Zane G. Murfitt - August 20, 1925 - March 7, 2025

    Zane G. Murfitt was born in Terry, Mont., on Aug. 20, 1925, to Sam and Hester Murfitt. At the age of six, Zane moved with his family to Helena, where he attended school, graduating in 1943. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II.
    Following Zane’s military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Montana, earning a degree in Business Administration in 1950. He remained a devoted Grizzlies fan throughout his life, receiving the 2015 Community Service Award for his dedication & devotion to the Montana Grizzlies and University.
    Zane built a career in banking, working in Helena, Stanford, and Philipsburg. While working in Helena, he met the love of his life, Barbara Langlois. The two were married on April 28, 1951. They raised five children: Brad (Jennifer), Russ (Lori), Linda (Rick), Steve (Gigi), and Janice (Doug).
    In 1960, Zane and his family moved to Philipsburg, where he began working at the Flint Creek Valley Bank. He served as President of the bank He remained dedicated to his career, working there until November 2022. One of his career highlights was serving on the Federal Reserve Board of Directors 9th district out of Minneapolis from 1980-82.
    Beyond his professional achievements, Zane was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Philipsburg School Board, he held the position of Mayor of Philipsburg for 16 years, served on the Philipsburg City Council, the Granite County Hospital Board, as well as many other services.
Zane played a key role in transforming the Taylor Knapp property into what is now “Zane G. Murfitt Park,” a cherished community space in Philipsburg. In recognition of his efforts and dedication, the park was officially dedicated in his name in November 2018.
    Zane was inducted into the Montana Hall of Fame for his years of playing Fast Pitch Softball - winning the 1949 State Championship on the HO Bell team!
    Zane is survived by his children and his sister, Nina Krakenberg. He leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: Kendra (Justin) Routh, Heidi (Troy) Clemes, Allyson (Shawn) Helde, Christopher Murfitt, Zane (Kelsey) Murfitt, Gabe (Ryanne) Murfitt, Kate Bratz (Cody), Joe (Alana), and Laura (Sloan) Fix. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Hudson and Kenli Routh; Maycee and Cambree Jeanotte; Averi, Elleson, and Marlowe Murfitt; Henry, Ellie, and Finn Murfitt; and Olivia, Gavin, and Brielle Helde.
    Zane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; grandson, Michael; brothers Zach (Beverly) Murfitt and Walter (Howdy) (Myrtle) Murfitt; sisters Zalia (George) Logan and Donalda (Jim) Maness; sister-in-law Joan Neal; and brother-in-law Mick Neal.