Robert "Bob" Michael Ryffel, 86, passed away peacefully at Benefis Healthcare, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, September 18, 2014. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 11:00am in the Rose Room Chapel at Croxford Funeral Home.

He was born on May 21, 1928, in Great Falls, MT to Gottlieb and Erna Ryffel, the second youngest of 8 children. He grew up in Belt, MT, and graduated from Belt Valley High School. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Schock on April 1, 1947 at the Collins Mansion in Great Falls. They were blessed with two daughters, Robin and Aimee. He spent a few years doing carpentry for William Kessner in Great Falls, and also sold cars for Wright Chevrolet in Conrad before heading back to the ranch in Belt, MT. Bob and Bonnie were the proud owners of Schock Cattle Company. They continued to live on the ranch for many years after retiring. A few years were enjoyed living in their house in Belt before moving to Highgate Senior Living in 2013.

He enjoyed restoring antique John Deere tractors; woodworking, boating, hunting, was an avid reader, and loved his Indian motorcycle. He was an active member of the Belt Golden Agers, served on the Belt Library board, was a member of the Treasure State Flywheelers, had been a hunter's safety instructor, and shot competitively on a local rifle team.

Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bonnie of Great Falls, MT; his daughters, Robin Mehmke(Walter) of Great Falls, MT and Aimee Wood(Edward) of Belt, MT; 8 grandchildren; Carl Robert Mehmke(Heather) of Great Falls, Bobbie Dart(Gregg) of Great Falls, Billi Bergman(Brad) of Great Falls, Tiffany Mikkelson(Bryant) of Buffalo, MT, Nick Mehmke(Jennifer) of Great Falls, Wendy Roehm(Will) of Great Falls, Brent Wood(Kasha) of Powell, WY and Jennifer Wood of Great Falls. He is also survived by 15 great grandchildren. Surviving are his sisters, Alma Ragar of Billings, MT, Mary Birgenheier of Highwood, MT and his brother, James(Faith) of Fort Worth, TX and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ryffel of Belt, MT.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Erna Ryffel; his brothers, John Ryffel, Henry Ryffel and George Ryffel; and his sister, Erna.

Thanks so much to the wonderful staff of Highgate Senior Living for their support and love extended to Bob, Bonnie and their family.

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