Timothy Zent

Timothy Evan Zent, 73, passed away at his home surrounded by family, on November 10, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born April 10, 1949, in Miles City, MT, the son of Harold M. and Catherine M. Zent. He spent his young life farming in Hysham, MT, and graduated from Hysham High School. Tim lived out his adult life and “retirement” in Billings.

Tim spent his early years working the fields with his brothers and cousins in Hysham. He learned early on the value of a hard day's work, and that tremendous work ethic stayed with him his entire life. After having a stellar high school athletic career, he turned his focus to his education by attending Eastern Montana College (MSUB). During his third year of college, he met his soulmate and love of his life, Becky. They were married in the summer before his final year of college and celebrated 52 years of marriage this August. Right out of college he worked for five years for the Sidney Chamber of Commerce and then moved into his real love which was finance. He worked at various banking institutions for the next 43 years while being a member of the Billings Rotary Club. After his retirement from banking, he encountered his true calling as a courtesy driver for Denny Menholt. For the man who never forgot a name or a face and could find common ground with anyone, this was a job made just for him. He came home almost daily with a story about the people he drove and how they knew similar people or lives had crossed paths previously.

Tim was blessed with three children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. For Tim, family was everything. The Zent blood ran thick, and he was fiercely loyal to his family. He coached his kids, volunteered on the board for little league and Bronc Boosters, and supported them in all their endeavors. As soon as his first grandchild was born, we saw the real heart and passion of Tim emerge. His grandchildren were his life. He supported his grandchildren in so many ways, from attending all their events, sponsoring teams, to buying equipment. Papa didn't say “no” to many things for his grandchildren. As far as Tim was concerned, his grandkids could do no wrong.

Tim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Becky Bilden Zent; son, Judd (Julie) Zent; and daughters, Tennyson and Ali Zent; grandkids: Evan, Spencer (Nicole), Harper, Brooklyn, Dalton, Dacee, Timothy, Dain, Dax and Decklan; great-grandchildren Jacob and Quinn; and his only surviving brother, John Zent.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Catherine Zent, and siblings, Matt, Ray, Gary, Dick, Jim, and Mary Zent.

Tim wanted his Hysham classmates to know how much he appreciated the relationship and bond that remained after so many years. He truly enjoyed the luncheons and most recently the facetime calls. Hysham High School Class of 1967, especially Margie, Barbara, John, Judy, Eva and Debbie, were a special form of comfort and support over the last year of his life.

A vigil will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 6:30 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 10:00 AM with a reception to follow. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, 3605 Grand Avenue, Billings.