Paul Rathbun, 68

Paul Alan Rathbun (Peter Paul/Piccolo Pete), 68, of Ronan, passed away Dec. 6 in Missoula, surrounded by his family after a long tough battle of heart disease. Paul was born to Delbert and Alma Rathbun in Polson on Sept. 20, 1955. He joined sisters Arleen, Debbie and Lila, and then came Wade.

Paul attended school in Polson, Ronan and Miles City.  In 1979 his life forever changed when he met “the farmer’s daughter” Beth.

Paul enjoyed fishing and hunting. Paul was in love with logging – but not as much as he loved “ma.” He was a logger from 1978-2013.

In 1984 Paul and Beth welcomed a daughter and later a son in 1987. Paul's grandkids were his everything and put the biggest smile on his face.

Paul is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, cousins and nephew Jeffery.

Paul is survived by his wife of 43 years, Beth; daughter Dori (Ed) and son Trinity; grandsons Charley, Landyn and Lincoln, and his Sunshine, Larain; sisters Arleen Austin, Debbie (Cliff) Pittsley, and Lila Davis; brother Wade (Freda) Rathbun and Messy; and many other family and friends.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Dec.16, 2023, at the North Crow Clubhouse, with prayer at 2 p.m. and dinner at 4 p.m.