Orville Willis Rexford went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, February 4, 2018 after a short battle with lung cancer. He was born on June 3, 1928 in Hastings, Nebraska to Joseph Newel Rexford and Doratha Georgia Sunday. Orville was the “middle” child, Eva Warthen being his older sister, and Vernon Rexford, his younger brother.
They spent quite a bit of time with Nina and Farmer Saddler while growing up and attending church in Hastings regularly. One day when Orville was following his sister Eva across the street, he was hit by a car, leaving tire tracks across his forehead. He said the only thing he remembered of the entire accident was that the man driving the car gave him a Canadian quarter. The family left Hastings when Orville was in kinder garden and moved to Pease Bottom, Montana (5 miles away from Myers) traveling in a Model T. Orville, Eva, and Vernon attended school at a one room schoolhouse at Rancher which curiously enough is the same schoolroom that Orville’s children, Bill, Fay, Nina, and Butch attended. That Schoolhouse is still there today, preserved by the historical society. Orville, Eva, and Vernon helped their Mom and Dad by milking 15 cows and selling cream. They also pulled up ice cakes from the creek and put them in an ice house.
Orville met Theo Lilley in 1947 and married her on 11/27/48. They had 4 children: William Harry (Bill), Fay, Nina , and Orville Wayne (Butch). Butch drowned in the Yellowstone River on July 5, l968. He owned a small farm in Peas Bottom and a dairy with about 30 head of milk cows. He milked the cows with machines, separated the milk, and sold milk and cream. Orville could often be heard singing to Fay and Nina the tune “Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do. I”m half crazy, all for the love of you. I can’t afford a carriage, but you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two.
Fishing, hunting, and horses were high on Orville’s priority list on the rare occasion he was not farming. There was always much work to be done between working the farm and milking the cows. Orville was an excellent shot and fed his family with deer he killed and catfish from the river close by. Later in his life he made an excellent long distance shot on a huge buck deer that had a fantastic rack and he could not wait to tell his children about it!! He often broke horses and sold them, and until his later years always owned and rode horses, at least one. One of the highlights of his younger years was having the privilege of sitting astride a tall thoroughbred belonging to his cousin Harriet in Nebraska.
Orville married Mary Lane on December 20, 2014, and she has been the light of his life until his death. They enjoyed catfishing on the Yellowstone River, especially when accompanied by his grandson Tracy Krueger
Orville is survived by his wife Mary Lane Rexford, three of his remaining children: William Harry Rexford (Dianna) of Livermore, Colorado, Fay Hebert (Danny) of Parkville KY, and Nina Krueger (Claude) of Forsyth, Montana. He is also survived by 7 Grandchildren, Karolyn Martinkus, Jeanna Whipple, Karla Clapper, Tracy Krueger, Jim Gilbert, Cody Gilbert, and JoAnne Johnson; 13 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his previous wives: Theo Lilley Rexford, Mabel Miller Rexford, and Agnes Wolf Rexford and his son, Orville Wayne (Butch) Rexford.</p>
Christopher Lee Bartlett says
Missing you already orville my friend you helped me out when i lived in montana and i was hoping to see you again when i return at the end of this month so we could go fishing for you always new the best spots to cetch cat fish I know your in a better place where there is no suffering or pain but what i wouldent give to hear your voice one last time or to see your smiling face hope there is plenty of fishing in heaven cetch me a big one for one day i will see you again my friend and to his family my condolences are with you in your time of grieving its always hard to lose some one you love
Y. McBeath says
My sincere condolences on your loss. May you find some comfort from the words of Isaiah 25:8. Soon our enemy death will be swallowed up forever.
Karen Willis says
You are in a better place.We have a lot of memories. My condolences to your family.
Debbie Anderson says
Mary, Niña, Claude and family; I am so sorry to hear of Orville’s passing. I am happy for him as he has no more pain and is in a very blessed place with our glorious Savior. However, those who are left behind will miss him greatly. He was always so nice, I never heard an angry word out of him no matter how frustrated he might have been. He is in paradise waiting anxiously for his loved ones. Keep your memories close and he will always be with you in your hearts. Love to all, Debbie Anderson
Jack and Sandi Van Pelt says
Nina, Claude and families,
We are sorry for your loss. Orville was a very sweet gentleman. I enjoyed visiting with him and the many discussions we had over the years. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim & Nancy Nile says
Orville was such a nice man and always good for a visit. Our condolences to all of his family for your loss. Wishing you many happy memories and peace at such a sad time.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Grace Larson says
I hadn’t heard from Orville since moving to Kalispell in 2014. I pray that his health remained up until his death. We had lots of visits over coffee about horses and area news in general. My condolences to his loved ones.
Randy, Janet, Rachel & Randi Stanhope says
We are so very for your loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Ken and Janice Watson says
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sharon Wetsch says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs…
Wayne & Lane Buck says
So very sorry to hear of Orvillis passing. We will miss his smile.he always made your day better with his smile.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Orville’s family,
Earl and I want you to know that warmest thoughts are with you in your sorrow. May they bring you comfort for today and courage for each new tomorrow, May it help knowing that many caring hearts are holding you close during this difficult time.
Melode Warner says
Sorry gor your loss.