Johnny Lee Mehling

Johnny Lee Mehling, born June 3, 1957, in Hardin, MT, passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2025.

Johnny grew up in Hardin, team roping with his family, farming, and learning how to work hard and play harder. He loved hunting with his friends and cousins, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Johnny had a big personality, a firm opinion about nearly everything, and a knack for telling stories that got better (and maybe a little taller) every time he told them.

On November 5, 1977, Johnny married Beth Westwood. Together, they raised two kids, Weston and Nichole, who quickly learned that there was no sleeping in on Johnny’s watch. Johnny’s greatest pride was his family, especially his children. He built Mehling Farms with grit and determination, instilling those same values in his family and challenging them to give their best in everything they did.

Johnny was deeply involved in his community and wasn’t afraid to step up and serve. Over the years, he sat on several boards, including the Hardin School Board, Big Horn County Electric Co-op Board, Montana Alfalfa Seed Growers, Two Leggins Water Users Association, Big Horn Conservation District, and the Big Horn Low Line Ditch Board. He valued a strong work ethic, and helped take care of many.  He was a mentor, a confidant, and the kind of man you called when you needed a straight answer, even if you didn’t like what you heard.

Johnny enjoyed his many hobbies, telling stories, and spending time with the people who mattered most to him. He was honest, wise, hardworking, and tough when he needed to be, but he always had a soft spot for those he cared about. Johnny will be remembered as a true man’s man—kind, fair, and fiercely loyal to his family, friends, and community.

Johnny was preceded in death by his father, John D. Mehling; his brother, Mark Mehling; his son, Weston John Mehling; and his in-laws, Jack and Barbara Westwood.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; his daughter, Nichole, and her children, Lauren and Jack; and his daughter-in-law, Tana, and her children, John, Sean, Emma, and Emit. He is also survived by his mother, Darlene; his sisters, Kellie Ohmstede (Scott) and Jolene Kuntz; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Big Horn County Memorial Hospital or Christ E&R Church of Hardin.  Johnny always felt blessed to live in this community and cherished the special people that he called friends and neighbors.

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