Harry Barthuly

Harry William Barthuly, 83, died February 19, 2011 in Granite County Medical Center in Philipsburg, Montana, while visiting family. He was born March 4, 1927 in a small farm house in Park City, Montana. He was the eighth of eleven children. Harry loved learning and went to school through the tenth grade in Laurel, Montana. At this time he had to go to work to support his mother and father and two younger siblings by working on the railroad. Harry was always a hard worker and found joy in his work. His love of bowling began at the early age of twelve when he hand set bowling pins at the local bowling alley. At age 19 he started his career with Carter Oil, now ExxonMobil, for forty years. Harry met the love of his life, Verne Rumph, through friends at the Babcock Bowling Alley. They were married for over 60 years and were blessed with four children. Clark (deceased), Sylvia who is married to Ron Handlos, Carl who is married to Coral, and Chuck who is married to Kris. He also has ten grandchildren: (Sylvia) Julie Williams, Verna Benner, J.C. Askins; (Carl) Trevor Schwartz, Shanus Keller, Mayra Barthuly; (Chuck) Marisa, Cade, Seth and Beau Barthuly; and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored greatly. Besides his family Harry had many passions, including: bowling, travel, people, hunting, fishing and tinkering. He bowled in both state and national tournaments all around the country. His travel escapades included yearly family vacations to the coast, five excursions to Europe, twice to research his Russian heritage. He and Verne took trips to Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska. When Harry wasnt traveling he was building. He and Verne lived in their home for 58 years on Avenue C, but also built an additional home in the Pine Hills, east of Billings, where they operated a Bed and Breakfast, not so much for the money but for the love of meeting new people. Harry and Verne became “mom and dad” to many young people over the years by opening their hearts and home as they were attending college, playing hockey or just needing a place to stay. Harry felt a stranger was just a friend he had not met yet. His quick wit and love of life was contagious. He was adored by many, deeply loved by his family, and will be missed by all who knew him. Harry is survived by his wife Verne, daughter Sylvia (Ron) Handlos, son Carl (Coral), son Chuck (Kris), ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and brother Dennis “Jimmy” Barthuly, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials: Harry was very practical and in lieu of flowers, would like memorials to be made to either the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch or the Better Billings Foundation. Service: A Memorial Service for Harry will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2011 at Central Christian Church in Billings.