Robert (Bob) Neil Riley passed away on July 19, 2014 at Morning Star Senior Living in Billings, MT; from Congestive Heart Failure. His wife, daughter, and family dog were by his side. He had recently celebrated his 83rd birthday on July 9, enjoying his favorite birthday treat of chocolate cake while surrounded by his four sisters, wife, and daughter.
Robert was born in Baker, Montana to Dwight and Alice (Ketchum) Riley. He spent his younger childhood years on a farm about 3 miles south of Plevna. He was the eldest of six children. He often told the story of growing up in the depression where as a special meal, he and his younger brother, Bernard, would get to shoot sage hens for the family to dine on fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy. Robert was known by family to clean a chicken bone better than anyone…they could always tell which dirty plate was his! In April of 1965, he married Donna Kuchinski. They bought a small farm in the valley just east of Miles City. Together they raised their daughter Kelly and Donna’s son Joe. Robert was always a worker and held many different types of jobs, but ranching and cattle always seemed to be his passion. In his twenties and thirties, Robert loved to rope and rodeo with his many good friends, including Rex Cleary and C.M. Coffee At that same time he worked as a bar tender at the old 17 Bar in Billings for Kenny Hanlin and the infamous Crossroads of Miles City for Lloyd Mackin. In addition to ranching, rodeoing, and bar tending, he was a Montana State Brand Inspector; a designation he held until retiring after over 20 years of service. Robert also enjoyed working as a cattle buyer and attending the livestock sales in Miles City and Billings; something he did almost weekly until a few short months before his death. In his later years, the sales became somewhat of a beloved pastime and social venue for him. Robert enjoyed being a long time member of the Sage Riders and Ranger Riders of Miles City. To many he was known for his fiery temper and more than an occasional swear word, but also he had a good sense of humor—both of which he exhibited even in his last moments of life.
Robert’s brand was the Double Quarter Circle. His favorite roping horse was Sadie and his favorite dog was his Border Collie named Dottie. In Heaven, may he be doing all the things he loved while reunited with all of his favorite things and dearest of family/friends that proceeded him in death.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and brother-in-law (Gary Green). He is survived by his wife Donna of Billings, daughter Kelly Metcalf of Billings, stepson Joe Riley of California, brother Bernard of Miles City, sisters Beverly (late Gary) Green of Volborg, Helen (Melvin) Green of Cohagen, Carol Lyn Fellows of California, and Marcella (James) Correa of California, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the very special neighbor friends (the Hofer Family, the Holmen Family, the Preller Family and Mick Weist) in Miles City who looked after and assisted Robert over the past few years. They also extend their sincere appreciation to all
of the staff at Morning Star Senior Living, Rocky Mountain Hospice, SYNERGY HomeCare, and St. Vincent Health Care for assistance in his end of life care. You are all so appreciated and such a blessing!
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 with the family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Private family interment will be at a later date in the family plot in Bridger, Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Special K Ranch.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 23, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 23, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Dan Herzog says
Prayers with your family well miss you on Tuesday’s
Mike & Carrie Preller family says
Thank you for all the memories we shared. If there is anything we can do please let us know. May God bless you and keep you in His hands.
Wiley & Mary Snell says
Will sure miss Bob driving by waving and “checking out” the progress at our new place! Our sympathies and prayers.
Shannon Holmen says
A childhood friend of my dad, and a good neighbor to me, I will miss him. He was always real nice to us. Here’s to happy memories. Our prayers.
Beth (Petro) Brunk says
I have so many fond memories of Bob… growing up with Kelly and spending a lot of time at their house. Dad always had lots of fun stories and thought the world of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marcia J. May says
Donna and Family – so sorry to hear of the death of your husband and father. Know that I am thinking of you and sending my love, thoughts and prayers to you at this sad time.
Karen(James) and Allen Barnes says
Donna and family, Was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing – may your memories be a comfort to you at this sad time.
Janet Erickson Swanson says
Carol, Marcella and Donna. Sorry to hear of the passing of your brother and husband. I visited with Bob at the Miles City Auction yards one day, inquiring about Carol. 49 years ago on August 21st Carol was my maid-of-honor and would like to hear from her or about her. I also remember Carol and I having supper at Big Bob’s Porters steak house in downtown Billings when Bob had Donna on a date! We spent 30 years in Belfry teaching so I feel I know Donna also. When you have time I love to hear from Carol. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Wayne and Cathy Gamrath says
Beverly and family, our sincere condolences in the loss of your brother.
Cathy & Joe Donnelly says
We were so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Joe’s family was neighbors in Yellowstone Valley for a long time growing up. Also, my parents (Bob/Betty Ann Barthelmess) were friends with him for many years. I remember he and my Dad roping together when I was a child. Many fond memories for everyone to share and enjoy. I knew/know several of the Rileys and that whole family always has a smile on their face it seems. Nice bunch of people. Wishing you peace as you share tears and laughter together. Take care.
Mark Hammond says
yah I remember…..the sheep and the dog, jip (right?) and the place in the valley down the road from kircher school-all that stuff.Glad the Reillys were a part of my life. I remember parking my old coupe in your field for a while too. thanks 🙂 take care always
Bob & Launie Jorgenson says
Donna & Kelly – We miss having you as our neighbors. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers..
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Robert Neil Riley – It was never the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). We are promised a time when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). Cherish all the happy memories and I hope that you are consoled by Bible assurances of a hopeful future (John 17:3).