene is survived by her brothers, Jim Lynch (Tori) and Pat Lynch (Teresa); her children, Michele Shea (Tim), Raymond Eason (Christy), and Ceth Haggard (Zakk); and her grandchildren, Mallory Shea, Willy Shea, Timmy Shea, David Dutton, Katie Dutton, Grace Eason, and Tovee Haggard; great-grandchildren, Izayah Ramirez, Jackson Dutton, Max Dutton; and her best little dog, Mick.
Her legacy lives on. It’s in the hum of a sewing machine, a song, the sight of a handmade afghan, a piece of art, the taste of a warm pasty, and the kindness passed between friends. Her influence is stitched into routines, layered into choices, and reflected in the strength we carry forward. Once you’ve known Raelene, you begin to recognize her everywhere.
In honor of Raelene’s love for animals, memorials may be made to Albert’s Angel Fund in Butte, Montana—a cause close to her heart.
Raelene requested no service but rather a gathering that includes family, good friends, good food, and good music. That gathering for Raelene will be held in Butte at the McQueen Club, 3250 Hecla St on Friday, August 8th from 4:00 – 8:00. Please join us.
Forever remembered. Endlessly admired.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Raelene and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Raelene.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 P.M. to 8:00
Friday August 8, 2025
McQueen Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 P.M. to 8:00
Friday August 8, 2025
McQueen Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, MT 59701
Share
Patricia Sherry says
Special memories of Raelene as worked with her at the hospital in Dillon for many years. Thoughts and prayers to all her family at this time. Loved her sense of humor!!!!!!
Tom Little says
Realean was a great friend, I’ll miss our talks discussing how to solve all the world problems.
Thinking of you! I would text her when going up Montana Street.
😢
Rick Later says
With SINCERE SYMPATHY R.I.P.
Rick & Cooky Later
Janet Merenz says
Had a lot of good times with Raelene long ago in Dillon. She was a kick in the pants. I loved her.
Patty Cookson says
I worked with Raelene at her parent’s laundry back in the day.. We had a great time singing while folding sheets and pillowcases. Started at $1.00/hr. and had a raise to $1.10 per hour. Worked one summer as it was too hot in laundry for the regular workers. Raelene has remained a good friend through the years. She will be missed. Patty Cookson
Terri Kipp says
Michelle and the entire Eason family, Sorry for your loss of your crazy but wonderful Raelene. I worked with Raelene at the Public Assistance office for many years. She was the life of that office in Dillon. She will be missed by all may she rest in peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Terri (Medina) Kipp
Ida Reighard says
I loved working with Raelene. She was just fun! I am sorry to hear this sad news Michelle and family.
Eileen Sletten says
I met Raelene at Western. She remained a friend all there years.she never met a stranger. Going to miss our talks. May she rest easy!
Love ya kiddo
Rosy says
Mick, my special friend. Our story began in 5th grade. My first year at Dillon. So much time together. Sleepovers, school, activities, work ,summers and so much more. Best friends not so best friends but always friends. Lots of laughs and lots of crying so many memories that will never be forgotten. She gave so much to so many. She will always be in my heart and never forgotten. Her Angel wings have sprouted and she is watching over us with care and her love. Love you Mick. You blessed many. Rm
Colleen says
Worked with Raelene for years at OPA in Dillon. She was an awesome employee. Great sense of humor. Anyone that got to know her loved her. RIP.
Jamie says
I miss my friend Raelene so much. We always had such great conversations and we both felt better after our talks. She was tough and stayed strong. Love you!
Susan Jones says
I will always remember Raelene’s kind heart and soul. Raelene had a great sense of humor and was a lively and fun person to be around. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family. Susan Jones
Sally Bardsley says
Dear Mick
You are loved and missed by so many for you kindness, Irishness, humor, intelligence and so much more. You were always an important part of my life–so much fun and antics in our younger years, so many talks, laughs, joys and disappointments in the Butte years. Your steadfast strength and resilience were inspiring and humbling. I pray that your soul is deeply content.
Much love,
Sally