Michele E. Dayton

Michele E. (Molendyke) Dayton passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2026.

Michele was born on December 31, 1955, to John Floris Molendyke and Evelyn Margaret (Clemens) Molendyke, joining siblings Bill, John, and Judy.

Michele and her husband Ray J. Dayton were together since she asked him to the prom as high school sophomores. Ray and Michele married in 1979 and had three children, Amanda Jo (Dayton) Dermody, Jessica Marie Dayton, and Michael Kevin Dayton. Michele considered her son-in-law Ben Dermody like one of her own. She was joyfully preparing for Michael’s wedding to Morgan Smith, though Morgan has been a part of the family for many years. Michele was “Nana” to her granddaughter Evelyn, her absolute greatest joy.

Michele grew up on Pine Street in Anaconda, Montana, attended St. Paul’s grade school and Anaconda Central and Anaconda High School. She graduated from Montana State University in 1978 earning her B.A. in Art, with an emphasis in ceramics. She was a skilled stained glass artist.

Michele was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She attended and supported her children in all of their events and activities and never missed a program or athletic event.

Michele was an early director of the Anaconda Copper Village Museum and Art Center and worked to establish the Art Center at its old City Hall location, contributing to the saving of the historic landmark. Michele was instrumental in starting the Art in the Park Festival which continues to this day.

Michele was a mentor and President of the Lincoln School PTA. She was an integral part of the rebuilding of Lincoln School, saving it from demolition as well.

Michele worked as a paraprofessional at Lincoln School for fifteen years and touched the lives of many students who remember her selfless service. Michele was a member of the Anaconda Catholic Community and was devoted to her faith for the entirety of her life.

Michele is survived by her husband, Ray; her children, Amanda (Ben) Dermody, Jessica Dayton, Michael (Morgan) Dayton; her granddaughter, Evelyn Dermody; her brother, John (Charlotte) Molendyke, her sister Judy (Duane) Lanes, her sister-in-law Donna Molendyke; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Michele was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bill Molendyke.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Copper Village Museum and Art Center.

Visitation will take place at 9:30 am, Thursday, November 12, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Anaconda, Montana. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda.  A luncheon will follow interment back at the Hunthausen Center.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is privileged to care for Michele and her family.