Dolores Agnes Panich, 81

On the evening of September 1, 2024, Dolores "Dee" Agnes Panich passed away peacefully from natural causes at her home in Whitehall, lovingly surrounded by family.

Dee, 81, was born in Anaconda on March 10, 1943. She was the third of three children of the late Bernard and Della (Ouldhouse) DuMonthier. She was raised in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda Catholic Central High School.

She attended business school in Omaha, Nebraska and returned to Montana where she met her future husband, Butte native, John Panich in 1962. They married five months later on May 18, 1963 - the marriage would last 44 years until John's death.

Dee and John moved around Montana for a couple of years, had two children, and then settled in Whitehall in 1966. Dee started in a postmaster replacement position in the Cardwell and Silver Star Post Offices in 1964 before transitioning into the Whitehall Post Office in 1967. Her customers nicknamed her "Sunshine" because she always had the biggest smile. Right up to her death, she dazzled the residents of Whitehall with her uncanny talent of identifying them by their Post Office box number.

After serving 34 years in the postal service, Panich retired and spent a great deal of time with her six beloved grandchildren. In addition to her grandchildren, she had an endless love for animals. Everyone joked that if reincarnation were possible, they would want to return as one of Dee's cherished pets.

In addition to volunteering at the Whitehall Community Library, Dee integrated herself into the community through the Pinocle Club at the Whitehall Senior Center, where she valued the companionship of her wonderful friends and enjoyed the challenge of playing the competitive card game.

Dee enjoyed the thrill of riding motorcycles and could be seen racing around on the back of her son-in-law's Harley. She also loved music, especially songs from the 1950s and everything in the country genre. She showcased her dance moves and western attire during her recent trip to Nashville with several grandkids.

Dee was preceded in death by husband, John Panich; father, Bernard DuMonthier; mother, Della DuMonthier-Howser; and sister, Marie Frownfelter.

She is survived by her brother, Bernard DuMonthier of Wyoming; daughter Charmaine and husband Todd Murphy of Colorado; son John and wife Tawny Panich of Butte; grandson Aaron Merrick; granddaughters Corbynne Panich, Jazmine Murphy, Savana Panich, Brooklyn Murphy, and Mikayla Murphy; and five great-grandchildren, with another on the way.

The family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary support that family, friends, and numerous others in the community have given Dee throughout her life, especially over the past few years, and sincerely thank each and every one of them for their love and concern.

Special thanks to Senior Solutions Hospice, Dr. Steve Sacry and the staff at the Whitehall Medical Clinic, Rin and the Ambulance crew of The Community Integrated Health Program, Renata Godfrey (home aide), and Renee Webster (friend).

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 28th, at St. Teresa of Avila Church (109 E Second St., Whitehall, MT). A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whitehall Senior Center PO Box 238, Whitehall, MT 59759, or Four Paws Rescue PO Box 13, Cardwell, MT 59721.

Please visit Axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Dee.