Sfc (Retired) Gerald E. Stanhope

SFC (Retired) Gerald E. Stanhope passed away from cancer on June 6, 2023.

The son of Donald A. and Margaret E., he was born in Baker on May 12, 1946. He was the fourth of six children. He attended school in Lockwood and graduated from Billings Senior High in 1965. In the summers between his junior and senior years, he worked for the USFS in Libby. He joined the U.S. Army in January of 1966 and retired 20 years later. He served in Turkey; Vietnam; Fort Devens, Massachusetts; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Turkey (again); Japan; Minneapolis/St. Paul; and his last assignment was in Belgium.

He loved fly fishing and tying flies to fish with. He also enjoyed hunting and going out with his ATV and his family. He was a member of Magic City Fly Tiers and he enjoyed teaching fourth graders around School District 2 how to tie flies and how to fish. Jerry and his friend Bob got together every Tuesday morning to drink a cup of coffee and tie some new flies.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lizabeth Ann; his son, SFC Stanhope, Jerry Richard, daughter-in-law Stephanie and only grandchild Raylee Elizabeth. His family was very important to him and he loved them all. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, LaNita, Maxine and Patricia. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, followed by a luncheon, at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1810 Shiloh Road. Interment of ashes with military honors will be at the Yellowstone National Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, memorials to Shiloh United Methodist at 1810 Shiloh Road or RiverStone Health and Hospice.

We give thanks to everyone who has been so kind and helpful during this time.