Elmer Eugene Nettleton passed away on June 19, 2024, at Edgewood Assisted living facility of natural causes at 95 years old.
Elmer was born January 2, 1929, in Butte MT, the oldest of four children of Katie and Clifford Nettleton
Elmer grew up on the Schule Ranch located in Montana City, Mt. He attended elementary school in Montana City with his younger sister Marie, numerous cousins and the Palmer family. He also attended Helena Senior High School.
In the summer of 1951 Elmer went with his friends to a dance in East Helena where he met a beautiful young lady, Ruth Malmquist from Ekalaka, Mt. After a short courtship they were married in September 1951.
Uncle Sam came calling in January of 1952 and he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He spent his active duties as a cook in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Fortunately, his new bride Ruth could join him in Arkansas.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Elmer and Ruth purchased a small ranch on Floweree Drive in the Helena Valley. They lived there until 2022 when they moved to Edgewood Assisted Living facility because of health issues with Ruth.
Also, shortly after his discharge from the military both Ruth and Elmer found employment at Fort Harrison. Elmer worked there for over 30 years holding various positions.
During his mid-twenties Elmer got involved in the sport of rodeo. He first tried bronc riding, but quickly realized that was not for him. Then his elementary school friend Pal Palmer introduced him to steer wrestling and that was the beginning of a lifelong passion for rodeo activities.
In 1963 Elmer, with the help of his rodeo friends and neighbors built an indoor arena on his property. For many years that building was the hub in the Helena area for future cowgirls and cowboys. Every night they practiced their roping and steer wrestling skills and then every weekend they would go to Rodeos throughout Montana and compete against each other. Elmer’s proudest achievement as a professional steer wrestler was when he won the Last Chance Stampede in his hometown of Helena. Elmer took tremendous pride in developing future cowgirls and cowboys in the sport of rodeo. Even in his 80’s you could find Elmer in his arena most evenings coaching children and teenagers on how to be rodeo champions. Because of his efforts and passion, many of his students had successful professional careers and many received college rodeo scholarships at several Montana Universities.
After Ruth and Elmer’s retirement from Fort Harrison, when most people would relax and take it easy, but not Ruth and Elmer, they discovered the Senior Rodeo circuit. For many years they traveled the Western states and Canada, living with their horses on the road, participating in rodeos as many as 50 in some years. During those years they won numerous awards and always qualified for the national finals at year’s end. When asked. “When was your favorite time in life” both Ruth and Elmer would say those were their favorite. They met many of their closest friends during that time, while doing the sport they both loved.
Elmer’s final rodeo achievement was in 2013 when he was honored for his lifelong support and passion of the sport of rodeo when he was inducted into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Katie and Clifford Nettleton and his sister Marie Hargrove.
Elmer, is survived by his beloved and lifelong partner Ruth (Malmquist) Nettleton, his sister Madeline Songer, brother Jay and Barbara Nettleton and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his adopted family Haven, Treg and Michelle Wolstein.
Per Elmer’s request no funeral services will held at this time.
In memory of Elmer, financial contributions can be made to the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame College Scholarship Program. The MPRHWF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the western and rodeo heritage of Montana, as well as providing Montana high school students the opportunity to continue their college education. Insert “In memory of Elmer Nettleton” in the comment section of the form. montanaprorodeo.org Condolences can also be shared at aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Candy Score says
Oh, yes, I remember Elmer’s (I knew him as Monk) long, narrow indoor arena! In the winter he had a cutout 55 gallon steel drum up by the roping box that he built a fire in for heat. I think that’s why I was a heeler, the fire was on the heeler’s side. You learned to rope fast and turn hard! But, he and Walt Holland worked with me teaching me team roping and breakaway. Great memories! R.I.P. Elmer and loving prayers for Ruth and the whole family!
Cheryl Hellbusch says
I had the pleasure of meeting Elmer and must say I thought he was a very fine gentleman and an impressive 95 year old!!! He will definitely be missed by all, and I am thankful to have met him. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his loved ones. Rest Well Elmer!
Neta Carter says
Enjoyed reading your brother’s life story, Jay.
Neta Carter
Tom Brown says
Elmer and Ruth took me to rodeos when I was in grade school. Bob Simpson and I rode in their slide in camper. Lots of laughter. Elmer was very generous with his facility, practice steers; he also mounted any one that wanted to try. Elmer was strong as a bull; and he knew how to handle steers! Ruth and my wife Bev were friends. We enjoyed every minute we were with them. Great People!