Henry (Hank) W. Elliott was born on July 28, 1921 in Miles City, MT to Morgan R. and Matie (Damm) Elliott.
He was raised on the family homestead at Powderville and attended the Crow Creek School. After his father died in l936, he worked for area neighbors for a couple of years. In the fall of 1938 he joined the CCC program where according to him he “learned to drive truck, drink, smoke and build dams and fences”.
In September of 1942 he was drafted into the US Army and after receiving stateside training, he was shipped overseas to North Africa. From there he was in Italy, Southern France, Germany, Austria, New Guinea and was in Manila when the war ended.
After returning home, he went to work for the Montana Department of Highways which was his career for 33 years until his retirement.
He met Dorothy Preller, “a redhead that took his eye”, and they married in 1952, starting a family of five children.
After retirement Hank and Dorothy were able to travel,“gadding about”, to several places. One of their favorite trips was loading up their van and driving to Alaska for several weeks. They then started to go to Arizona for the winters where they made many new friends and were able to keep in touch with old friends and relatives. He was active in bowling and RSVP, and his interests included agate hunting, woodworking, ceramics and gardening.
Hank, whether as a father, grandfather, friend or relative was known for his humor (Hank-isms), story telling and his kindness and compassion. Many times he has helped people through rough times, or if they just needed a place to stay for awhile and donated to several local charities. This compassion is evident in the special relationships he has with the grandchildren he helped raise.
Hank is survived by his five children, Cheryl Sandefer, Kathy (Mitch) Roberts, Gail (Glenn) Hoopman, Jim Elliott and Pam Elliott; grandchildren Steven Sandefer, Bryan Carter, Christina (George) Pratt, Michael (Danica) Groah, Dani Cook, Shawn Elliott and Haley Roberts; great-grandchildren Brenin, Kamdin, Ashlynn and Adalinn Carter, Wheeler and Payton Pratt, Dominik and Chloe Groah, Landyn and Oakley Cook and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents, sisters Bertha, Tressia and Margaret, son-in-law Kent Sandefer, grandson Robert Sandefer, niece Marie Kalness and special nephew Bill Voss.
The family would like to thank Kara Erickson-PA and the Holy Rosary Hospice nurses and aides for the special care they provided over the years and recently.
Donations may be made in memory of Hank to the Range Riders Museum, the ROCKS program or a local charity of your choice.
Family will receive friends on Friday, June 15, 2018 from 4-6 p.m at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday June 15, 2018
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 16, 2018
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday June 16, 2018
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday June 15, 2018
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 16, 2018
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday June 16, 2018
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
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Steve Vail says
Sorry for your loss. He’s in heaven now..
Steve and Tracy
Kathy Barnes says
I have so many wonderful memories of Hank and Dorothy coming to my my parents house for dinner. Hank and my dads sister Dorothy would have these secessions of reminiscing about homestead life. I was all ears. They all had such a great friendship. I’m sure there is a reunion somewhere as we speak. God bless everyone.
amy fox says
Sorry for your loss, he was a ” GREAT MAN ” 🙂
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Sending our prayers and offering our deepest sympathy to you, Kathy and all of your family.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Our sympathy to you all
Beth and Doud says
Thoughts and prayers to u
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Elliott Family,
So sorry to hear about Hank. He was such a nice man. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
RIP – Hank.
Joan Sweeney Hubber says
Thinking of all Hank’s family.
Vicki McLean-Baird says
Sorry to hear about your Dad!
Curt and Kate Terrett says
Lots of good memories of living next door to the Elliott family
Ruben and June Opp says
Elliot Family, We were so sorry to hear of the passing of one great man, to you a very special father, grandfather and great grandfather.He will be greatly missed by you his family, We pray Gods blessing with you all during these difficult days and the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Mike Preller says
Uncle Hank was a “one of a kind” man. His humor, storytelling and laugh made him a joy to be around. It’s sad to see him pass, but he is enjoying visiting family, friends and old Army buddies in Heaven. I know Hank would enjoy sharing a story or……, a dozen with us. God bless you Hank and family.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So sorry to hear of Hanks passing. May the memories keep each and every one of you. He was a wonderful human being.
Wheeler Pratt says
My great grand father was a great man that always had great storys to tell when ever I saw him. I didn’t see him as often as I would of wanted but no matter the fact he will always be a person I will always remember and cherish the memorys i have of him. He lived a long and great life and will be remember by his family, friends and community
Nadine Whitehead says
Sorry for the family loss, thoughts and prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Myrna says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad was a wonderful person and to have him on earth for 96 years is so awesome. I’m sending you a big hug and I love you ❤️
Bryan & Shannon Holmen says
He was always one of my favorite people to visit with. I loved his smile. My prayers.
Sandy Peaslee says
Elliot Family, so very sad for your loss. My deepest condolences.
Sandy Peaslee
Randy Lancaster says
Condolences Jim and Elliot family
Jim and Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry. Your dad was a great guy! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ana Barrera says
I’m so sorry for your loss to all the family! I’m grateful I had the pleasure to meet this wonderful man. I rented the basement downstairs of their home and everytime I would leave or arrive he would be there asking how my day was going. He was an amazing man and his amazing daughter took great care of him, God Bless you Cheryl. I’m happy I got to meet him and learn a little about him from his stories. You will be missed and you definitely have a special place in my heart! ❤
Jeff Stickney says
Many great memories of time spent with your family, and many memories of ongoing jokes originating with Hank. And then there was the endless debate – do you drive faster so you cover more ground before you run out of gas, or do you drive slower so you use less gas…. I never have figured that one out.
All the best to all of you,
Jeff & Peggy Stickney
David (Pete) Stabio says
As a teacher, I benefited from Hank and Dorothy’s parenting skills. The Elliot children were excellent students and a delight to have in class. Hank you created a wonderful legacy.