Ira J. Andrews Jr. aka; Dad, Granddad, Grandpapa was born on the family ranch just north of Biddle, Montana on September 7, 1924 to Ira J. Andrews Sr. and Mildred Beatrice Hughes. He joined 2 sisters, Irene Ruby and Mildred Emerald.
Dad attended school at Rocky Butte School, also in Miles City and Billings, MT. He spent his summers at the ranch. He graduated from Billings High School (Billings Senior High) in the spring of 1942.
After high school he attended college at Poly Tech (Rocky Mountain College) studying chemical engineering. During that time, he left college to join the Army. He was enlisted from October 4, 1946 until November 28, 1947. During his time in the Army he was a supply clerk and received the WWII Victory Medal. Dad then took a turn in his studies. He went to college at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon where he majored in Seminary and minored in Music. It was there that he met Roberta (Bobby) Dale Westfall.
Dad and Mom were married on December 3, 1955 at the chapel at Pacific University. They then moved to the family ranch near Biddle. Dad and Mom were blessed with 5 children: Anne (Willy) Gergen, Tom (Pam) Andrews, Kathy (Keith) Myers, Dale (Camille) Andrews, and Sue Ellen Andrews; 7 grandchildren: Karen (Dana) Dribnenki, Stacey (Kevin) Atkinson, Ryan (Jessica) Rosencranz, Keith Rosencranz, Cade, Alyssa and Brent Andrews; 4 great-grandchildren: Tracer & Landon Dribnenki, Riley & Piper Rosencranz. Dad also had numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad spent most of his life as a rancher. He was the happiest when he was on his Caterpillar moving dirt.
Dad and Mom bought a house in Billings in the 1980’s, where they retired. During his life in Billings, Dad was very involved with the Shrine. He never missed a circus performance until he turned 94, and then he tried to get to at least 1 or 2. He would take tickets for the circus to the elementary schools in his neighborhood. He loved attending the basketball games at the Shrine. He also attended numerous concerts there, getting a kick out of the barely legals! Dad also enjoyed peddling the onions until the last couple of years.
Dad was a lifetime member of the following organizations: The John Birch Society, The American Legion, The Masonic Lodge, The Shrine Hospital Corps, Billings York Rite and The Knights Templar
After a fall at home, Dad moved in with his daughter Kathy in February 2020. As his health declined and he needed more care, he moved into Butterfly Home Assisted Living. After being put into the hospital with Covid, Dad was moved to Riverstone Hospice House. It was there that he passed away on October 28, 2021.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, both of his sisters, and his children Dale and Sue.
David or Pam Nisley says
Prayers for comfort for all of you!!! Such immense loss in a short time…..may you all feel the Peace of Jesus, and His loving arms wrapped around each one!!
Steve and LeAnn Rhodes says
We are so very sorry for your loss of father, grandfather. I pray the love of God surrounds you through this time of grief.
Rich Miller says
My prayers are with You… So sorry for your lose….Take Care and God Bless
Rick and Sheila Hughes says
Thanks for the notification. Cousin Ira was a character and I had fun speaking to him over the years. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Carol Schneidt says
Thoughts and prayers to the Andrews family! I remember Ira as being the choir director at Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus when I was in High School. He had a wonderful tenor voice.
Ken and Pat Jones says
So sorry for your loss,God Bless .
Sylvia Zimmer says
So sorry for your loss, what a long memorable life he had…🙏🙏
Lisa Gaskill says
Your dad, Ira, was a special gentleman. I remember him from when I was in high school and it was always such a pleasure to see him later on when I was working at the school and he would come in. He was always such a jolly and friendly man. Enjoy you fond memories you have of him.
Ted and Cathy Elgin says
We are thinking of all of Ira’s family. So sorry for your loss. We have lots of memories and appreciate all the times he brought us onions!