Robert Vernon “Bob” Schell of Miles City formerly of Camp Crook, SD died Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, Montana after a brief illness.
Bob was born August 21, 1930, at Elm Springs, South Dakota, to William and Blanche (Felton) Schell, the second of twelve children. Bob was Valedictorian of his graduating class from New Underwood High School. Bob was in the Army from January 1952 to January 1954, and served in Germany during the Korean War.
Bob married Ruth I. Burmeister on September 29, 1956. To this union six children were born: Julie, Rose, Tim, Lila, Jo and Hope. They lived on various ranches in the Elm Springs area until moving to Montana in 1968, where they ranched until about a year after Ruth passed away in October 2011. Bob actively supported his children in school, sports, and 4-H activities. In January 2013, with his health declining, Bob, Julie and Hope left the ranch and moved to Miles City, Montana.
Bob spent his lifetime ranching and raising good cattle. He took great pride in riding a good horse. Bob broke many good ranch horses – when he was just married for extra cash and later to mount his kids on. Bob loved horses and had a special talent to train his horses to do just about anything. Bob enjoyed hunting with his grandchildren and looking for that “Big One”. Bob and Hope spent many an evening driving in the Long Pines to look for “Mama’s” as Hope called them.
Bob received an excellent education in the school of hard knocks. Growing up in the 1930’s with eleven siblings, when they weren’t working to make ends meet, Bob and his brothers spent their spare time hunting. Acquiring a wealth of knowledge and wisdom through the years, Bob was always being asked for advice and willingly shared his knowledge with anyone who asked and lent a helping hand whenever needed. He also told a lot of good stories about his life experiences.
Survivors include his six children and their families: Julie; Rose (Todd) LaRowe and their children Nicole and her son Joshua, and Clint (Nycole); Tim (Jodi) Schell and their children Milton, Saxon, Anton, Elsa and Ayda; Lila (Kirby) Baier and their children Ryne and Kyler; Jo (Jeff) Thompson and their children Rachel and Matthew; and Hope. He is also survived by one brother, Jerry Schell, three sisters Norma Pellegrin, Kathy Carneal and Linda Foss and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents William and Blanche Schell, Ruth’s parents Harry and Gladys Burmeister, four brothers: Dean, Bill, Jay and Don; three sisters: Shirley, Wilma and Carol.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 11, 2016 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Camp Crook, SD with Tom Stieg officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Camp Crook Area Community Center. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Emmett labree says
Good friend and business partner.
Dean and lola oJa says
Bob was a Great man, rancher and friend. Always enjoyed a Good VisIt with Bob.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. HE will be in a much better place now, find comfort in all your memories.
Cass and Tandi jesperson says
JULIE, Hope and rest of Bob’s family,
we are so sorry for your loss. what a truly great man Bob was! we are thinking of you all during this time!
Tawnya Taylor says
I have very great memories of visiting uncle bob and aunt ruth at their ranch. Uncle bob always found a great horse for me to ride, and never tired of my endless questions about his horses. although I haven’t seen him in many years, I will miss him, and remember the kindness he showed me as a child. godspeed uncle bob. give my mom a hug for me up there!
Ken & Alane stabler says
Rose, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing . IF there is anything you need, please call. You And YOUR Family Will Be IN Our THOUGHTS And prayers.
Gordon and Lil Odell says
we are sorry to hear of the passing of Bob, he was a great person. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cheri Oja Decock says
Julie, Rose, Tim, Lila, Jo, Hope & families ~ So sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man, who loved his family. May God wrap his arms around you all comforting you today and days to come. REST IN peace ~ Bob!
Bart & shannon Carmichael family says
Uncle Bob will be greatly missed. He was a great, loving man. Is smile and kindness will never be forgotten. Many prayers for the family.
Laurie WALTERS-CLARK and John clark says
We send our condolences. I learned things about people and ranch mgmnt from Bob while working in camp crook that I will never FORGET. He was a gracious man. Our prayers are with all of his family.
Amanda castillo says
May you rest in Peace uncle bob
Mark and Vicki Heairet says
Sorry for your loss, Bob was a very good man
Bonnie & Ken Nelson says
So very sory for your losse, Bob was agreat guy and will be missed by many.
lisa says
Julie, Rose, Tim, Lila, jo, and hope and families;
I was so sorry to hear about Bob. I remember when you guys moved to the long pines. I couldn’t believe how lucky we were to have this good looking, young couple (Bob & Ruth) move in with kids about the same age as me and my siblings. The years we spent as neighbors is something I and my siblings will always treasure and remember fondly. ( I will always remember him laughing at my rubber birthday cake!!)
All of My family thought the world of bob. our hearts go out to you and know that we are thinking of you and hurting too for the lose of such a wonderful man.
Lisa and the rest of the white kids