Libby Sullivan

Mom, wife, grandma, sister, and friend, Elizabeth (Libby) Lee Sullivan passed away in Kalispell in the early hours of July 28, 2025, at the end of a heroic battle with cancer.

Libby was born on April 6, 1958, to Mark and Sara Taliaferro. She was a beautiful baby with blonde hair and hazel eyes who grew into a woman who was the first to offer a helping hand, a laugh, or whatever else someone needed.

Libby was born in Sheridan, Wyoming and raised in Birney, Pray, and Dupuyer, Montana. Her passion for life and her stubborn nature were evidenced by many scars, broken bones, and exciting stories.

Libby moved with her family to Dupuyer in 1975. It was there that she met and fell in love with Dan, her husband of 49 years. Together Dan and Libby raised their two children in Conrad, Montana, where together they grew their excavation business from one used backhoe to a thriving and innovative company. Libby was a woman of many talents: from bus driving to laying miles of pipe with Dan, to creating beautiful quilts and altering and making formal dresses for all occasions. Libby shared her love of sewing and cooking with her children, nieces and many friends throughout the years, helping them develop their own talents and creativity.

After retirement, Dan and Libby moved to Essex, Montana in 2010 to escape the big city life and enjoy their worldly travels, within a six-county radius. They also ventured all over the United States to explore with friends and visit family. They built or remodeled several homes, with the help of their children and many friends, and became an integral part of the several communities.

Even in death, Libby continues to make a difference in people’s lives. Because she chose to be an organ donor, two strangers have received her corneas, and will get to enjoy their life so much more thanks to her gift.

She is survived by her parents Mark and Sara Taliaferro of Wibaux; husband Dan Sullivan of Essex; son Chris (Amy) Sullivan of Conrad; son Steven Sullivan of Columbia Falls; and grandchildren James and Joe DeBoo, and Jack and Jeff Sullivan. Libby is survived by her favorite brother Chuck (Julie) Taliaferro; and her favorite sister Adele (Kip) Stenson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is planned for August 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Sullivan’s island on Dupuyer Creek. All friends and family are invited to come together to share memories and honor Libby’s life. Watch for direction signs on Main Street, Dupuyer. A second celebration is slated for mid-October at Essex.

Memorials are suggested to Wings Regional Cancer Support at wingsnwmontana.org (http://wingsnwmontana.org/) or the charity of choice. Anyone wanting to send flowers is encouraged to send daisies to 218 Teton Avenue, Dupuyer, any time from August 8-10.