Benton Lee Barnhart

Benton Lee Barnhart passed away Monday, August 10, 2020, after a long illness. Ben was born June 14, 1937 in Seattle, WA to Harold and Rose Barnhart.

Ben is survived by his wife of 47 years, Merridy; his three sons, Kevin of Laurel, MT, Robb (Tina) and Patrick, both of Harlowton, MT; 1 granddaughter, 5 grandsons, 3 great granddaughters and 1 great grandson and many cousins scattered around the country.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister and his daughter.

Ben worked in insurance and real estate for many years in Billings. Ben was active in the Masonic Lodge #113, Scottish Rite, and AlBedoo Shrine, all in Billings. He sang with the Shrine Chanters for many years. Shrine was very important to Ben--the only reason he was able to walk was that the Shriners Hospital for Children treated him as a very small child.

If you were ever around Ben for any length of time, you would hear his good humored, uncontrollable laugh, that will greatly be missed. Ben had many stories of the "old days in Montana" that he loved to share with family and friends. Ben loved to sing from a very young age and shared his talent with family and friends. He is now singing with the gospel choir in Heaven. He enjoyed cooking (as well as eating)! He was always ready to share a good joke or a bad one with anyone that would listen.

After early retirement, he and his wife became full time Rvers, traveling the country, making many friends and seeing many sights along the way. They found Casa Grande and fell in love with the area, so they bought a home and settled down to enjoy the "warm" weather--much better than cold Montana!

A celebration of Life will be held in Harlowton, MT at a future date with grandson, Josh, officiating.