Cecil Franklin Ozark passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow at the age of 87.
Cecil Ozark was born March 20, 1936, in Miles City, Montana to Stan and Verda (Shand) Ozark. The family lived in Miles City before settling in Glasgow, Montana.
Cecil spent most of his early years in Glasgow playing sports such as basketball and football and being outside hunting and fishing. He also spent a short time as a cowboy helping break horses for area ranches. He attended school in Miles City while living with his Uncle Harold and Aunt Eva Knudson.
He graduated from Glasgow High School in 1956 and soon married the love of his life, Sharon Riley of Nashua. They made their home in Nashua where they raised their three children: Dewayne, Becky, and Stan. Cecil made his home in Nashua for over 60 years.
Cecil began a 40-year career with the railroad in 1954 and worked for the Great Northern Railroad and the Burlington Northern Railway before retiring in 1994.
Cecil and Sharon loved the Nashua community and spent countless hours volunteering their time for many different projects. Cecil served 8 years on the Nashua Town Council, served as the Nashua Fire Chief for over 10 years, was a long-time member of the Nashua Lions Club, and served on the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church council.
In his spare time, Cecil hunted and fished with friends across Montana. He had fond memories of hunting elk and bear in the mountains of western Montana. He became an avid golfer and was a proud member of Sunnyside Country Club for over 50 years. Bowling was a true passion of his and at times he would bowl three days a week in Nashua and Glasgow. He also loved softball and played until his knees gave out in his 40s.
Family was very important to Cecil as he and Sharon spent countless hours following their children in their various activities. There were no weekends wasted in the summer as the Ozark family would pack the camper and travel to a wide variety of locations with friends and family. Cecil followed his grandchildren in their activities as well. He rarely missed a rodeo of Walter’s, softball for Mariah or baseball for Kyle.
Sharon was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1992 and Cecil lovingly cared for her until she passed away in 1994.
After Sharon’s passing, Cecil found a soul mate in Jeannie Stubblefield of Nashua. They spent almost 25 years together traveling to visit family and following kids and grandkids. Cecil’s family would like to send a special thank you and much love to Jeannie for providing the best care for Cecil in his later years.
After suffering a heart attack in 2021 Cecil could no longer live in Nashua and made the move to Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Glasgow. He found a true home at Prairie Ridge and the residents and staff made his stay a wonderful experience.
Cecil is survived by his children, Becky (Tony) Stein and Stan (Michelle) Ozark of Glasgow, daughter-in-law Doris Ozark of Glasgow; grandchildren: Ashley (Chance) Barrett, Walter (Billie Sky) Ozark, Kyle (Jessica) Stein, Mariah Stein, and Eli Feezell; seven great-grandchildren, many dear nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Wayne Riley and sister-in-law Margaret Potter. Cecil is also survived by his loving companion and friend Jeannie Stubblefield of Nashua.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, son Dewayne, son Shawn, his parents Stan and Verda Ozark, father- and mother-in-law Ernest and Julia Riley, brother Bud Ozark and brothers-in-law Doyle Riley and Bill Riley.
Family will receive friends, Friday, October 6, 2023, 5-7:00 p.m. at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Bell Mortuary with Pastor Scott Kiehn officiating. A luncheon will follow the funeral service at Sunnyside Golf Course. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday October 6, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 7, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave So
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday October 6, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 7, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave So
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Gary and Donna Dascher says
Becky, Stan, Jeannie and families,
What Great man! He never failed to say hi with a smile. On occasion, he’d even have a story to share. He will be missed!
We are so sorry for your loss.
God bless,
Gary and Donna
Dot and Bruce Morrison says
Our sincere condolences to the family…we enjoyed bowling with Cecil for many years.
Kim Smarsh says
Becky, Stan and families, your dad was a wonderful, fun-loving man. He loves you all so much. And his grandkids even more! My prayers to you all during this difficult time.
mike buchmann says
Cecil and dad were very good friends and went to many football and basketball games together.He was a very good man ,he will be missed!