Kenneth Gale Noland

BILLINGS — Kenneth Gale Noland, 70, former Ronan resident, died Dec. 23, 2004, after a courageous decade long struggle against rheumatoid arthritis.

Ken was born June 5, 1934, in Elba, Colo., to Russell and Mabel Noland. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Ronan. He attended school in Ronan and excelled in athletics and developed his lifelong love of basketball.

Upon graduation, Ken enlisted in the Army and served in Korea. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Whitefish where he was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad as a fireman.

It was there he met and married the love of his life, Doris Killenbeck. Soon after their marriage the couple moved to the Killenbeck family farm northwest of Scobey where they raised their three children.

After the sale of the farm, Ken and Doris pursued many different business ventures, which included Paus-Strom Hardware, Daniels County OK Hardware and Noland Implement. He was named to the advisory board for Steiger Tractor and was repeatedly named dealer of the year for outstanding sales.

Ken was asked by Congressman Ron Marlenee to serve as his district director. Ken traveled the state in that capacity for 10 years, helping countless small business owners, farmers and ranchers. When the Congressman retired, Ken formed Capital Consultants International, Inc. in Billings and continued to work for and with Montanans every day until his death. His only regret was not living to see the conclusion of one of his biggest undertakings — "The Project."

Ken and Doris led a full life with many special friends and family. They enjoyed traveling together throughout their 46 years of married life.

He was member of the Atonement Lutheran church, Scobey Masonic Lodge, Al Bedoo Shriners, Scottish Rite, Sons of Norway and other civic and service organizations.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Verle and Carroll.

Surviving are his wife Doris; sons Mike (Lynn) Noland and Roy (Teri) Noland of Billings; daughter, Charmaine Noland of Billings; brother Jack Noland; grandchildren Chris, Taira, Jeremy, Charles, Pat, Blane, Aubrey, and his "special" Briney.

Memorial services were held Dec. 27 in Atonement Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made to Billings Special Olympics, Shriners Burn Fund, Atonement Lutheran Church, or a charity of choice.