Robert S. 'Bob' Hout

RONAN - Robert S. "Bob" Hout, 82, of Valley View died of natural causes Aug. 25, 2004, doing what he loved - tending his garden.

Bob was born June 4, 1922, on a ranch 25 miles south of Miles City on the Tongue River, to Charles A. and Dora (Lippert) Hart. He lived on the ranch most of his younger years.

He learned to work hard; he moved dirt with a team of horses and a Fresno.

He knew what the hard times were in the 1930s and '40s. The dry years, swarms of grasshoppers, no work, the time they lost the cows in the river. He knew how to have fun, even if it was just playing a simple card game called pitch.

Robert married Nelda Rebhon in the 1940s. This marriage brought forth a set of twin boys, Robert J. and Ronald W.; later a daughter, Caroleia, then two more boys, Charles and Melvin. Robert and Nelda later divorced. Robert then married Jackey Davis and they were together until his death.

In 1948, Bob came to Polson. He worked for Dewey Lumber Company until it closed. He joined Plum Creek Lumber Co. in 1958.

He ran the resaw, ripper and molder.

After 29 years he retired to live on his ranch in Valley View. Some things that impressed him were the trips to Florida and the trip on an airplane. He enjoyed watching irrigation pipe sprinklers.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Charles "Bud" and Fritz Hout, all of Miles City, and his son, Ronald W. Hout of St. Ignatius.

Survivors include a brother, Frank Hout of Alaska; two sisters, Dorothy Adrian of Florida and Viola Abrams of Baker; three sons, Robert J. Charles and Melvin; a daughter, Carol Matt; many grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren.

In honoring his wishes, no funeral services will be held. He was laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery, Polson.

As a family, we know that Robert had many friends who will always be appreciated and welcome.

Shrider's Mortuary of Ronan assisted the family with arrangements.