Paul T. Ringling, rancher and World War II veteran, passed away Wednesday evening, March 7, 2018 in Miles City, Montana.
Paul was born in New York City in 1920. His mother, Aubrey Black Ringling, and father, Richard T. Ringling, brought him back to the family ranch when he was six weeks old. Raised in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, Paul grew up on the family’s ranch, attended school in White Sulphur Springs, at St. John’s Military Academy and completed high school in Livingston, Montana in 1937.
Paul’s parents were part owners of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus. Although they happened to be traveling with the circus in New York at the time of Paul’s birth, the roots of his family tree run deep in Montana. Paul’s maternal great-great uncle was the last territorial governor of Montana. In 1894, Paul’s mother was born in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, where her father worked as an attorney. His father came to Montana as a young man to check on land that his uncle had invested in near White Sulphur Springs known as Ringling, Montana. Paul’s parents were introduced and married in 1918. As he grew, Paul’s home was always in White Sulphur Springs, where the family owned a ranch and a dairy where Paul raced his pony down the aisle of the dairy barn with a childhood friend.
Paul’s life was far from ordinary. His family traveled often with his father who worked in Management for Ringling Brothers. But Paul always said no matter where his journeys took him, “most of the time I missed White Sulphur Springs.” Paul’s father died when he was 11 years old, but his mother still owned a share of the circus so after graduation from high school he worked from 1937-1941 with the Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey Circus; five seasons with the circus selling tickets, helping set up tents, and eventually working in advertising.
In 1940, he married his sweetheart, Althea Shearer, a White Sulphur Springs girl he’d been dating since age 16. She joined him as he traveled with the circus. Althea was born on a homestead at Sixteen, Montana. They were married for 65 years. In 1941, Paul left the Circus, anticipating a call to serve in World War II. He was drafted and remained active from 1942 to 1945. For more than three years he did not see his young bride.
Paul was first in North Africa with a signal corps and then in Italy, working as a high speed radio operator in a counter intelligence unit with the Air Corps. Although he had two battle stars, he spent most of his time in the service detecting the Morse Code used by German Luftwaffle. Paul shared his experience with his children, “When I identified German communication, I then communicated with the code cracker, who deciphered the message. It was true team play between radio operators and code crackers. Everything we did was stamped top to bottom Top Secret.” He returned stateside in 1945.
Paul studied agriculture at Montana State on the G.I. Bill and then went to work for his mother on her White Sulphur Springs sheep and cattle ranch. He loved ranch life and in 1949 he and his wife were able to purchase part of the family ranch. Together, they operated the cattle ranch and raised horses on the side. In 1959, Paul and Althea sold their White Sulphur Springs ranch and bought the Sheep Mountain Ranch near Springdale, Montana. In 1964, the Ringlings left Sheep Mountain for a ranch in prime range livestock country near Ekalaka in the remote southeast corner of Montana. As a rancher and conservationist, Paul was an excellent range manager and top producer of Angus cattle. He continued to live at the ranch and in Miles City until his death. His wife, Althea, preceded him in death in 2005.
During his time as a rancher in the 1950s, Paul served in the Montana House during the 1953 and 1955 sessions representing Meagher County (White Sulphur Springs area), and in the Montana Senate in ’57 and ’59. He was also a member of the Interim Legislative Council from 1959-61. Paul is quoted as saying, “I was interested in what was going on in Montana and in politics.” Also, in the 1950’s, Paul was a founding member, with other families, of the Montana Quarter Horse Association. In 1957, he and other ranchers formed the Montana Cattlemen’s Association to represent individual producers. He was a lifetime lover of print whether newspapers, news magazines or books on history, especially presidential. He had an encyclopedic mind for history, people and places.
Paul T. Ringling, with roots in circus life and ranch life, lived a storied life as a true gentleman admired and loved by his three children. He is survived by his children and three grandsons.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, MT. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs, MT. Interment will follow in the Mayn Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 15, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Mt 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 17, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 East Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Interment
following funeral service
Saturday March 17, 2018
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 15, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Mt 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 17, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 East Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Interment
following funeral service
Saturday March 17, 2018
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
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Kathy Strub says
Rick,Rock, and Ann we send our most sincere sympathies to you all. Tom adored your dad and will cherish the memories of him and your family. I’ve not met many with the integrity and work ethic he had. May God comfort you all.
Jitt Schneider says
To all of Paul’s family-
So very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting with your very knowledgable dad. Keep your memories close. Thoughts and prayers during this time.
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
Rick, Rock, and Ann — so sorry to hear of your loss — always enjoyed our visits with your dad years ago — our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time — Bob and Deb Hanley Hagemeister
Margaret Mathers Novak says
Paul and Bill Mathers, along with Charlotte and Althea, enjoyed the most gentile and bi-partisan of friendships. Mike and I treasure our respective years of friendship with the Ringlings. What a lovely model of grace and wisdom Paul offered to all of us.
Libby Gardner says
It was a privilege to sit in my parents’ kitchen and hear Paul and Dad swap stories about WWII and ranching and many other shared experiences. And memories of our mothers friendship warms my heart. Paul was a good friend to all of us. Libby Mathers Gardner
Mike Archdale says
Paul’s Family, it was a privilege for the Jimmy Archdale Family to know Paul. Paul had that special talent that has been respected for thousands of years by mankind. Paul was an exceptional story teller. Paul could and did share stories of horses, the circus, books, the Great Depression,,politics, and individuals of all walks of lives. I was lucky to listen to Paul on NPR radio interviewed of his life. Cheers your memories.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Ringling’s passing. What a fine man he was. Jim so enjoyed visiting with him when he would come into Reynolds. He would have so many stories to share of circus life and his love for ranching and horses. He will leave his handprint on our lives and it was an honor to know him. You are in our prayers.
Tom and Kathy Stieg says
Our sincere sympathy to all the Ringling family.
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
Montana lost a true pioneer with Paul’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers to the Ringling family.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
A true gentleman and a remarkable steward of the industry. We always enjoyed visiting with our friend, Paul. Our sincere sympathy to the family. Butch and Julie Krutzfeldt
Marc & Debbie Homme says
Many fond memories of Uncle Paul. Our deepest condolences to you Rick, Rock and Ann.
Gwen Wickham says
Rick, Rock and Ann, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. He always had a story for me, either in politics, ranching, cattle, circus, military, growing up, family, and the list goes on. There are so many wonderful memories I have of Mr. Paul, I will miss him. Prayers to the family and may you have comfort that he is with Ms. Althea and at peace.
Dwayne Andrews says
He was a wonderful man. Will be missed by all that knew him. Dwayne Andrews
Doran & Sharon higgins says
We were saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a remarkable man. We always enjoyed visiting with him. He was good to our kids.
kim Wilson says
Rock, Rick and Ann, I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, and am glad I had several opportunities over the past 30-years to get to know him. What an amazing life he led — the stories he could, and no doubt did, tell! Kim Wilson
John L. Moore says
Such an interesting gentleman. I am so glad I finally got around to interviewing Paul this past November and only regret that the subsequent interview did not happen, but very happy that I did manage to get some of his stories down. Much grace to the family.
Julie Martens Kullbom says
I was introduced to Paul as we rode in the Great Montana Centennial Cattle Drive from Roundup to Billings, Montana. Remembering one cold night as everyone slept out on the ground in our sleeping bags. It was very cold and Paul had a big, warm tent that more than a few of us crowded into. He was a very kind, quiet man. I relate this story often. You will be remembered by many.
Julie Martens Kullbom says
This was in 1989.
Julie Martens Kullbom says
I was honored to have met him.
Julie Martens Kullbom says
What a nice man.
Stuart & Sheila McCalmont says
Although we did not know Mr. Ringling well, we certainly knew he was a remarkable and interesting man. We’ve neighbored the Ringling Ranch just a few years and always enjoyed hearing his stories when we’d be over there for brandings or social gatherings. Our condolences to the family. May God’s love and peace surround you.
Garrett Munson says
Rock, this is a great life story about an obviously great man. I only met Paul once, but I remember him well as a genuine human being and great story teller, which I like about him. Our thoughts are with you family, we hope all goes well from here.
Christy Stensland says
Our deepest sympathy to Paul’s family as we reflect on a man who epitomized why we honor those who came before us. Paul served as MCHF District 3 Trustee 2006 – 2014. Thank you for the memories. MCHF Directors & fellow Trustees
Brian Schweitzer says
Paul was always ahead of his time. He was soft spoken, but when he spoke to me, I would lean in.. I didn’t want to miss a word. Paul had a profound effect of my view of the state/world. I would say he will be missed, but he will always have a place in my heart.
Dona Stebbins says
Althea was my mother’s first cousin. The last time I saw Paul was at the CMRussell Auction in 2006, shortly after her passing. I was serving as Great Falls’ Mayor and announcing art at the time. We had a very nice conversation which I remember fondly. He was a true Montana pioneer.
Monty Lesh says
Paul was a real gentleman and interesting man to visit with. Sorry for your loss.
Wes and JoAn Marshall says
A gentle man and gentleman has left us with a hole in our hearts. Paul was a go-to man about many subjects and projects. He bridged many divides and now he’s crossed over the Big One. Hope we may visit him again
but where he’s at now is a VERY steep climb for all of us.
Gregory J. Knight and family says
Our deepest condolences to the Ringling family.
Linda Stein says
Dear Ann, Rick and Rock,
I have such fond memories of your family, back when we were out on the ranch. Its been a long time since I saw Paul and Althea, but their memory is embossed in my recollections of those bucolic Montana days. What an interesting and long life he had. I am holding you in my heart during this time of loss.
Lois Taylor says
Please accept my condolences. When I am pained by the death of a loved one, I gain comfort from the resurrection hope held out to us at John 5:28,29. I certainly hope that this scripture brings the family and friends of Mr. Ringling a measure of comfort also.
Cody houston says
Rick, Rock and Ann,
Sorry to hear about your dad. I enjoyed visiting with him, and wish I could have spent more time with him. Pam and I are thinking of all of you during this time. Best regards,
Cody and pam
Susan C. Witte says
Rock, Bobbi and family – we are sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He lived a great life and left a legacy for you all. True gentleman, always a good solid handshake, a ready smile and engaging conversation. Our condolences to your family.
Susan C. Witte, Cary Lund and family
Marcia Anderson says
Rick – Buck and I enjoyed our visits with your Dad; it did not happen often, but was always a pleasant occasion. Marcia.
Keri Olson says
My husband, Larry McCoy (former executive director of the Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, WI), and I (former public relations director of the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI) had the sincere pleasure, due to our places of employment, of meeting Paul Ringling and spending time with him. I also had the opportunity to speak with Paul some years later and receive from him two beautiful sepia photographs of his paternal grandmother, Adella Ringling. Those photographs appeared prominently in a history book I wrote and at a special event we held in Adella’s honor in November 2012. It was thanks to Paul’s grandmother that Baraboo, WI had its first official hospital because she donated their Ringling mansion to the community for that purpose. We are so very sorry to read the news of Paul’s passing in The Baraboo (WI) News Republic and wish to express our condolences to his family. We remember Paul fondly and are grateful to have been able to know him. Our deepest sympathies.
Sylvia M says
To the Family and Friends,
I offer my condolence on the loss of your warm and hospitable loved one. I am sure that he will be missed. May your broken hearts be helped and comforted during this mournful time.
Mary Catherine Dunphy says
I knew Paul Ringling as a fellow Democrat. He was a great person and I respected him a lot. I always enjoyed our talks about politics at the post office where I saw him from time to time. It’s sad that another member of the greatest generation has to leave us, but I’m glad Paul stayed as long as he did. He was a wise elder! My sincere sympathy to Paul’s family.
Mjw says
I am so sorry for your loss, but please keep in mind that the bible says there will be a resurrection. Acts 24 : 15. Do you long to experience the joy of having a dead love one come to life again? God’s word the bible gives us that wonderful hope namely, the prospect of living in a paradise on earth and seeing the resurrection of our dead loved ones. Luke 23 : 43. The bible calls Jehovah God the creator of life and the source of life. Acts 17 : 24, 25. Therefore, the One who gave life to all living creatures is certainly capable of restoring life to someone who has died. And in the future death will be no more. Revelations 21 : 3, 4. I hope this spiritual message will give you some comfort in your time of sadness. Please visit jw.org.