Obituary: Longtime Surprise Creek Resident Annie Stahl Dies at 81

Annie Stahl, a pioneer of the Surprise Creek Colony, is remembered for her hard work, community spirit, and love of animals.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Annie Stahl, a lifelong resident of the Surprise Creek Colony in Montana, passed away at the age of 81. Born in Lewistown in 1944, Stahl helped establish the colony as a young woman, working alongside the men to milk cows, stack hay, and drive wagons. She was known for her kindness, concern for others, and her love of knitting, crocheting, and animals, especially dogs. Stahl was diagnosed with dementia in recent years but remained active in the community until her passing.

Why it matters

Annie Stahl's life story reflects the pioneering spirit and close-knit community of the Surprise Creek Colony, a remote religious settlement in Montana. Her dedication to the colony's founding and her decades of service highlight the important role that individuals play in sustaining these types of tight-knit rural communities, even as they face challenges like aging populations and changing times.

The details

Born in Lewistown in 1944, Annie Stahl moved with her family to the Surprise Creek Colony in 1958 and lived there the rest of her life. As a young woman, she helped establish the colony, working alongside the men to perform tasks like milking cows, stacking hay, and driving wagons. Stahl was known for her kindness, concern for others, and her hobbies of knitting and crocheting. She made sure everyone in the colony had a newspaper each day for years. Stahl was diagnosed with dementia about 4 years ago, but she continued attending church and going to the kitchen until her passing.

  • Annie Stahl was born on June 11, 1944 in Lewistown, MT.
  • Stahl moved with her family to the Surprise Creek Colony in 1958.
  • Stahl was diagnosed with dementia about 4 years ago, in 2022.
  • Stahl passed away on February 9, 2026 at the age of 81.

The players

Annie Stahl

A lifelong resident of the Surprise Creek Colony in Montana who helped establish the colony as a young woman and was known for her kindness, community spirit, and love of knitting, crocheting, and animals.

Joe and Anna Stahl

Annie Stahl's parents, who lived in the Surprise Creek Colony.

Joe Jr. and George Stahl

Annie Stahl's brothers, who predeceased her.

Brian Stahl

Annie Stahl's nephew from the Surprise Creek Colony, who predeceased her.

Elias Walter

Annie Stahl's brother-in-law from the Spring Creek Colony, who predeceased her.

Rev. Eli Stahl

Annie Stahl's brother-in-law from the Deerfield Colony, who predeceased her.

Sam (Bertha), Willard, Tim (Dorothy), and Ted Stahl

Annie Stahl's surviving brothers, all from the Surprise Creek Colony.

E. Katherine, Sarah (John), E. Dora, Rose (Peter), and Judy Stahl

Annie Stahl's surviving sisters, from the Spring Creek, Gildford, Deerfield, Lomond, and Surprise Creek Colonies respectively.

J. Katherine and G. Judy Stahl

Annie Stahl's sisters-in-law from the Surprise Creek Colony.

Judy

Annie Stahl's personal caregiver.

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The takeaway

Annie Stahl's life exemplified the pioneering spirit and close-knit community of the Surprise Creek Colony, where she dedicated decades of hard work and service. Her story highlights the important role that individuals play in sustaining these types of tight-knit rural communities, even as they face challenges like aging populations and changing times.