Russell John Roman was born in Helena, MT on June 25th, 1981. He attended Kessler Elementary School, Clancy Grade School and Capitol High School in Helena. Russell Achieved an Associate Degree in Fine Arts and Social Sciences from the University of Montana.
Russell passed away on December 18th, 2018 as a result of a brain disease that became progressively worse. His mental illness led him to a tragic decision.
Russell met the love of his life, Rebekah White in Helena, Montana, and they were inseparable for over 18 years. Three beautiful, intelligent, polite and caring children are a testament to their parenting skills; Ryker (11), Stosh (8) and LooWindy (6).
Russell was a unique, charismatic and loving individual. A free spirit but most of all an extraordinary Dad. His children were his total focus and world…and “Baseball was the only game in town!” He taught his children that when they saw a person in uniform to always go up to them and thank them for their service.
Russell was a talented artist and creative mind. His artistic expression with simple materials was amazing. He shared and passed his talent onto his children.
Russ, with his wife and children, enjoyed many outdoor activities and sports. His special love was to take the kids fishing. They also enjoyed their many animals, goats, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and parrots.
Russell is survived by his mother, Paula L. Roman (John Jancic) of Helena, MT, his father, Ronald J. Roman (Loa G. Roman) of Valier, MT, his children Ryker, Stosh and LooWindy, all of Helena, MT and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Russell’s smile and unique personality will be sorely missed. His legacy to this community and the world will be his children, for they are exceptionally bright, kind, caring and thoughtful. Those who have known Russell and his family, and their love and affection for one another, know this is so.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 28, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery. The family or Russell Roman request, that in lieu of flowers, or other memorial contributions, donations may be made to: The Benefit Account for the Children of Russell and Rebekah Roman, at Valley Bank of Helena or to NAMI.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 28, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday December 28, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Friday December 28, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 28, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday December 28, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Friday December 28, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Judy says
Paula, Ryker, Stoch,, LooWindy and John,
you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May Gid wrap his arms around you and comfort you. I am always here to help in any way. Words can not express the sorrow . You will always be in my heart
Carol & Steve Athearn says
Paula and Ron:
Steve and I are so sad for your family loss. We cannot completely understand the loss you’re feeling. Our boys were so loved and gone too soon. I imagine them together telling stories. I pray they are at peace. We cannot be there the 28th but we’ll be praying for you and thinking of you. We’ll be remembering the happy times and lamaze classes many years ago. We still have the same phone number if you ever want to talk. RIP Russ. Keep Jesse company. Love from Steve and Carol Athearn
Mary Ann Gregory says
I don’t know you, but I include all of you in my prayers. I am so sad this has happened to your families.
Corrie Turgeon says
Paula, I am beyond sorry for your loss. Russ has always and will always have a special place in my heart. I am so sad he and Rebekah are gone too soon. I have you and their children in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace Russ, I will miss you.
With love, Corrie (Plaggemeyer) Turgeon
Rosanne says
Paula and John, and family:
My heart goes out to all of you.
You are in my Prayers.
You are wonderfulGrandparents for these grandchildren to have.
May you find “The peace that passéth all understanding”.
I am here for you if there is absolutely anything that I can do for any of you.
Hope, Love, and Peace….Rosanne
Carol & Jerry Smith says
Paula and Ron, Our hearts break for you and all your family. We can only imagine your sorrow, we can’t know what it feels like. Know that we are so sorry for your loss, and will pray for peace and comfort for you now and in the days/months/years ahead.
Tom McGree says
Paula, Thank you for spending time this morning after Mass. I am profoundly sorry for your loss. Jan and I pray for you tonight. May God be with you and your family this Christmas. No words can express the pain you must feel. Please know I am thinking of you. As you travel this path would you allow Jan and I to help in some way? May God be with you tonight and in the hours and days ahead.
John Cameron says
I’m so sorry to have lost you, Russ; your passing has torn such a hole in my heart and you are so dearly missed by so many. I pray that God will comfort you with love and guidance, and that your family can find that peace that passes all understanding and the strength to carry forward.
Love you and miss you, my friend.
Ann Jacobson says
Dear Paula and Ron,
Many years have passed since I saw you last for one of the gatherings for the former Bell people but nevertheless I remember our updates of our kids. I want you to know that my heart aches for you all and you are in my prayers. May God wrap His arms around you and
give you comfort.
Ronald J. Roman says
Rest In Peace Russ, and know all the love your family and friends had for you. You were truly a special Son and Dad. Our thoughts and memories now will focus on all the happy years, and times we shared with you. I am so sorry I couldn’t seem to help you when you needed it the most. Dad.
Scott and Julie Frickel says
Ron and Paula
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your families on the tragic loss of Russ. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the many wonderful cherished memories you have of him carry you through this difficult time and give you peace in the coming years. God Bless.
Joan Stewart says
Paula, so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family. In these days and nights of sorrow, know that you are in the hearts, the prayers and the thoughts of those who care. Sending you love and hugs. Joan
Rae Lynn says
Paula and Ron- we want you to know you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Anything at all we can do we are here. Love, Karl and Rae Lynn
Karli Sturgill (Koutnik) says
Paula & Ron
I’m so thankful I had your son in my life for 20+’s. In him I found a true friend and never doubted that he would have my back in good and bad times. Russ has always been irreplaceable, was undeniably gifted with his artwork, & made a terrific father to Ryker, Stosh, & Windy. The deficit left (in my life alone) is unbearable. You are in my heart and prayers.
As the days continue to go by…never doubt the person you raised- Russ was the best friend people ran to in their time of need. Your son made a positive impact on me & my children.
I’m sending all my love to your family.
Sharon Stonehouse says
Paula,
My heart breaks for you all, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers and I pray that you find comfort in the memories you have.
Crystel Thompson says
It’s hard to know what to say. I’m heartbroken. I’ve known Russ and Bekkah for half of my life, and I adore their children Ryker, Stosh, and that little firecracker LooWindy. (Paula if you, your family, or the kids ever need anything please reach out. I will always be there for the Romans.) I will miss Russ… He was a good friend.
We talked a lot about art, and life. He had such a great sense of humor, and such a love for the simple things in life.
He was always so animated when he was talking about something he was interested in/loved..once he was almost smacked in the face with a trout that an eagle was carrying…and in his retelling of what happened the fish kept getting bigger, and he’d jump up to the exact spot it happened, duck down, point his finger in the direction the eagle went, and exclaim loudly like he did when it actually happened.
Also…when he’d get excited about something and couldn’t get a word in he’d jump in with, “Listen! Listen! Listen!”
Lots of great memories.
Mary Runkel says
Dear Paula
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the best memories bring you comfort.
Theresa, Mike, Ryan& Maggie King says
Paula, I was saddened to hear about the loss of your son. As a mother, there would be nothing worse than the losing a child. Our family has known you and Russell since kindergarten at Kessler School all through High School. He was a wonderful young man. We deeply saddened by his loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and our hearts ache for you and your family. Peace be with you my friend. All our love, Theresa, Mike, Ryan and Maggie King
Becky Berger says
Paula and family
Ron and family
May the Lord be with you during this tragic loss in your family. I often remember our friends from Lamaze class, our reunion gatherings and camping trips. May you find peace knowing that Russ is finally at peace. God Bless you all and know many are praying for your healing.
Becky Berger
Debra Hiel says
Paula and Ron,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Debra and Michael Hiel
Joan heberly says
Dearest Paula. My heart is heavy with the news of Russ’s passing. Know you are in my heart and I will be in touch soon. Love Joan Heberly
Trish (Hart) Gehring says
First my thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragic loss. I hope God reaches out to each one of you and comforts you during this difficult time. I was very fortunate to have known Russ through high school and then college. He was always someone who could make me smile and laugh. He had this funny, caring, free spirit about him he was someone that no matter who you mentioned his name to they loved him! I was so grateful to have known him and called him my friend. He inspired me with his artwork in our college art class and help me attempt my first scenic picture and because of his willingness to help me I got an A+. I am so sad that the world has lost such a great individual with so many great qualities. Oh Russ, I am going to miss you so much! The angels are the lucky ones now.
Till we see each other again R.I.P.
Trish
Karea Anderson says
To all involved, my heart breaks for you all. Praying that God’s peace and love helps all in this situation. My favorite memory was picking Russ and my little brother up from hockey practice. I was 3 years older and had my license. So l was the lucky one that got to pick up the stinky teen boys up. Thanks for always stopping in the cafe and saying hi….Rest in Peace Russ…
Hannah Parrish says
Russ, listen listen listen!!! Life just isn’t the same without your goofy ass… I miss your funny stories and all your shenanigans. You had such a big heart for people, you always stood up for those weaker than you. You were the life of the party, a gifted storyteller, and I am going to miss seeing you wearing your sandals in the Winter.😅 It’s been a long day without you my friend, but I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again…
Barbara and Jerry Braden says
We are sorry about your loss and will keep you in our prayers.
Jeane Didriksen says
Dear Ron, Paula & families:
I hope you know you’re being thought about, and hope you find comfort in knowing that your son and all he meant to you will remain in your hearts forever.
The last time I saw Russ he was working at the South Country Store on York Road (close by me). Such a nice looking young man. Tall, handsome and polite.
No words seem adequate, my friends. Love, Jeane
Karen Hammel says
Paula and Ron,
I just read that you have lost your dearest son Russell. I would have come to the funeral if I had found out in time. Russell was the sweetest child. I am heartbroken for you both. Please know that I am always just a phone call away, Paula. I have you all in my prayers.
Karen Hammel
Jamie Newer says
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Roman family. We are so sorry for the loss of Russ and Rebekah. We are praying for strength with lots of joyful memories with support throughout the years. Russ was truly an amazing gentleman with a creative spirit through his art work in high school and beyond. They will be truly missed. The children are truly amazing with servants heart.
Prayers from Vermont
Jamie(Kruger)Newer
classmate of Helena Capital High School 1999
Paula Anders says
You are in my prayers.