Justin Ward Brownell

Justin W. Brownell, 54, rancher and lifelong cowhand, died peacefully after a lengthy illness on

August 4, 2025, at his home in Pendroy, MT. Justin was born Feb. 23, 1971, to Richard and

Carol Brownell. He attended Pendroy school through the sixth grade, then transferred to

Conrad, where he graduated in 1989. Justin attended Northern Montana College before

returning to the family farm, where he worked alongside his parents and local neighbors, Jay

and Linda Rice. Later, he started an artificial insemination business for cattle.

In 1995, he married Jodie Moritz. They later divorced. Later on, Justin met Mona DeBoo. He

cherished his role as a stepfather to Evan, Tiffany, and Tony “Mister,” and loved them as his

own. On Aug. 9, 2004, they welcomed Derek, and on Nov. 23, 2005, Tessa completed their

family.

Justin was the kind of person the community could count on, always ready to lend a hand,

whether it meant working cattle, tackling a building project, or stepping in wherever help was

needed. Justin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.

He was the best guide for the new hunters. Those closest to Justin knew that he was usually up

for adventure or misadventure, depending on who told the story. Speaking of storytelling, Justin

was a gifted BSer who often embellished the story to make it a bit more entertaining. His

competitive spirit loved a good game of pool, cards, and trap shooting. There might have been a

few card games that ended in a brief “discussion” with most everyone, but especially his sister.

Justin was a firm believer that you had to earn your win, even with his children. He never “let”

them win. Just like his dad, Justin hated to go to bed a loser and would often stay up into the

wee hours of the morning trying to get a win. He didn’t always “know when to hold them, fold

them, or walk away.” A giant kid himself, Justin loved playing games and rough-housing with the

kids, often getting them riled up.

Justin is survived by his wife, Mona DeBoo; children, Derek Brownell and Tessa Brownell;

step-children, Evan (Alex) DeBoo, Tiffany (AJ) St Goddard, and Tony (Misty) Sinclair; mother,

Carol Brownell; sister, Rachel (Fred) Christensen; nine grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles,

cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his dad, Richard.

A memorial service will be held August 16, 2025, at 5 PM at the Pendroy Fire Hall.

Memorials are suggested for the Pendroy Volunteer Fire Department.