In the early hours of January 21 Willie passed peacefully in his sleep of natural causes. He passed in the comfort of his family at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Living in Miles City. He was 93 years old.
Willie was born in Forsyth, Montana on September 8, 1928 to John Edward and Frances Bott. He was their second son of three children.
Willie was raised on the farm/ranch east of Rosebud on Sweeney Creek. He attended school in Rosebud graduating in 1945. After graduation he worked various jobs including threshing crews, coal mining and farming.
In 1950 he enlisted in the United States Marines serving boot camp in San Diego. He then transferred to Camp Lejeune for further training before being sent to Okinawa Japan. He stated he never cared for rice after the boat ride to Japan, said that was all they fed them. We suspect there was more to the story, being that close to Korea. However, he never talked about it.
Upon leaving the Marines he returned home to the family farm and purchased property farther south on Sweeney Creek to begin his own operation. In 1957 he married the love of his life Dorothy Mae Swart. They resided on the ranch raising three boys the first arriving in 1959. They remained there until the late eighties when they sold the ranch and moved into Rosebud.
Willie worked at the Peavey elevator for 18 years. He then worked for various ranches in the area and retired after working for Rosebud County mowing and at the cemetery in Forsyth.
Willie couldn’t set idle though, he had to always be doing something. So, his retirement was mowing and weed eating as many lawns in Rosebud as he could. He also cared for the Rosebud cemetery He took great pride in his lawn care and loved doing it. It had to be done even in 100-degree weather. He could be seen all over Rosebud with his mower and weed eaters. He wore out two riding mowers and we are not sure on weed eaters.
He enjoyed league bowling in Forsyth for many years. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Oddfellow Lodge. He also enjoyed playing pinochle (taught his children how to play) until his hands wouldn’t allow him to hold the cards. He also loved to fish. Catfish were his favorite. He thought nothing of setting the max set lines allowed and driving 20 miles each way twice a day to check his catch.
He was a devoted husband and father. They came first. His biggest concern in passing was who is going to take care of Dorothy. He was a generous, kind and thoughtful man.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Frances Bott, brother Eddy Bott, sister-in-law Beatrice Bott, and grandson Chase Bott.
Willie is survived by his wife (of 64 years) Dorothy, sister Lillie Smith Missoula, sons Robert of Havre, Jim (Geneal) of Miles City and Ardis (Cheri) of Hardin. Grandchildren Dan Bott, Alicia (Richard) Erye of Billings, Clay (Brianne) Great Falls, Cade (Hannah) Bott Miles City. Great grandchildren Riley, Rhys, Joel, Roman, Corbin and Nora.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice Program, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301 or to Meals on Wheels, 1010 Main Street., Suite 12, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 29, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday January 29, 2022
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Jack and Kris crocker says
Sorry to hear of Wiily’s passing he was a great man always fun to visit with
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Dorothy and boys,
Sorry to read of Willie’s passing. There was never a kinder person! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Dean Holmes says
To Dorothy and family, the world will miss one of the most tender men ever. God will bless the him. We will continue to remember his kindness and love. God bless your entire family.
Helen Johnsen deines says
So sorry to hear this, love and prayers from Helen Johnsen Deines
Wayne and Lane Buck says
So very sorry to hear this. He was a great man. Will be missed by all. Enjoyed my times of visiting over coffee.
Jonnie Gilbert Taylor says
Dorothy and Family,
I am saddened to hear of Willie’s passing. He was such a gentleman. Prayers for comfort.
Lori Clark-Niles says
I’m so sorry to see this. I sure loved him and just how sweet and kind he always was to me. Bless the Bott family.
Nancy Pasha says
Dear Dorothy,
So sorry for your loss. Our whole community loved Willy. He was always there to lend a helping hand and what a great friend he was. He will be missed by all. Prayers for you and your family. We love you!
Brenda Potts says
Dorothy and family so sorry for your loss
Debbie Weyer says
Jim & family…….So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Bernadette Miller says
Verlin and I always enjoyed seeing your parents at farmers market here in Miles City – always talked about chokecherries! We would often see them at the Rosebud Steakhouse and always had a good visit. I’m sure Verlin greeted him with a big hug and hand shake in heaven.
Flint Fleming says
Prayers and thoughts to all the Bott family, God Bless!
sharon cope says
Dorothy and family my sincere sympathy. Willie always had a smile and was willing to help others.
Prayers to all of you.
Walter Lloyd says
I am sorry to hear of Willie’ s passing. He was a man that I have known all my life. He was always smiling or putting someone on. He was a friend,mentor.i considered he and Dorthy as family. When I moved away from Rosebud I didn’t see him as often but I visited with him often. Even though he ran of with the girl I had a crush on when I was s young boy.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Dorothy and family. We are so sorry to hear about Willie. We hope you are doing alright Dorothy. Please take care of yourself. We are thinking of you and the family. We always considered you as a cousin Dorothy.
Rest in peace Willie.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Diana Robinette says
Going to miss my partner in yard crime, we would mow our yards at the same time, if one of us couldn’t get to ours we would do each other’s, Jasmine and I are going to miss all our meals together, Jasmine misses feeding your rabbits n birds. You were a great grandpa to her, there was never a time when you two got together that you didn’t have candy bars for her, you both would sit down and visit and eat them, Jim give Dorothy a big hug and tell her we miss her and love her.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To all the Bott family-
My sincere sympathy in the loss of a husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather. May all the memories heal your hearts.
Bobbi Ruff says
To the Bott family,
I absolutely adored Willy, he was always so excited when we ran into each other at walmart and we could spend a hour just standing and talking. He would hold my hand and just smile, he was the sweetest. My love and prayers to you all!
Ginger & Joe says
Jim, Geneal and family,
Sending hugs, prayers and our sincere sympathy for your loss. May you find peace in each other and your memories.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
To The Bott Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with. Willy was a wonderful friend and neighbor. We enjoyed many wonderful times together. Willy always met you with a smile and a firm handshake.
Debbie R Davis says
To the Bott families,
Will and Dorothy seemed to always meet me at the post office and visit for too long and time flew by.
He will be missed so very much in the Rosebud Community. Will always had a smile and never said anything about nobody. Our thoughts and prayers are going out to all of the Bott Families. God has another angel with him.
Tim, Debbie, Zachery, Drew Davis
Patti Crosby says
Dorothy, was sorry to hear Wilie passed. May your memories give you comfort. Love & hugs!!
Susan M Stabelfeldt says
Sad to hear of Mr Botts passing. You are all in my thoughts
Janet says
Very sorry for you loss.
Quirt & Jaci Phillips says
Dorthy and family, sorry for your loss, our condolences.
Yvonne Goodson says
Dear Dorothy, Jim & Geneal, Artis & Cheryl, Bob and family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Willie in the last years. He was the kindest person , always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I will miss him so much! God has gained a special angel in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dorothy, Willie will always be with you in your heart and spirit.
Bob & Deb Hagemeister says
Jim, Geneal, and Bott families. So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Darla (Beyl) Paul says
Dorothy,
Sorry to hear about Willie’s passing. My thoughts are with you.
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Dorothy and Family,
Willie and Dorothy have long been one of our favorite couples — always smiling, always glad to see us. Willie had a wonderful, long life and leaves behind great memories. He will be missed. Dorothy and family, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.