October 13th, 2021

Renée Lynn Knievel-Slaughter
On Sept. 26, our beloved Renée passed peacefully in the morning surrounded by the love of her family.
Renée was born in Richmond, California, on May 29, 1951. In 1957, she moved to Butte with her parents and sisters to be closer to her grandparents and brothers.
She led an active life growing up, including being nominated as president of her class, serving as editor of the Butte High School Mountaineer and being a member of the singing group Top 16, which performed at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
After moving to Bozeman, Renée met her husband, former Gallatin County Sheriff and Head of Corrections for the State of Montana, Bill Slaughter, and had her son, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter.
Renée excelled at so many things professionally — being a small business owner and entrepreneur (opened two restaurants, a gift shop and a salon), radio sales, waiting tables and bartending. She had a passion for the service industry — cooking, baking, and making everyone feel welcome.
Renée was a treasured wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was determined, hard-working and had a vivacious laugh, along with an extremely generous heart and spirit. Her home was always open to family, friends or someone with nowhere to go. She adored time with her family — reminiscing and laughing; taking care of their pets; and their ranch in Hall, Montana.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Bill; her son Jesse; daughter-in-law Christie; her grandchildren Jacob, Annie and Sammie Jo; her mother Jeanne Knievel; her sisters Kristy Knievel-Lawrence (married to Hugh Lawrence) and Robin Knievel-Dick (married to John Dick); her sisters-in-law Rusty Knievel, Linda Knievel and Jo Lee Scheidecker (married to Gary Scheidecker); her nieces and nephews; all the members of her extended family; and friends.
Renée was predeceased by her grandparents Roy and Clara Buis, Alice Buis, and Ignatius and Emma Knievel; her father Robert Knievel; her in-laws Glen and Jo Slaughter; and her brothers Robert and Nick Knievel.
A family celebration of her life will be held Sunday, Oct. 17.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the following charities may be made in her memory: Granite County Spay/Neuter Project (contact Audrey Zahn at (406) 559-7501); or Toby’s House Crisis Nursery at 421 5th Street N, Great Falls, MT 59403 and (406) 770-3191.

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