Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Russell L. Stuart, age 56, of Miles City, MT

January 22, 1961 – November 24, 2017

Russell (Rusty) Lee Stuart, 56, passed away at Holy Rosary Extended Care on November 24, 2017 surrounded by his family after an extended battle with cancer.

Rusty was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Edward and Virginia (Melum) Stuart on January 22, 1961. After graduating from Belle Fourche High School, Rusty moved to Miles City, Montana to attend Miles Community College.  At MCC he obtained an AA in Science while rodeoing for Ed Mayberry.

It was in Miles City that Rusty met Mickie Wash. On June 13, 1987 two became one and a 30 year journey began.  To this union two children were born:  Wacey Telle (1990) and Bailey Lee (1992).  Rusty’s children were one of his greatest accomplishments, you knew this instantly when he spoke with great pride about them.  The joy they brought him created a smile from ear to ear he displayed with honor.

Rusty enjoyed driving many hours to rodeo’s, spending time in the arenas, fighting bulls, running gates, sorting cattle and just about anything else that involved helping everyone out, including sharing his kind words of encouragement.

Rusty’s love of the rodeo world and those individuals it included was a site to behold. After being a rodeo dad to many, Rusty found his way back to the arena as a rodeo judge.  At many different levels while judging Rusty showed his integrity time and time again.  Rusty was fair to everyone he encountered in and out of the arena.

In 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer, at a very difficult time, Rusty was blessed with the news of two additions to the family; his new daughter-in-law Nicolle and soon to follow his first grandchild Steele Russell Stuart. This blessing sparked Rusty’s will to fight, with this strength he fought hard to continue his journey with his family for as long as he could.  At the time of his passing, Rusty was employed at Cenex Harvest States where he met many new people that soon became friends.  He loved his job and even more being able to use his ability to gab.

As his family we cannot express in words what Rusty meant to us and everyone he encountered. We also cannot accurately convey the man he truly was.  But we know if you ask anyone who knew, or had met Rusty, you would hear numerous stories his compassion and generosity towards his family and anyone else he met along his ride in this life.  He was the type of man who rode with Jesus Christ in his heart and his family and friends right by his side.  We will always miss his kind soft encouraging words.

Rusty is survived by his wife Mickie Stuart; son Wacey (Nicolle) Stuart; daughter Bailey Stuart; grandson Steele Stuart; father Edward Stuart; sister Darla Stuart; brother Billy Stuart; sister Mary (Jason) McKinley; mother-in-law Betty (Vernon) Ganser; special friends Lloyd and Ashley Ketchum and numerous nieces and nephews. Rusty’s family would like to thank the hospice nurses for the special care they provided.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.  Rusty selected to be laid to rest on the family acres overlooking their arena in Miles City.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.  Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Rodeo Club, 760 Wright Way Rd., Miles City, MT 59301.

Service Schedule

Visitation

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday December 3, 2017

Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, MT 59301

View map

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday December 3, 2017

Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, MT 59301

View map

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Monday December 4, 2017

Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, MT 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Visitation

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday December 3, 2017

Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, MT 59301

View map

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday December 3, 2017

Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, MT 59301

View map

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Monday December 4, 2017

Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, MT 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  2. Mickey, wacey and Bailey! I am so sorry to hear about Rusty. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  3. Rusty was a close friend. Jan and I send our sympathy to all of you, Mickie, Wacey, Bailey, Nicole and the apple of his eye, his Grandson Steele. You will be missed.

  6. Mickey, Wacey, Nicole, Bailey, Betty Ann and Vern you have our deepest sympathy, Rusty was a wonderful man and we are all fortunate to have known him. God must have needed a good solid man and a rough stock judge. RIP Rusty

  10. We are so very sorry. Mickie, Wacey, and Bailey you all have our heartfelt condolences.

  11. Oh my, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for comfort as you cherish treasured memories.

  12. Mickie, Wacey, Bailey, Nicole & Steele
    So sorry to hear about Rusty. He was a great guy and he will be missed. He raised two wonderful kids and i bet he was pretty proud of his grandson too. Praying for all of you.

  13. Mickie and family, there are no words, but know that you are in our prayers. May God hold Rusty healthy in His grace.

  14. So sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

  16. Rusty became a good friend and brother to me. I have a profound amount of respect for him. He was cool under pressure and truly a kind hearted person. He set an example for all of us to follow when faced with adversity. I know his pain and suffering is over, and I am glad for that. BUT , I miss my friend ! My prayers are for Rusty and his fine family.

  17. Mickie & Family
    We are sorry to hear of the loss of Rusty. What a wonderful man to be around! He will be missed! Love Rusty & Christa Phalen

  19. Mickie and family-
    We are so sorry for your loss. Rusty was a good person and it was an honor to know him! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  22. So saddened with the news of Rusty passing. There are no words to express my grief. Mickie and family our prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

  25. To all of Rusty’s family- Our hearts ache for you at this time! We truly enjoyed Rusty at CENEX and spent alot of time visiting! What a kind, caring man! He truly will be missed! You are all in our thoughts and prayer and I hope you are able to find comfort in the fact he no longer has to fight and suffer! Rest in Peace our friend!

  26. Heaven gained one great guy. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with your entire family. Scott and Becky Rehbein

  27. Mickie, Wacey, and Bailey our hearts go out to you. We are praying for all of you. So many good memories involving Rusty at all the branding and shipping. We love you all

    Joe and Kayla Kiel

  28. Mickie and family. Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  29. Mickie and Family: We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  31. Mickie, Wacey (Nicole & Steele), and Bailey, Rusty’s wings came far too soon, as none of us want to say goodbye. May you all find comfort in this difficult time, rest easy in knowing he had many accomplishments and the love of his family and friends. Rusty will be greatly missed.

  32. Mickie and family,
    Our deepest sympathy to you all. We met Rusty over 30 Years ago, while he was rodeoing at MCC. He has been in our hearts since. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. I love to visit, and running into Rusty was an absolute joy. It was never a quick chat and on to business!! The last time I, (Linda), saw him was before Steele was born. He told me how he’d always wanted to be a grandpa. So grateful he saw that dream come true! I imagine he packed a lifetime of love into that way too short time he had! He rests now with the angels. May that knowledge bring you all comfort. Mike and Linda

  33. To All of Rusty’s family and friends_ I am so sorry for your loss. Rusty was a great guy and fought the hard fight. May he rest in the eternal peace of our Lord. And may God bring comfor to Mickey and the kids.

  35. To Mickie and Family,
    We are so, so sorry to hear of Rusty’s passing. What a great man! He always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and time to visit. All of you were a part of our “Rodeo Family” which we still cherish to this day. We pray your memories will help ease the pain you are feeling. God bless all of you and we are sending hugs your way…

  36. Mickie and Family my heart goes out to you in this difficult time?Rusty and JD judged lots of rodeos together and I’m sure they are doing so now! They are looking over us and being angels for there grandsons. If you ever need to talk I am here for you no matter what time of day or night. My My thoughts and prayers are with you (((hugs)))

  37. My heart bleeds for your loss!
    My all your great memories warm
    Your heart and mind through this tough time ❤️

  39. Rusty was a great friend and always took care of those he loved. I am so sorry for your loss. Another great one needed back in heaven. I think often and fondly of the time we had at MCC. Hugs, prayers, and healing thoughts for all his family and friends.

  40. Mickie & Family
    I was so shocked to hear this! Rusty was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to you all.

  41. Mickie, Wacey, and Bailey,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Rusty was an amazing person. He deserved to be with everyone much longer than his short time given. He always had a smile on his face and a big hello. His love for kids was a passionate thing for him. He will truly be missed all. God Bless and if you need anything please let us know. We are thinking of you all.

  42. Mickie and family,
    I am so very sorry to see that Rusty has passed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Sue Cranford

  43. MICKIE AND FAMILY WE WERE SO SAD TO HEAR OF RUSTYS PASSING. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.WE MISS VISITING WITH HIM.WE WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE KNOWN HIM.

  45. All though I had lost contact with Rusty from our days at MCC I often thought of him.Rusty was a great man and a great friend. My heart is saddened to hear of his passing and he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and Prayers to the family in their time of sorrow. RIP Rusty and God Bless you all.

  46. Our hearts are saddened for you all, he was a kind and considerate man that always had a smile on his face. He truely lived life and his family ! He will be greatly missed Prayers for you all !

  47. Micki, Bailey, Wacey and family so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful man and role model for the younger rodeo generation. We loved our rodeo time with you guys even though it was short. We will miss seeing his big ole smile.
    Josh, Jodi, Lane, and Trever

  48. Mickie, Bailey Wacey and family,
    So sorry to hear about Rusty. He was a good man and we are sorry he was taken so soon. Thoughts and prayers are will all of you now and in the difficult days ahead. He will be watching over all of you! God bless.

  49. We are saddened to hear about your loss of such a great father, husband, and grandpa. Rusty was a great guy who put up a great fight. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

  50. Certainly enjoyed this man. He always had a smile and a hello. My thoughts are with his family.

  51. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with each of you!
    Kevin & Michelle Carda

  52. Mickie, Wacy and Bailey,
    I am sorry for you right loss. Rusty was a great man and I always enjoyed running into him and having a chat. I was always told that special people pass away around the holidays and Rusty was definitely a special person. If you guys need anything feel free to get in touch. Hugs and prayers!!

  54. Mickey and family, its hard to find the words…We are so sorry for your pain. Rusty was a super kind person and he will be greatly missed. Hugs to all of you.

  56. Mickie and family,Rusty was just a month younger than me. We grew up together and spent a lot of Christmas holidays, and summers at our grandparents home in Camp Crook. He was a great cousin. My prayers go out to you and all the family. Connie Bruha Smith

  58. Always had good talks. Enjoyed talking to Rusty … You will be missed by many .. Thoughts and prayers to Mickie and family

  59. Mickie & Family: Tim and I are so sadden to hear about Rusty. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time and in the days to come. May God grant you an overwhelming peace to know that you are not alone and that He is walking thru this with you, right along side each of you. Tim & Colleen Moullet

  60. Mickey, Wacey, and Bailey,
    I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to all of you; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Marcy Parks

  61. SO SORRY MIKEY AND FAMILY, ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR VISITS WITH HIM AT CENEX. GOD BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. LOVE FROM THE GARY HELM FAMILY

  62. Mickie and family, so sorry to hear of your loss this morning. Praying The Lord’s precious promises bring you strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Love and prayers.

  65. Stuart family Our thought and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. As my son Andy said to me, Dad Rusty was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. We will miss Rusty dearly for he touched our lives and made them better.

  66. Mickie, Bailey and Wacey,
    We are so sorry for your loss.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers..

  68. Mickie, Wacey (family), Bailey so sorry to hear of your loss. Rusty was a great man and loved by many. Sending our love thoughts and prayers…

  69. Mickie, Wacey, & Bailey:

    I am so sorry to hear of your devastating loss. My deepest condolences go out to you at this very sad time. Rusty’s rodeo ended much too soon, didn’t it!

  70. To all of Rusty’s Family~ You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Many special memories will continue for along time and may that help ease your sorrow. He was a kind man. Our sincere sympathy.

  71. Mary, Billy and family I’m so sorry to hear about Rusty. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.

  72. My thoughts and prayers to all of Rusty’s Family! I graduated from Belle Fourche High School with Rusty. He was a great guy and he will be missed by all who knew him!
    Sharon (Olson) Freed

  73. Mickie and Family,
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rusty was a great person always good to visit with at Cenex, he always had a big smile. Thinking of all of you.
    Michael and Myrna Haughian and family

  74. To all of Rusty’s family,
    Our sincere sympathies for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  75. Mickey, I’m so sorry for your loss. Not sure I can say anything to comfort you other then I understand, and look to the Lord for strength as that is the only way through this. Trust your faith and rest assure knowing he is now at peace smiling down on all of you knowing someday you’ll all be reunited. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.

  76. Mickie, Wacey and Bailey, we are thinking and praying for you. Rusty will be missed.
    Jim and Mary Verry

  79. Sorry to hear about your loss. Rusty was truly one of the good ones. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  82. We are very sorry to read of the loss of Rusty. What a nice man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  83. So sorry we were unable to attend the services. Our thoughts are with you all.

  84. Micki and Family
    Sorry to hear about Rusty. Known him since he came to MCC. Didn’t see him often
    but we always had a good visit when we got together. Thinking of you and family.
    Lynn Holland

  85. Mickie, Wacey, and Bailey.
    We are sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I often think of growing up with Rusty and the time we spent rodeoing together. I will always cherish those memories.
    Mike, Elizabeth, Keely, and Liam Odell

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