Roger Rall

HAMILTON - On Sept. 30th the world lost a wonderful man, Roger Rall, 72, of Hamilton. He died peacefully in the home that he built. Roger was born at home on March 4, 1942 in Chaseley, North Dakota, the 9th of 15 children to the late Samuel and Maggie (Patzer) Rall.

Roger's early childhood was spent on a farm in North Dakota and he moved as a young boy with his large family to the Bitterroot Valley. He later shared that he felt they had entered paradise after leaving the North Dakota flats and arriving in the valley with all of the ample fishing, hunting, mountains, and apple trees.

In his adult years, Roger enjoyed working in the mountains logging with his brothers. He later owned and operated his own log home business, Rall Log Homes in Darby, MT. Many of his homes are located across the country.

Roger is survived by his life partner and best friend, Merry Jo, of Hamilton. In July, they celebrated 51 years of marriage. They have two daughters, Merri Ann and her husband Randy Cantrell of Carrollton, TX, and Kym and her husband Dusty Owens of Grand Junction, CO; and four grandchildren, the late Joey Simkins, Brandon Waltrip, Hope and her husband Forrest McCleary, and Crystal Cantrell. He is also survived by eight sisters, Lydia Sperry, Lorraine Alexander, Caroline Mendes, Stella Van Ostrand, Kathy (Mike) Riley, Lori (Jim) Lucas, Rosie (Bob) Nilles, Shirley (Gene) Hinrichs, and one brother, Leo (Elly) Rall; and many nieces, nephews and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Vernard, Robert, and Darvin and two sisters, Lou Ella and La Verne Ruth.

Roger was a pillar of strength to his entire family. He was a generous, hard-working, honorable, true-to-his-word, baseball-loving, family man. He had an especially strong bond with his grandkids; fond memories they recall include him playing his guitar, watching TV with them, midnight snack times, and all of his wise advice. His hobbies included playing and coaching softball, a love of music and playing the guitar, and get-togethers with family and friends. He was a die-hard Cincinnati Reds fan.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Partners in Home Care Hospice, 2687 Palmer Street, Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808 or Grace Lutheran Church LWML, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at the MT Cancer Center, Dr. Alan Thomas, and Partners Hospice, for their compassionate love and care.