Robert Eugene (Bob) Ebeling passed away peacefully at his home on July 2.  A celebration of life will be held Sunday July 18 at 2:30 in the MT Agricultural Center in Fort Benton with a reception following.

Bob was born November 3, 1928 to Robert (Bob Sr) and Louella Ebeling in Hardin, MT.  He was the eldest of five children.  Bob moved with his family from MT to the oilfields of Texas.  He graduated from Wink High School in 1948.  After high school Bob attended Texas A & M on a scholarship, as well as enrolling in the ROTC program, where he participated in football, which included playing in the Cotton Bowl.  In December 1950, Bob reported for active duty which allowed him a tour in Germany and more football playing.  He was so proud to bring home a set of China for his beloved Mother, whom otherwise would never have had.  By October 1952, Sgt. Robert E. Ebeling was released from active duty and transferred to the Reserves.  In July 1956, Bob received an Honorable Discharge from the Army of the United States.

Although Bob had been working in the Birney, MT area, it was not until he met Eula Brewster that his ranching life really began. Bob and Eula were married October 10, 1955, at the ranch in Birney where they spent the next 20 years.  From this union three children were born, Mary Lou, Rob and Tara.

In 1975, the Ebeling's purchased the Big Sag Ranch, with the family completely moving to Geraldine in 1977.  Bob was dedicated to raising semi- load after semi- load of quality calves.  Another move was made in 1991 to Fort Benton and Lower Shonkin Creek, where Bob cared for his wife until her death and continued ranching until his passing.

Bob was a natural born cattleman/rancher who lived his life with admiration and compassion toward his livestock and pets.  He cherished every cow, heifer calf and handsome bull he either raised or purchased.  He also took great pride in irrigating, growing, and putting up good hay for his livestock.

Throughout his life Bob was involved in various organizations and causes:

The Birney School Board

The Sheridan, WY Elks Lodge

The American Legion Post 102

The Chouteau County Fair Board

The MSU Steer a Year Program

Being a Judge at the Winter Fair in Bozeman.

Other enjoyments included dancing with his daughters, watching his son play football and later his grandchildren in sports, bull sales, MSU Bobcat football and chore after chore.  He favored his milk cows and all the "Pooper Whooper" calves.  A good home cooked meal, a beer on ice with a great friend, his many cherished pets and his family were his biggest delights.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two sisters and two brothers.  He is survived by his children, Mary Lou (Rod) of Fort Benton, Rob (Holly) of Geraldine and Tara (Mort) of Highwood, Grandchildren Robert, Alix, Logan, Ethan, Austin and Jake along with five great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Chouteau County Dedman Foundation animal shelter.  Please visit www.bentonfh.com to offer condolence to the family or share a memory of Bob.