George William Hale

June 5, 1953 - August 19, 2024

George William Hale of Hilger, Montana - a patriarch of the Hales of Montana, passed away and joined the Lord on August 19th, 2024. George was the son of Cecil Elmer Hale and Bonnie Aveline Hartl. He was the grandson of the late Montana homesteaders Volney Elmer and Adadell Woodring Hale. George came from a lengthy line of people who held strong family ties, worked hard for what they had, and devoted their lives to the Christian faith. He was born on the Headwaters of the Missouri River at the Hale Ranch at 1470 Trident Road on June 5th, 1953. George was the oldest of five children born to Cecil and Bonnie. Bonnie later remarried and had George's remaining siblings - six boys and two girls, making for thirteen children.

George, naturally the oldest of the children, helped in their upbringing and became like a father to them. He was affectionately known by them as 'brother George." George would ultimately go on to become the fifth-generation landowner and rancher in Montana of his immediate family. The Hales were a patriotic family, with several serving in the United States military.

These family members included but were not limited to his great-uncle Ernest Hale (who served in WWI). Father, Cecil Hale (a Navy Seal who served in WWll), an Uncle Richard Hartl (a Marine), and a brother, Jack Hale (a Marine who served in the Vietnam war). George's life was marked by many tragedies and triumphs. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Hale; his mother, Bonnie Weeks grandmothers Adadell Hale and Lavina Davis grandfather Volney Hale brothers Jack E. Hale, Steve M. Hale, Billy Joe Hobbs, and Robby Jo Hobbs, as well as other Hale family relatives.

George was raised in Montana but moved to California for a brief period in the 80s to obtain his Associate's, with a specialization in Automotive Technology. After completing the program, he would at last receive his degree and become a Master Mechanic in 1988. Although he was certified as a mechanic, George was a Jack of all trades who held many different occupations throughout his lifetime, from working in sawmills, driving trucks, building houses, and working as a farm/ranch hand. George was an expert hunter and loved fishing and camping- It would be fitting to say he knew Montana as if it were his backyard, as he lived and traveled all over the state.

George was fond of classic cars and enjoyed restoring them, namely old trucks. George loved animals, and they loved him too. He had a few close pets in his lifetime, particularly dogs, whom he named Pandy, Tippi, and Rocky. George took on the same calling and faith as his forefathers before him when he became baptized in the Missouri River in July of 2007. George was a simple and light-hearted person who liked to joke, but he was also incredibly wise and intellectual. Of all the many undertakings in his life, George would have said his grandchildren were the greatest of his accomplishments. Above all, George was a beloved family man, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed. George William Hale is survived by his wife, DeeAnn Hale, sons Rockie Sean Hale, Shane Tucker Hale, Cecil Wilfred Hale, Arron William Hale, Daniel Wayne Hale and one daughter, Rachel Ann Hale, nine beloved grandchildren, sisters Winnona Hale, Angela Hobbs and brothers David Hale, Daniel Hobbs, and John Bacon.

Memorial Services will be held at Mount Green Cemetery in Willow Creek, Montana, on October 1, 2024, at 2:30 PM. Pastor Robert Snyder will officiate the services.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at http://www.cloydfuneralhome.com