Rusty Lee Umback
On December 26, 2015 the heavens called Rusty home at the age of 35. Rusty suffered a heart attack at his home in Helena. Rusty was born November 17, 1980 in Williston, North Dakota to Rick Umback and Mary Lou Hummel.
At the age of two Rusty, his Mother and siblings moved to Missoula where Rusty attended both Hawthorne and Bonner grade schools. He graduated from the 8th grade from Bonner. He attended Hellgate High School where he played football for three of his four years. His first year of Football Rusty was awarded “Most Valuable Player”. After High School he continued his education at the University of Montana where he earned his BA in Psychology.
He married Ann Krijns in 2006 and from that marriage his pride and joy, son Riley was born. The couple later divorced. On May 14, 2011 he married his best friend and soul mate Jenny Moore of Helena.
Rusty worked for the State of Montana, Department of Student Loans for 7 1/2 years. He then went to work for Lowes and most recently Home Depot. Rusty loved the Seattle Seahawks and will be forever cheering them on. He was a very quiet, soft spoken, gentle soul. His quick wit could make anyone laugh. He never complained even when he had medical issues throughout his life. He kept things to himself not to worry his family. When his son Riley was born he was so proud and fatherhood came natural to him. There was no doubt he was meant to be a dad. Recently he and his wife Jenny had the privilege of taking in Jenny’s granddaughter Bella, now age 2. They were looking forward to starting the adoption proceedings. He loved that little girl with all his heart and it was evident that the feeling was mutual, she loved her Papa. Rusty loved fishing, playing poker and he was a YouTube addict. He loved watching all the funny videos and sharing them with others.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Alice Umback, his Uncle Rusty Umback, maternal grandfather Claude Dawson, Uncle Cliff Dawson, Aunt Denise Fletcher and Uncle Duane Erickson. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, son Riley Umback and granddaughter Bella at the family home in Helena, mother Mary Lou and stepfather Tony Hummel, father Rick Umback, grandmother Mary Dawson, brother Rod Roberts, Aunt Dorothy Erickson all from Missoula and sister Kim (Jessica) Roberts of Wichita, Kansas. He also is survived by his niece Ellianna Roberts and her mother Heather of Missoula and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held at Crosspoint Community Church, 7500 Mullan Rd, Missoula, MT on Saturday, January 2nd at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of His Life will be held at the American Legion, 3095 Villard Ave., Helena, MT on Saturday, January 9th at 2:00 p.m. along with a potluck.
Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice.
Rick Umback says
So sad to see you pass at such a young age, hopefully you may rest in peace..
Love you Dad
RKB says
I am truly sorry for your loss. Especially of one so young. Many feel that death is a problem with no solution. God has provided a solution–a resurrection hope for those who have passed away. Imagine planning together for an everlasting future never again having to say good bye to your loved one. May the promises found in God’s Word–Revelation 21:4 and John 11:25 and the loving support of family and friends continue to be with you during this difficult time.
cheryl says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have only recently started to get to know Rusty at work. Rusty was a very friendly hard working man and will be missed by his Home Depot Family. Rest in peace, Rusty.
CPA says
I am so sorry for you loss. Rusty had a kind and gentle heart. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Linda Posivio says
So very sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts & prayers & we ask God to heal your hearts from this hurt. Don & Linda Posivio, Sidney, Mt.
vince justice says
We will miss Rusty dearly. He has touched so many people with his kindness and gentle spirit. It was a pleasure knowing Rusty. A tremendous loss for our community and Rusty will never be forgotten. I am glad i had to chance to meet Rusty and work with him at the Student Loan Program for many years. Rusty was a great person and our loss is heavens’ gain. Rest in Peace Rusty, Vince Justice.
Darin and Mary Ann Danelson says
So very sad!! Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. May Gods Grace be with you during this difficult time.
Diane miller says
So sorry for your loss. May all the great memories help you through the difficult times. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Randy and Donna Umback says
Keeping you all in our thoughts and praying for comfort. Wish we could be with you. Hugs to all.
Veronica Howard says
I had the pleasure of meeting Rusty a few years ago. He was a generous soul who made me laugh and was lots of fun to be around. Our ladderball competition was fierce! I will forever be indebted to this man for saving my sister’s life and loving her with his whole heart. He changed her world and that of Ella for the better. Heaven has definitely gained an amazing angel.
Rest in Heaven, Rusty! Until we meet again.
Roni
Ron Weese/Debbie Harms says
Ron and I are shocked to say the least. We can’t even imagine the pain in your heart right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Just remember, God has a greater plan for Rusty. When you are up to it, give us a call.
Shannon Cone says
Rick, I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you and family. There are no words and all I can say I am so sorry. May you find some peace and comfort in your memories.
Ken & Diana Martin says
Diana and I are so sorry to hear this Rick. I never knew Rusty, but his Uncle Rusty and I were best of friends in the early years and I was so pleased that he was named after him. They were both taken so early. For reasons unknown to us the Lord wanted them by his side. Our sincerest condolences and prayers to you and all your family.
Stacy says
Rick and family,
I am so saddened to hear of this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. I can not imagine the sadness you all are feeling. May he RIP.
Karen Heater says
Rick and Riley, I am sorry to hear of your loss. We wonder why someone has been taken so young. God had a better plan for Rusty, Has been chosen as an angel to sit upon his cloud to watch over his only son and his family, When you are with heavy heart look up he will be there, when you look at a chair, it is not empty he sits there smiling.
Rose Miller says
Life is just this way isn’t it, one minute you think you know how your life’s path is going and the next there is this reality that states different~ we have all had these situations happen when we least expect it. There is nothing anyone can say that helps relieve the pain only time will make the sting feel better. We are here for you whenever you need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on as there will be alot of tears!!! Do not stop yourself from shedding tears because someone might say it’s been ‘LONG ENOUGH” Cry when you need to & don’t feel guilty don’t hold back as crying helps the healing process~Keep your memories of Beautiful Rusty close to your heart as he has only left in a physical sense & he will be with you the rest of your days & beyond!!! He was a special human & will be missed so much especially by his closest loved ones. He will visit you in your dreams & those dreams will seem so vivid as if they are real, embrace those moments because they are very special & not everyone has them!!! And mostly pray!!! RIP Rusty!!!
Mary hummel says
Rusty my sweet son my heart is heavy as I say goodbye to you,you’re so young and have so much to live for I don’t know how to go on without you we love you so much and will miss you so much. rest in pease. with all my love. Mom
Deborah Harshmen says
Rick you and your family are in my prayers. You are so very special and I know how you are feeling. Nona and I send you strength and our love. There will be peace in the valley someday and the circle will be unbroken. Love you buddy.
Paul and Joan (Johnson) Eldridge says
We are so sorry for your loss.
Suzi Bauer says
My heart breaks for each of you and my prayers are with those that are now learning to live life without Rusty…(My dear friend Jenny Rae, Bella, Riley and of course Rusty’s parents)…May the mercy, grace, comfort and peace of God fill each of your hearts as you continue your journey on this earth…much love to ALL that love and miss Rusty
Brenda DeShaw says
Rick, Riley and all of Rustys’ family members, my heart goes out to all of you for this terrible loss! There never are words that can make you feel better but I can say you will see him again, that is Gods promise at the resurrection we will all see each other again! John 3:16…..For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son to die for all our sins so that whosoever believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life! I never knew your son Rick, but by all of the testimonials here he was a wonderful, good and kind soul! He will live on in your heart, memories and your grandson Riley. You are all in my thoughts and I pray you will have peace and comfort in knowing that you will see him again!
Morgan (Fitzgerald) Thomas says
I’m heartbroken to hear of Rusty’s passing! I have such sweet memories of him from College. He was so intelligent, fun, and always a true gentleman. My deepest sympathies to his entire family. He will be missed and fondly remembered by so many!
Evelyn Knowles says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Rusty’s family Jenny Rea. RUSTY and his big smile and hugs.Always trying to make sure everyone was happy. Enjoyed playing cards at BettyAnn’s or at your homes.He was a very proud father and papa,.I will miss him ,he was a great friend. Love ya RUSTY. <3 🙂
Allan Stricker says
I am so sorry for both of you, Jennie and Izubella. It is so unfortunate that Rusty did not get the chance to be Bella’s “official” dad after being the dad she knew for her short life. Rusty will be sorely missed by so many people.
Billie Jo says
Rick
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very diffucult time.