Theda “Bernice” Castle, Age 83, of Butte

With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of Theda Bernice (Crowley) Castle, who was born April 12, 1942, in Butte, Montana, and passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

On December 9, Bernice finally laid down the weapons she had carried far longer than anyone thought possible, ending a long and unrelenting fight against cancer—on her own terms, in her home, and with dignity and grace.

Bernice carried the spirit of her hometown of Butte with her throughout her life. She was a woman of quiet strength and deep resilience, whose steady presence brought comfort to those around her. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—lovingly tending to her garden, taking peaceful drives through the countryside, and cherishing time spent with her family. She also had a fondness for western television shows, which brought her comfort and familiarity over the years. Above all, Bernice treasured her family and the moments they shared together.

Bernice was preceded in death by her mother, Theda (Conners) Callahan and stepfather, Joe Callahan; her father, Elmer Crowley, and stepmother Marie (Hall-Goodnough) Crowley; her children Bernie Duran and Leah Collins; her siblings Baby Elmer, Baby Joey, Larry Crowley, Carol Jean (Crowley) Wickham, Darlene (Crowley) Hale, and Judy (Crowley) Kelly; her nieces Cassie Dotson, Kelly Patterson, Karen Dailey, Kimberely Murphy, and Sara Crowley; and her nephew Christopher DeShazo.

She is survived by her daughters, Moniquie (Collins) Black of Washington, and Theda (Miller) Crawford and her husband Phil of North Dakota. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Ashley DeShazo of Butte, Trevor Black of Washington, Teal Black of Florida, Jesse Crawford of North Dakota, and Joe Crawford and Hannah Turk, along with her great-granddaughter, Avery Rose Crawford, who is due soon.

Bernice is also survived by her brothers Robert Crowley and David Crowley of Butte, Montana; and her sisters Marie (Crowley) Hislop and her husband Jim, and Marcia (Crowley) DeShazo, also of Butte.

She is further survived by many nieces and nephews—including Shelly Salcido of Nevada, Tracy McDougall of Washington, Matt Hislop and Miranda Santos of Nevada, Mike Hislop, Brandon DeShazo, Kenny DeShazo, Johnathon Crowley of Butte, Marcus Crowley of Whitehall, and Ron Inman of Montana—as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.

A memorial gathering for Bernice will be held east side athletic club 3200 Dexter Butte Montana at 2pm on January 9th, where family and friends will come together to honor her life, share stories, and celebrate the love she leaves behind.

A special thanks to Stillwater Hospice for all their support during this difficult time.

Bernice’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her Irish heritage was important to her, and in that spirit, the family shares this traditional Irish toast:

“When we drink, we get drunk.

When we get drunk, we fall asleep.

When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.

When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.

So let’s get drunk and go to heaven.”

(Slán go fóill — goodbye for now.)

Axelson Funeral & Cremations is privileged to care for Bernice and her family.

Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Bernice.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Her Life

2 PM

Friday January 9, 2026

East Side Athletic Club

3200 Dexter St.

Butte, MT 59701

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