Robert A. Butler, age 63, of Seeley Lake, passed away Dec. 30, 2010, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
He was born on Jan. 1, 1947, in Lovell, Wyo., to James C. and Betty Jane Butler. He attended Custer County High School in Miles City, and continued his education at Miles City Community College. He worked for various ranchers in the area with the dream of owning his own ranch.He married Linda I. Friesz in 1965. They had three children: Alladin J. Butler (Nancy) of Forsyth, Christine E. Correa (Angelo) of Brown Mills, N.J., Roberta J. May (Zjon) of Forsyth. They were later divorced and he was remarried to Joan (Jody) Houk in 1980, when he gained two more sons: Richard D. Hulett (deceased) and Rodney M. Hulett (Renee) of Seeley Lake. He has 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He joined the Navy in 1965, spending two years on active duty, and retired from the Naval Reserve in 2004.After working many years at Carquest in Forsyth and retiring from Montana Power Company in Colstrip, he achieved his dream and bought a ranch of 24 acres in Fishtail and built a home. In 2001, he sold his ranch for the true retirement life and bought an RV and traveled and spent the winter months in Yuma, Ariz., and the summers at Monture Ranger Station in Seeley Lake as volunteer station keepers, where he tended to the stock and assisted in the renovation of the station cabin, which is now listed with the Historical Society. He finally bought a home in Seeley Lake with his wife, where he lived out his remaining days.
Bob is survived by his mother, Betty Butler of Miles City; two sisters, Bettiann and husband Terry Haggard of Castle Rock, CO and Katy and husband Vern Harbaugh of Miles City, three nephews and a great niece and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father and a brother James S.
Bob had a very big heart, was kind and polite to everyone. He was dearly loved and will be missed by many.
Graveside Services will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to an American Legion of their choice.
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