On the morning of November 7, 2020, Verle passed at the Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle WA. Verle went to heaven after a 48 day battle with covid-19 and complications from the virus, he was 57 years old.
Verle Follette was born In Havre, Montana on April 13, 1963, to Dennis Follette of Helena MT. and Carmelita Lambert, he had 5 brother and 5 sisters.
He attended many schools in his younger years. High school he went to school in Culbertson MT. He enjoyed running and various sports. At Culbertson High School, he held two track records, one record still unbroken. The one record is still listed at the school for the 3200m time of 10:37. After high school he attended college at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT
Verle married Mary (Buck Elk) Follette February 19, 1983. Together they raised 4 daughters and one son, they also adopted 2 other children, one son and one daughter who they raised as their own and loved dearly. As a family, Verle and Mary enjoyed spending time together with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. They made many beautiful memories by fishing, camping and traveling together. He was an amazing father, grandfather who instilled the word of God into his children and grandkids. Anyone who met Verle would know how much he loved this family.
Another major part of Verle’s life was he was the pastor of the House of Prayer Church. He became a spiritual leader in the community. People would come to him not only at the church but at his home, where he would offer prayer, counseling or any other assistance that was in needed.
He was employed at the Indian Health Service at the Fort Peck Service Unit in Poplar, MT. During his employment he served as the National Federation of Federal Employees Union President for the Billings Area, which serves service units throughout Montana and Wyoming. As like in everything he did in his life he would work very diligently for union member and any employee that asked for assistance.
Verle is proceeded in death by his mother Carmelita Lambert and his step-father Robert “Bob” Lambert, Sierra Follette (daughter), Dennis Follette (brother), Denise Follette (sister), Lisa Lambert (sister), and maternal grandparents.
Verle is survived by: his wife Mary Follette, children: Jennifer (Terence) Gong, Verle Jr.(Michelle) Follette, Erin (Louis) Follette, Lana Follette, Trent Follette, Blake Shya Follette, father: Dennis (Flora) Follette, siblings: Darlene (David) Follette, Leonard (Cindy) Follette, Jackie (Loren) Follette, Darrel Follette, David Follette, Lexi Follette, Neal Follette, grandchildren: Warren Jett Mitchell, Tevin (Stevie) Gardipee, Kodie Mitchell, Xander Gong, Verle Follette III, Zelda Follette, Sean Forest, Dane Follette, LiLou Ogle, Louis Ogle Jr, Violet Follette, Jacob Mudgett, great grandchildren: Callista Gong, Ransom Kirn, adopted father: Larry Little Owl Sr. adopted mother: Gloria Deserly and many more family members and friends who he loved.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines we are asked to keep attendance at the services limited to 30 individuals. Masks are required for all public services.
Condolences for the family can be left by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday November 23, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 24, 2020
House of Prayer Church
Brockton, Montana 59213
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday November 23, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 24, 2020
House of Prayer Church
Brockton, Montana 59213
Carlos J Buck Elk | Eagle Mountain says
Im so saddened to see hear of Verle’s passing. May God give the entire family strength at this time. Condolences.
Cissy Eagleman says
Prayers for God’s peace & comfort for Mary & family. My heart goes out to you all.
Journey well Verle. You’re healed now.
McGeorge DeMarrias says
Condolences to Mary and their children, Boozer was a good guy, enjoyed our time when we were younger hanging out, playing basketball. Stay strong, again I am sorry for your loss.
DeAnne Weeks says
Sending my deepest condolences to Verle’s family. Great loss for many people.
Terry McAnally says
My condolences for all of Verle’s family and friends. May the Creator encircle you all in loving arms as you move through this time of deep grieving.
Lucy Redekopp says
Mary and family so sorry for your loss. Verle will be missed.
Ray Bets His Medicine says
Condolences to Mary and family. So sorry for your loss. Good journey Verle.
Sallie Reitzel says
So very sorry to hear of Verle’s passing. Deepest condolences to family and friends.
Traci LeVay-Holt says
Condolences to Verles family. He was a great guy and a good pastor. He will be greatly missed by all.
Mary & Greg Plante & Family says
We are so sorry to hear of Verle’s passing. Condolences to Mary and the rest of the family. Journey well Verle. God bless all of you and surround you with comfort at this time.
JR Draszt says
Prayers for Comfort an Strength
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P Pastor Verle Follette Sr
My Friend And Brother In Christ Sending My Prayers And Condolences To Mrs.Mary Follette And Family Not Suffering Anymore…
Roxann Smith says
Mary and family:
My heart aches for your families. Iknow you two have great faith and love of Jesus. Your faith and prayers will carry you through the difficult times ahead. You both touched the lives of many and assisted people in their times of need. Your families are in our prayers. Sending love,
Roxann Smith
Florence Foustar says
Sending prayers and condolences to Mary and Verle’s family . I remembered Verle when he spoke of his faith, and said his nickname was Boozer! He was a great person, who will be missed.
Twilia and Vince Bear Cub says
Mary and family, our prayers are with you. Your faith that you will see him again will help you through this time. Our deepest condolences. Families are forever .
Benita and Ken Haase says
Oh wow! We’re never ready for the death of a loved one. My heart goes out to you, Mary, and your family. Prayers for each and every one of you. Absent from the body means present with the Lord for those who have given their lives to God through Jesus. I believe this!!
Verle is there!!
Though I have known them for years, I wasn’t around Verle and Mary a lot, but I saw a kind, gentle, patient husband, dad, and grandfather. I saw generosity when he paid for our meal. He will be missed! I pray the Lord pick you up and carry you. He will truly be your strength when you feel you have none. You will put one foot in front of the other and breathe. The Lord is faithful and will never leave you or forsake you. He gives peace and joy in the midst of your mourning.
Love and prayers,
Ken and Benita Haase
Jolene Chopper and family says
Condolences to my Cousin Mary and family. May you take comfort in knowing you have your own special guardian angel. Lots of love to you and yours from me and mine. ❤
JR American Horse says
We are still in shock, our hearts go out to his wife and family…sending deepest condolences to all… he is safely in the arms of Jesus
Donna Black Dog says
My deepest condolences to Mary and the family. Verle was a very kind man who loved the Lord. Blessings for healing and strength during this sad 😞 time.
Sandi Reiger says
I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I will never forget the time spent together and your hospitality and love! He is such a special man and will be sorely missed. I love you so much!!
Mike c. says
It was good working with you and knowing you. You always took the time to listen and chat…thank you for being pleasant. Good man!
Tim Abeita says
My condolences to Mary and family, truly saddened to hear of Verle’s passing, he was a great person.
Apostle Ken Cox says
On behalf of Where Eagles Fly and our fellowship of Apostles and Prophets, our most heartfelt condolences to Mary and the family and church family of Pastor Verle.
I’m forever greatful as Pastor Verle opened a Door for me to come and be a part of the great work he was doing for Christ. Thank you pastor, you will be missed!
Tara Longtree says
Sure going to miss you, Pastor Verle Follette, I’m lucky to have met you & Mary, seen me thru many storms on this journey! Thank you for all you did for my family! I will always check on Sister Mary! God be with Mary & family, put your loving protective hedge around them! Amen
Marvin Youpee says
Praise the Lord!
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain; for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
I’m gonna miss you brother!
Pick out a glorious mansion.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
The wings of the angels sheltered him here on Earth then when the time came they lifted him up into Paradise. Mary – my thoughts and prayers are sent to you and the family as you prepare to say farewell. Verle’s spirit will always be near when you need to talk with him for the Lord does not give us burdens to bear without providing a way to comfort.
Connie Bird says
Sending Prayers 🙏 Sorry For Your Loss
Robert eder sr says
I am so sorry for my feelings about Mary didn’t know but he was a very strong man and believe in me a long time to show that god love me and love others I will miss him much thank God
Robert and Carrie Manning says
Mary and family,
Rob and I are sending our sincere condolences. May the Lord watch over you and your family during this time and comfort you. We will always be here for you.
❤️ Love Rob and Carrie
Mary W. Wall, President NFFE Local 478 says
Verle is a good, kind hearted man. He step up and took over NFFE IHS Union Council President. I stepped down because of my work load. And he did an awesome job. He got us awards from NFFE for most memberships! He got the IHS Union Council organized. We will miss him and his leadership. May God comfort the family, He is close to the broken hearted. RIP Verle
David E. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Verle we will miss your waves each Sunday will we arrived at our church across the street. My niece Mary our prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Gina Bearfighter says
Mary and family our prayers are with you. May the Creator comfort you in His grace and sustain your faith, for the way of Christ is Covenant faith.
My prayer for all who are touched by grief during Covid-19 plague.
SS “We bless the Lord with the gift of His Son as we minister that which He(the Creator) is creating in us; being that of His kingdom of light.”
Dinah says
Mary and family, i am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Verle, especially in the morning when I make coffee at work. He was the first one to get the first cup. We would tease each other about having the biggest cup and taking half the pot. He would share the word with us every morning. He prayed with us when we had tough times in our lives. I know he is in heaven rejoicing. Still we will miss his presence at work and I know you will miss him at home.
Gary and Jena Lonebear says
Sending our love and prayers to you Mary and the family. I will forever cherish the memories of us traveling for the Lord n having fun and good laughs. I will miss his smile n bringing out the word of God. We shall all meet on that beautiful shore someday soon. Strength and comfort to you and all the family sister. I love you n I’m here whenever you need me.
Larry and Monica Lambert says
I’m so sorry Mary!! I honestly have thought about you guys so many times. I be pray for peace and comfort from the Lord and His ministering angels for you and your family.
Ruth Costilla & Family says
I am just so heartbroken over Verle’s passing, he was such a quiet and respectful man. I had the pleasure of meeting Verle through Union trainings and conference calls. He was always doing what he could to help others and he did mention to us that he was a Pastor and he talked about his family. I never had the pleasure of meeting his family but me and my family would like to send our prayers and condolences to his family.
Marian Montclair says
Dear Mary & family,
There are no words to describe your pain you and your children must be going through, I feel your pain Mary and will hold you up in my prayers. Death has such a awful sting but God will turn the pain in something good, like He always does. I am reeling from loosing my sister still and the sting of death is still going strong it seems. We can only keep saying Praise The Lord, Thank You Jesus in our time of need. R.I.P. Verle, Jesus be with your family to comfort and shield all from harm. In Jesus name, we ask this. Amen!
Wayne and Nanny says
Love you pa all my heart. I’m going to miss your crazy character. Or hearing, only one kind of daughter lives in this house. No worries your fence will get done. I promise.
Gay Pennington says
Mary, family and relatives sorry to hear of passing of your love one. I got to no you too when I lived in Poplar. You too was such a sweet couple and I’ve always enjoy our visits. I will miss seeing him around when I come home to Poplar. My deepest Sympathy too you all. Keep his memories in your heart. God be with you all. A friend in Christ Gay(Paulson)Pennington Billings Mt.
Brittany buck elk says
I’m sorry I was able to go I feel so bad and I’m hurt I’m really going to miss uncle verle smile and his joy fulness that he spread
Wilma Huravitch says
Sending Our Condolences To The Family n Loved Ones Of Verl..
It’s so Unreal of his Passing..
Prayers n Hugs..
Meryle Hotomanie Montclair says
Sincere condolences to Mary and Verle’s family. God give you strength for the coming days and comfort you. Verle was a very compassionate person.he truly cared for people. I will continue to keep you in prayer,Mary. Your husband will be missed by many people.
Robert Struckman says
Very sorry to hear of Verle’s passing. As the national AFL-CIO representative in the Mountain West, I worked with him on a regular basis, and I always found him to be an absolutely awesome trade unionist, and a friend. What a wonderful and knowledgeable union leader. My heart goes out to his family, his community, his tribe, his union and the entire Indian Health Service. God bless you, Verle.
Dale Stensland says
See you. Over there! Verle. Mary, sorry for your loss.
Margaret Nation says
Im so SORRY ,for your Loss. May God strengthen you an the Family at this Time. God Bless You Mary an Keep you.
Tony Moran says
My friend you will be missed uncle I thank you for your good words teaching me more about are Lord and savior Jesus Christ go with God friend
Tom Rumsey says
I’ll never forget how nice he was to me growing up. He always had that big smile and laugh. I hate to see the world lose that…my heart breaks for his family and my old friend Darrell.
Cornbread
Rob Arnold says
Verle helped hundreds of Indian Health Service employees during his tenure as the National Federation of Federal IHS Council President and leading Local 2171. He traveled across the state periodically, visiting other locals and hearing the employees’ concerns. Verle went out of his way to defend employees and fight for their rights. He was known and greatly respected throughout Montana for his representational work. His calm nature allowed him to maintain control of every labor-management meeting he was part of. As the pandemic progressed, he performed increasingly high-risk tasks at IHS, including helping the public receive Covid tests. Verle led by example, regularly sacrificed for others, and he will greatly missed.
Myra American Horse says
Sister Mary, your children, & grandchildren……Our Sincere Heartfelt Condolences to you! Pastor Verle use to quote from Psalm 116:15 “PRECIOUS in the sight of the Lord,—is the (physical) death of one of His servants!!!” It wasn’t just that Verle quoted it,…but Verle would get a special twinkle in his eyes & inflection in his voice like he fully grasp…HOW MUCH our passing means to JESUS!
Pastor Verle heard our Lord Jesus say, “ENTER, MY GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT,” …..his earthly life has ended,…. BUT HIS ETERNAL LIFE……. with JESUS…….. has just BEGUN!!!
Like brother Verle, we stand on the PROMISES given in the Bible. WE KNOW, he is now whole, healthy & REJOICING with the Saints!!! Hallelujah! Remember, how our husbands use to check on each other and see if one might have been Raptured, before the other? PTL sis Myra, Pastor Weyland American Horse
Dale Stensland says
Condolences to family, Verle you left too soon but I’ll see you “Over There”
Peace he’s home.