William “Bill” R. Keith, 94, passed away of natural causes on December 16, 2020, at a Great Falls independent living facility.
Bill was born in Chinook, MT on July 6, 1926, to Ward and Essie Keith. He graduated from Chinook High School, and after working some ranch jobs, he enlisted in the Army. He went off to defend our country in World War II stationed in the Aleutian Islands.
Bill married Arlie Jacqueline Duncan in Wichita Falls, TX on December 6, 1945. They were married for nearly 65 years before she passed away in 2010.
After returning home from the military, he went to work at the Evans Ranch as a farm hand and worked there for ten years. During that time, Bill and Arlie were blessed with three children. He often spoke of his years at the ranch with all that were willing to hear his stories.
After leaving the ranch, Bill and Arlie moved to Great Falls where Bill worked at Central Machinery for a time, then to Shelby and took work at a farm. Since it was a drought year, he moved his family back to Great Falls. He eventually went to work for Cascade County as a mechanic and soon became a skilled welder and shop foreman. He always proudly told his granddaughter that he helped pour the Cascade County Courthouse steps. His favorite part of the job was welding and many considered him the best welder in town.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the Schnider Funeral Home website.
