Robert "Bob" Lee Avery

Robert (Bob) Lee Avery, at 88 years of age, took his final breath at home with his "angel on Earth," his wife, Dorothy by his side on August 17, 2024.

He was born April 27, 1936 in Scobey, Montana to Bert Avery and Evelyn Ralstin. Shortly after Bob's birth, before his 1st birthday, they moved to what was then a much smaller Missoula, Montana where he happily remained the rest of his days. He loved Missoula and he had a wealth of knowledge of its history and landscape. So much so, during the 90's he did guided tours through its historic downtown.

Bob attended grade school at Whither and began high school at Missoula County. Struggling with his education during his high school years, Bob hopped around to several institutions. Unable to graduate from Missoula County, he and a few of his friends transferred to Frenchtown High in 1954. Unfortunately, his struggles continued and Bob wound up unable to finish out his Senior year until 3 years later. Nearing 21 years of age, and with a monumental amount of fortitude and a humble heart, he returned to finish his high school career at the newly built Sentinel High in 1957. During this year he encouraged many others to push through and complete their education rather than making the same mistake he did. Moving forward he shared his experience often as a beacon of hope to others to continue their educations.

He married Dorothy Haase from Whitepine, Montana on September 3, 1960. The couple had 4 children and were blessed to be together for 64 years. Together they have lived on Ernest Avenue all of those years. They built their hOuse, right next door to their starter home in 1964. Their family life kept Bob busy as a Cub Scout leader and Little League coach for their son, Mark. The father and son duo's passion for cars began with the !ine Wood Derby where Bob would be the weekend MC for their races and grew into classic cars, stock ci r races and demolition derby's.

Several members of the family were avid bowlers with Bob, Dorothy and Mark participating in league. Bob's bowling average vias substantial and he consistently scored above 200. He even went to a national tournament where he was one strike away from a perfect 300 game.

He was also quite the musical artist and he had a true love of music. He had a distinguished baritone and a talent playing the piano. He sang in the church choir and would serenade his family during their long car trips together. His vice will continue to ring through our hearts and straight through to heaven.

Bob led a life of service. Bob was a member of the National Guard and did 6 months of active duty. He was stationed at Fort Sil!, Oklahoma and was a member of the 759th Tank Battalion. He also spent time at Fort Ord, California. Idle learned how to make a bed you could flip a quarter off of and how to do the dishes correctly. His wh:)le family adopted these skills and, you could say, are a little OCD about it. He worked at Stop n Shop fOr 15 years. His family all learned how to bag groceries the proper way. He

devoted 37 years to the United States Post Office as a letter carrier and later as the person in charge of post office vehicles. He would give driving lessons to new employees and share some of the scenic views in Missoula. He especially liked to show them how Mt. Jumbo looks like an elephant. He also worked second jobs as he and *othy believed that their children should receive 24-hour care from one of their parents. This allowed Dorothy to be a stay-at-home - mom. He worked evenings for Zip Beverage Company and as a special treat, would take his children to work with him and let them ride the conveyor

belt from the stock roorp to where the trucks were loaded. He worked evenings and weekends for Walt and Lee's Exxon Station and they probably had the cleanest bathrooms of any gas station ever. He was a hard worker and a good role model for all of his children and grandchildren that, to this day, they strive to emulate.

Bob retired from the Post Office in 2000. This was by no means an end to the service work he provided. He took tremendous pride in the upkeep of his yard and the neighborhood appreciated all of his efforts. He was always willing to lend anyone a hand clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks. He volunteered at First United Methodist Church and was their groundskeeper for many years. He would do the mowing and weed eating and Dorothy would help with the flowerbeds. Together they worked to provide much needed services to their community with passion and love.

Bob was a 'good friend bf Bill's' and pioneered the spirit of the now global group of Alcoholics Anonymous. With an enormous sense of humble pride, he celebrated his 41' birthday on July 16, 2024 as a member of this exceptional group. He took his service to AA extremely seriously and was very active in business functions of the organization. He opened, closed and chaired meetings often. He promoted outreach at every opportunity and ensured that anyone in need felt they had a place they were welcome. The number of souls in need that he had a role in helping likely is in the thousands.

With his beautiful wife Dorothy, their home became the center of hundreds of events. They were constantly hosting a multitude of gatherings and functions. From church groups and service clubs, family friends and afternoon barbeques, every holiday and every one of their very large family's birthdays, Bob and Dorth's home was always bustling with commotion. Their home was and is the heartbeat of their family.

Bob and Dorth's marriage was truly his greatest treasure. His dedication to providing for his family was unmatched and admirable. The example they set for their loved ones paved a clear path to follow throughout their lives. Each one of their children and grandchildren adopting and building from the morals and values their virtuous relationship portrayed. To say they lived their lives together well is an understatement. They truly LIVED their lives to the fullest extent. They were absolutely best friends and they shared that connection with everyone around them. Through the ups and the downs, the ins and the outs and everything in between, no doubt the best way to sum up Bob's life is; he gave LOVE.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Bert, his mother, Evelyn, his sister, Lois and his great-granddaughter, Peyton. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughters, Barb (Ron) Bybee, Brenda (Mark) Ingersoll, Trish (Tim) Smith, and son, Mark (Michelle) Avery and his "adopted" daughter Anne (Rick) Hoy. Grandchildren, Kyle (Melissa) Avery, Brendan (Paivi) Bybee, Sarah Bybee, Corinne Smith, Dylan (Delainey) Smith, Riley Smith, Robyn (Justin) Baertsch. Great-grandchildren, Parker, Sevyn, Franklin, George, and Sawyer.