Robert 'Bob' Nordtome, 88

Robert “Bob” Nordtome, 88, of Fort Sumner, New Mexico, passed away on March 10, 2016, at his home.

He was born October 16, 1927, in Kalispell to the home of Edward and Amanda (Rocks) Nordtome.

Bob grew up in Kalispell. He served in the U.S. Army from November 13, 1945, until March 16, 1950, as a sergeant with the 475th Fighter Group.

Bob married Mary Gray Loving on October 24, 1990, in Glendale, Arizona.

Bob worked several years for Big Sky Rodeo as a stock contractor, and later as the Papago tribal herd manager. He also worked for the Arizona Livestock board, where he served as a captain in their criminal investigation unit. He operated Silver Buckle Horse Ranch, where he trained and showed horses. Bob was a lifelong rancher and rodeo cowboy. He held a P.R.C.A. Gold Card, was a member of the Law Enforcement Rodeo Association, and was a founder of the Arizona Team Penning Association.

Bob moved to Fort Sumner in 1996, where he continued ranching. He retired to Melrose, New Mexico in 2007 and recently moved back to Fort Sumner.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Mary G. Nordtome, of the home in Fort Sumner; son, Jay Nordtome, of Salado, Texas; stepsons, Eric Gustavson of Fort Sumner, Kurt Gustavson and wife Bess of Phoenix, Arizona; granddaughter, Cassie Nordtome of Kalispell, grandsons Jarod Gustavson and wife, Nancy, and Logan Gustavson, of Phoenix; and one great-grandson, Cason Nordtome of Kalispell.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the Church on the Hill in Fort Sumner, with Anna Teeter Gentile officiating. Military honors will follow the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, Fort Sumner, NM. www.chavezfuneralhome.com