William Robert "Bob" Ellis

William R. "Bob" Ellis was born on April 18, 1926, on his family's ranch in White Sulphur Springs. He passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. Bob married Mary Deeble of Butte after meeting on vacation and later welcomed their only child, Diana. After a couple of moves they eventually settled in Missoula where he worked for 31 years as a laboratory technician in the physics department at the University of Montana.

Bob was also in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 30 years and retired as a master sergeant. One of his proudest accomplishments was being president of the Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers. Bob was honored to be a third generation Montanan, and was always a little perplexed that his beloved granddaughters did not share the same level of enthusiasm for eligibility into the Sons and Daughters.

Bob and Mary were active square dancers and in retirement, enjoyed traveling the world, especially to his ancestors' home in England, though they were always happiest spending time with their family at their cabin on Flathead Lake. They were also loyal Griz fans who had seats on the 50 yard line for many years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary; his daughter Diana (Evan) McKinney and granddaughters, Carly Cortright, Katie Cortright and Paige McKinney. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Ella Ellis; sister Ruth "Boots" Schoberg and brother John Ellis, and his favorite furry friend, Heather.

Bob will be laid to rest in White Sulphur Springs. A viewing will be held at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula on Friday, Oct. 23, 3-5 p.m. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at noon at the Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs.
Read William Ellis's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.