William M. Morkrid

William “Bill” Morrison Morkrid was born on March 4, 1946, to Oliver and Greta Morkrid at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington. The family moved to Great Falls, Montana when he was young, and Bill spent his summers at the family homestead south of Chester. The family moved to the farm permanently when Bill was entering the 4th grade. Bill worked on the farm from a young age and remained there until his passing on July 26, 2024.

 During his school years, Bill was a proud Chester Coyote, playing basketball and starting his own car club, the Rogues. He met his future wife, Ella, when she moved to Chester with her family in 1956. They were married in 1964, and after a few quarters of college classes, Bill began farming full-time in 1966. Bill and Ella were blessed with three children: Ray, Gail, and Angela.

 Bill was a dedicated farmer and a talented marksman who always had a story to tell. He found loyal companionship in the dogs he befriended throughout his life. His favorite time of year was harvest, where he loved driving his combine, but he also cherished the smell of soil in the spring. Although he deeply valued his time on the farm, Bill had a traveling spirit. He and Ella traveled to China, Mexico, and Italy, and they spent their winters in sunny Las Vegas with close friends. Above all, Bill loved his family. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.

 Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Ella (Christenot) Morkrid; his son, Ray (Shirley) Morkrid; his daughters, Gail (Eric) Nelson and Angela (Rob) Laterza; and his grandchildren, Summer and Paige Morkrid, Josie and Sophie Nelson, and Robby and Ava Laterza. He is also survived by his brothers, John (Cindy) Morkrid and David Morkrid, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.