William 'Bill' Ebert, 57

William “Bill” Paul Ebert, 57, passed away March 12, 2012, at his home in Kalispell, with his family by his side.

Bill was born June 10, 1954, to Vermae and William Ebert in Bethesda, Md., Hospital in Washington, D.C.  Bill moved to Racetrack, Mont., with his mom, stepfather and brother in 1964. He attended school in Deer Lodge. He graduated from Powell County High School in 1973. Bill's youth was spent at the Log Cabin Bar and Rodeo Arena. He enjoyed being the rodeo clown. Bill was active in FFA, wrestling and football when he was in high school.

In 1975 Bill married Verna Crooks. From that union they had a beautiful daughter, Tanya. They later divorced. Bill married Sandy Scharf in 1979. From that union they had two beautiful children, William “Willie” and Jackie. They later divorced.  

Bill worked various jobs in Deer Lodge including city policeman/EMT and at Montana State Prison. In 1984, Bill and his family moved to Eureka where he was employed at Gwyn Lumber for four years. He then went to work at Plum Creek/Ksanka until its closure in 2009. At that time Bill took early retirement and had recently moved to Kalispell.

Bill enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and hanging out with family and friends. More times than not, he was the life of the party. Bill's most enjoyable times were watching his grandchildren, nieces and nephews compete in sporting events, as well as announcing NBHA barrel races. Bill was known for his witty sense of humor and huge heart. Many said that his heart was as big as he. He will be dearly missed by many.  

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Vermae Pecora; father, William Ebert; stepfather, Dave Pecora; and grandmother and grandfather, Hazel and Paul Hultgren.  

Bill is survived by his children, Tanya Rowe of Las Vegas, Willie Ebert, and Jackie and Brandon, “favorite son-in-law,” of Helena; brother, Bobby, and Angela Pecora, of Eureka; sister, Kerri, and Roger Schroeder, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Bryce Rowe of Las Vegas, Treston Ebert of Eureka, and Daniel and Owen Ivers of Helena; aunts, June Merritt and Mary Hultgren of Deer Lodge; uncle, Bernard Ebert, of Kalispell; nieces and nephews, Desiree and Adam, Jordyn, Alex, Alyssa, Jarrett and Caden Pecora, and Shelbi and Shea Kyle Schroeder; numerous cousins; and a special friend, Jill Graham.

Jewell Funeral Home in Deer Lodge is in charge of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, at First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge, with internment following at Hillcrest Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to Home Options Hospice, 275 Corporate Drive, Suite 6, Kalispell, MT 59901.