“Love is powerful, share it unapologetically with yourself and those around you”
Written from Avery’s journal on Aug. 10, 2025
Avery Ray Stiles, 23, of Clancy unexpectedly passed away from natural causes on Aug. 30, 2025. He was born Oct. 3, 2001, in Helena to Eric Stiles and Stacy West. Avery was blessed with a devoted stepmother, Danielle, who loved him as her own. He was also guided in his youth by Steve Fainter and Robert Turner, who played significant roles in his upbringing and taught him many valuable lessons.
Avery was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others. He especially enjoyed mentoring younger children and sharing his love of sports with them. From a young age, he was active and adventurous, racing motorcycles and competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments. During his years at Jefferson High School, Avery was a dedicated athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track.
Despite graduating during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Avery earned a football scholarship to Montana Tech, though the shutdown prevented him from playing. During that time, he also explored a phase of apocalypse prepping and put his researching skills to use for survival strategies and collecting seeds, reflecting his curious and resourceful nature.
At the time of his passing, Avery was working proudly as an apprentice plumber with his father. He valued the opportunity to learn the trade and to build a future. Outside of work, Avery enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests. He loved reading and exploring new ideas, coding and creating, immersing himself in all kinds of sports, engaging in online gaming, and prioritizing health and fitness through working out and staying active. These pursuits reflected his boundless curiosity, competitive spirit, and dedication to personal growth.
Above all, he treasured time with his family and enjoyed sharing his perspective of life with his siblings. He was a loving and guiding presence for his siblings, always offering encouragement, teaching them new skills, and sharing his humor and adventurous spirit. Avery celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through challenges, and created countless, cherished memories with each of them.
Avery is survived by his parents, Eric Stiles and Stacy West; his stepmother, Danielle; his siblings, Sierah Turner, Serena Stiles, Hailee Stiles, Traic Fainter, and Lyrik Fainter; his nephew, Bayler Townsend, son of Serena Stiles; and his cousin, Sienna Engstedt, with whom he grew especially close in recent years after she moved into the family home. He is also survived by his grandparents, Linda and Roger West, Eileen Valdez, and Ed and Sandy Young.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Peggy and Louie Stiles, and his aunt, Michelle Young. Avery will be remembered and deeply missed by numerous extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
This obituary was generated by AI, inspired by Avery’s curiosity and love for AI.
A celebration of Avery’s life will be held Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. A light lunch reception will follow the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Avery.
