Obituaries in Great Falls, MT | Great Falls Tribune (2024)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of the ultimate Sheboss and Mama Bear, Debra Jean Sloan-Eve, who died on June 11, 2024, from complications following an emergency surgery and severe stroke.

Born on March 14, 1958, Deb's life was a constant circle of love and compassion with occasional mischief and chaos. She was the oldest daughter of Jean and Phillip Sloan of Great Falls. She graduated from C.M. Russell High School in 1976 and went on to earn an accounting degree from the University of Montana. After graduating, she began her career in public accounting, eventually launching her own business, Lone Wolf Accounting, and serving as comptroller for Aaniiih Nakoda College, where she was employed at the time of her passing.

Deb’s favorite childhood memories were formed while fishing and camping at Sun River Canyon with her family, a pastime she later continued with her beloved partner and life mate of 33 years, Bob Trujillo. While glamping with their dogs, Deb and Bob enjoyed many card games, co*cktails, and campfires. Their mutual appreciation for good food and great company took them far and wide, but their favorite spot was the 3D Restaurant in Black Eagle where they created countless memories with family and friends.

Deb’s greatest accomplishment was raising her four children from her prior marriage to Joseph Eve, Theresa (Daniel) Urband of Albany, NY; Grant (Mercede) Eve of Great Falls; Kati (Jeramy) Eve of Billings; and the late Josi Eve of Great Falls. As a successful professional, Deb served as a strong role model for her kids, while always being available to provide unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement. Deb also shared a special bond with her niece, Cassidy Kline, who she loved dearly.

With her generous and nurturing soul, Deb was affectionately known as “Mama Deb,” “Madre,” and “The Other Mother” to many. The door of her home was always open, and she fully embraced her role as bonus mom and mentor to so many of her kids over the years, including, but certainly not limited to, Corgan Bosley, Christie Zigan, Taylor McCabe, and Allen Johnson.

In 2006, Deb’s youngest daughter, Josi, suffered a horrific car accident, and Deb and Bob were thrust into the role of full-time caregivers, providing 24/7 in-home care for Josi with endless love and compassion until Josi’s death in 2010. Words cannot express our family’s gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice. It gives us comfort knowing that Deb has joined Josi in heaven.

While she was profoundly saddened by Josi’s passing, Deb continued to serve as a beacon of hope, faith, and love for her family. In recent years, “Gigi” treasured spending time with her grandchildren, Mikah and Emmett Eve, Charlie and Noah Urband, and Kobe LaRocque. Her grandchildren will always remember her ability to make them laugh.

Deb's passion also extended to her work family at Aaniiih Nakoda College (Fort Belknap Agency, Montana), where she served as Chief Fiscal Officer and Comptroller for 24 years. As a key member of the college’s leadership team, she was fiercely committed to Aaniiih Nakoda College and worked tirelessly to make the college successful. For so many at the college, Deb was not only a leader, a financial wizard, a mentor, and a friend, she was family, and she will be missed deeply.

We would be remiss not to mention Deb’s love for animals but especially dogs. If you look at her Facebook profile, you will see her endless posts about pets. She was always trying to help a furry friend in need. Her own four-legged “beasts” were the real rulers of her house and her greatest source of laughter and joy.

We invite all who had the privilege to know Deb to join in a celebration of her life at the Rendezvous at Four Ten, located at 410 Central Avenue, Great Falls MT on Saturday June 29, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Following the ceremony, everyone is encouraged and welcome to share their memories, as she loved being the center of a great story.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor can be made to Benefis Health System Mercy Flights (benefis.org), Paws of Chinook (pawsofchinnook.org), or any charity that helps animals in need.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.