Robert Strub

A Memorial Services for Robert Roy ?Bob? Strub, 78, of Ekalaka, MT will be at 10:00 a. m. on Saturday, September 20, 2008 in the Carter County High School gymnasium in Ekalaka with Pastor Pat Linger officiating. Inurnment will follow in the family lot in Beaver Lodge Cemetery at Ekalaka. The Family will receive friends from 4:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. on Friday, September 19th, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka, MT. Robert Roy ?Bob? Strub was born May 19, 1930, in Livingston, MT to William and Harriet (Knight) Strub. The oldest of three children, he grew up under the watchful eyes of his grandparents, and was later taken in by Robert and Dolly Shelhamer, whom he considered his parents. Bob married Lola White in November 1951. Five children were born to this union: Judith, Robert Jr. ?Rob?, Thomas, Gary, and John. On December 9, 1985, Bob was wed to Cheryl Till, adding three more; Desarae, Tad, and Taren. Dad accomplished many things in his long and full life. He was very involved in the horse racing industry across this state. Not only did he jockey for many years, he was everything from starter to steward. He told many tales of riding alongside good friend and brother-in-law, Frosty. After working for several ranches around Melstone, Rapelje, and Plevna, Dad settled his family in Ekalaka in 1971. After delivering propane to this area for several months, Dad hired on with Southeast Electric, working there 21 years until his ?retirement? in 1992. He was honored to be a member of the Masonic Lodge #120, the Al Bedoo Shriners and the Sorrel Horse Patrol. Bob was a tough competitor and a great promoter of rodeo, especially youth rodeo. He was honored to serve as Director of the Montana High School Rodeo Assoc. in the mid 70?s. He was also a big part of the American Legion Youth Rodeo for many years. Rarely did he miss an event, even in failing health. Everyone will remember Dad for his quirky tunes and philosophies. From calling square dances to his famous pit barbeques to taking the stage in a purple prom dress, there wasn?t anything this man couldn?t or wouldn?t do. One never wanted to turn their back on his quirky smirk and twinkling eyes. But above all, Dad was a cowboy?s cowboy. He was as hard working and steadfast as you?ll ever find; one of the last of his kind. Never far from a good horse (he had many), he was there to lend a hand before you knew you needed one. From sorting pairs to picking up bucking horses, spending all day in the saddle was a way of life; he bore the scars and callouses to prove it. Dad strived to pass that way of life on to younger generations. It was not unusual for him to host school field trips, give tips to young 4-Hers, or just be caught in the shade braiding a ?bull rope? for a mutton buster. Aside from kids and horses, Dad?s family was his greatest passion. He loved them all and was proud of their accomplishments. He is an inspiration and will be missed by all who knew him. Dad passed away Monday, September 15, 2008 at home with family at his side. Survivors include his wife Cheryl, of Ekalaka; his dad, Bob Shelhamer, Billings; one sister, Holly (Frosty) Burrows, Belgrade; an adopted brother, Duane (Karen) Shelhamer, Billings; one daughter, Desi (Bill) Rost, Baker; five sons, TJ (Jessica Pierson), Ekalaka, Rob (Cindy), Whitehall, Tom (Kathy), Miles City, Gary, MN, John (Jody), Billings; two adopted sons, Gordon (Kathy) and Robbie Strub, both of CO. ; 11 grandchildren; Danny, Justin (Kim), Tate (Cassie), Casey (Kelli), Brook (Brock) Collins, Jeff, Krystal, Shane, Lacey, Daniel & Ashley Rost; 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, adopted mother, Dolly Shelhamer; one sister Gerri Butke, and two daughters, Judith Ann in infancy, and Taren LaRee in 2004. Arrangements are under the care of the Stevenson Funeral Home of Ekalaka, MT.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: September 20, 2008
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Memorial Service: Saturday, Carter County High School Gymnasium, Ekalaka, MT