Benjamin 'Ben' Math

Benjamin "Ben" Henry Math, age 83, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Friday, March 24, 2023, in Yuma, Ariz., after a short illness.

A service and burial at the Saco cemetery will be held at a later date.

Ben was born June 1, 1939, in Malta, Mont., to Henry and Edna (Fewer) Math, the oldest of three siblings. He was raised on the family farm, in the Plainsview area, north of Whitewater, Mont., where he rode his horse to the country school and then graduated from Whitewater High School in 1957.

On Dec. 28, 1958, he married Judy Silva, in Malta. They made their home north of Whitewater, farming and ranching. To this union, they were blessed with two children, Bob and Debbie. They were involved with their children's activities and Ben was on the Whitewater School Board. He enjoyed playing cards and fishing at Nelson Reservoir. Ben worked hard and later sold his cows, to allow time to travel some in the winters, at an earlier age than most. He liked driving truck, hauling many loads of wheat to the elevator. After 35 years this marriage ended.

Ben continued farming and married Barbara (Paulson) Kluck on March 10, 1995, in Chinook, Mont. In 2009, he retired from farming, moving to Fort Peck, Mont., where they had built a home. Ben and Barb enjoyed the summers there and then traveling extensively, being snowbirds for the winters. In his retired years, Ben enjoyed fishing, gardening, and finding a good deal! He would usually have a project going on in his shop, where he could make or fix anything. His family and friends were his most treasured highlights, often taking a day drive up north to see what was going on and drop off tootsie rolls for the great grands.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna Math; sister Elsie Jacobs; brother-in-laws Wayne Jacobs and Norman Spoonheim; nephew Clarence Jacobs; and special uncle Ben Fewer.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; his children, Bob (Rena) Math and Debbie (Brent) Anderson, both of Whitewater. Barbara's children, Jill (Keith) Helmuth and boys, of Watford City, N.D., and Johnna Stevenson and family, of Missoula, Mont.; and his sister, Helen (Lorne) Schell, of Stavely, Alberta, Canada. Grandchildren Cody (Michelle) Math, Whitewater, Kevin (Kylie) Math, Malta, Tasha (Wade) Keller, Custer, Mont., Jenna (Troy) Simanton, Clancy, Mont., Jett (Bri) Anderson, Whitewater, Jace (Shae) Anderson, Glasgow, Mont., and 18 great-grandchildren. Nephews Clinton, Dale and Wes Jacobs and Chuck Spoonheim, niece Carolyn Turner, a special aunt, Ginny Fewer, and several cousins.

He was dearly respected, admired and loved by his family and many that knew him. We are honored to call him ours. The world needs more "Ben's."