Cecil Ozark

Cecil Franklin Ozark passed away Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Mont., at the age of 87.

Family will receive friends, Friday, Oct. 6, 5 to 7 p.m. at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow. Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. at Bell Mortuary with Pastor Scott Kiehn officiating. A luncheon will follow the funeral service at Sunnyside Gold Course, Glasgow.

Cecil Ozark was born March 20, 1936, in Miles City, Mont., to Stan and Verda (Shand) Ozark. The family lived in Miles City before settling in Glasgow.

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, Mont. 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 eight 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.

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.

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.

Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.