Ruel Elgen Brown Jr.

Ruel Elgen Brown Jr.

April 13, 1934 – Jan. 11, 2021

Ruel Elgen Brown Jr., 86, returned with honor to his heavenly home on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. 

He was born to Ruel Elgen Brown and Effie Vilate Averett Brown on the family farm in Lovell. He was the fifth of six children: Norman Brown, Ethel (Nick) Stan, Lorene (Karl) Jellinghausen, Elva (Grant) Shaw and Edward (Janet) Brown. His character was deeply influenced by his mother and father’s serviceable example. Ruel married his sweetheart, Sherry Ann Ericksen, on June 23, 1953. 

Ruel was an extremely hard, industrious worker and was proud that he was never without a job. His early employment included working as a gas station attendant and at an oil refinery. He was then hired by Safeway where he literally gave his blood, sweat and tears for 41 years as he worked his way up from clerk and in all departments, finally earning his place as store manager, where he could be
seen working any department at any hour of the night and day. 

Ruel’s talents and interests included being an avid fisherman, hunter, wild game processor, mushroom hunter, gardener, canner, cook, ice skater, wood chopper, carpenter, plumber, horseman and storyteller - sometimes very lengthy - and if you were lucky you could hear them multiple times. He also served our country in the Army National Guard for many years. 

He was known by many names throughout his life. He was Mr. Brown to the many generations of Safeway employees. Then after Safeway retirement he was known as Ruel to all who camped at Hyalite, where he hosted various campsites and the youth camp for 27 years. He held the beloved title of bishop in his church where he served faithfully and humbly in many capacities. The most endearing name by which he was called was Grandpa. 

Ruel lived a life of genuine, natural service to his family, friends, neighbors and anyone he crossed paths with. He was very involved in tutoring, nurturing and sharing his knowledge and skills with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He led by example and left a legacy for all his posterity to emulate. Everyone was considered a friend, and he always had time to visit. 

Ruel was adored by his family. He and Sherry have four girls, Pam (Randy) Atkinson, Terri Susan (David) Lent, Kathy Jo (Michael) Norzagaray and Diane (Bill) Snapp, 23 grandchildren and 43 (plus two on
the way) great-grandchildren. He loved well and was well loved. 

 There will be a viewing at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center in Bozeman Friday, Jan. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. at the Bozeman LDS Church, 2915 Colter Ave. There will be a short viewing before the funeral at the Bozeman church between 10 and 10:45 a.m.

A graveside dedication will be in the Lovell Cemetery on Monday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m. where all Lovell friends are welcome to attend. Friends are also invited to attend a small luncheon following the interment at the Lovell LDS Church. 

For those who would like to view this funeral service from home, the services will be provided over Zoom. Join Zoom meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86243448381?pwd=c0syL2R0Y0EvZzNlQlFCNThiTmZEdz09 - Meeting ID: 862 4344 8381 - Passcode: 538968.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.