Neale Hoots

Funeral service for Neale Hoots, 91, of Killdeer, will be 1:00 pm MT, Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Killdeer Saddle Club Building (311 ND-22 Bypass) in Killdeer with Pastor Merle Hoots officiating. Burial will take place in the Killdeer Cemetery at a later date.

Family will receive friends Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm MT at Stevenson Funeral Home in Killdeer.

Neale passed away December 14, 2025 at Hilltop Home of Comfort, Killdeer.

Neale was born in Harvey, ND on February 21, 1934, the son of Gussa and Glee (McElvain) Hoots. Growing up he attended and graduated from Hurdsfield High School. Neale and his brother Eldon leased a farm where they farmed and ran a dairy business. Neale married Lori Coombs on August 11, 1957 and shortly after they purchased a farm south of Chaseley, ND. To this union, three sons, Kent, Rick, Jeff and daughter Lois were born. Farming and ranching was his pride and joy. Neale later married Joyce Lawhead on October 2, 1992. He welcomed two step-daughters and two step-sons. Neale enjoyed playing cards, visiting with folks, horses, and being a teamster.

Neale is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Kent Hoots of Edgeley, Rick (Gayle) Hoots of Beulah, Jeff (Lisa) Hoots of Killdeer; daughter, Lois Fay McCleary of Mannington, WV; step-sons, Ray Stroh, Jason Hutchinson; step-daughters, Grace Ford, Jolene Stroh; eight grandchildren; sisters, Arlys (Loren) Schmidt of Fessenden, Cheryl Sayler of Bismarck; and sister-in-law, Glenda Hoots, Goodrich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gussa and Glee Hoots; son-in-law, Mike McCleary; brother, Elden Hoots; sister, Beverly Zweigle; brother-in-law, Barton Sayler; and grandson, Aric Hoots.