Ernest "Bill" Eugene Udall, 90

Ernest "Bill" Eugene Udall, lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully at his home in Ronan on June 19, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born Oct. 19, 1935, in St. Ignatius, Bill was the son of Melvin Eugene Udall and Ruth Lemery Udall. A lifelong Montanan, he was deeply rooted in the Mission Valley, where he built a life centered on hard work and a genuine love for the land and the people who called it home.

Bill was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a helping hand. Throughout his life, he worked as a rancher, carpenter, construction foreman, and later as a Job Corps instructor, where he took great pride in teaching young men carpentry skills. He believed in doing a job right, passing on what he knew, and treating others with kindness and respect.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of Montana life, whether working outdoors, sharing stories, or appreciating the beauty of the Mission Mountains and the valley he was fortunate to call home.

Bill is survived by his children, Paule Walsh, Jim Udall and his wife, Sara, Pam Udall, William Udall and his wife, Kristina, and Sean Udall. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Trivia Bilile and Terry Steel and her husband, Rocky.

He leaves behind his seven grandchildren, Tripp Mincey, Jimmy Jo and Staci Udall, Nico and Tino Udall, and Kennedi and Aspen Steel; and five great-grandchildren, Hunter Mincey, Mylee Udall, Kroy Llewellyn, Neve Udall and Winston Udall.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Lou Udall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Church in St. Ignatius in Bill's memory. Memorials may be made to St. Ignatius Mission at stignatiusmission.org.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Friday, July 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pavilion in Ronan City Park. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and celebrate a life well lived.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.