Howard Huff

Howard William Huff, age 92, passed away on April 12, 2017 of natural causes at Peace Hospice where he had been able to spend his final days with family.A celebration of his life will be Monday, April 17, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Big Sky Baptist Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Howard was born on March 3, 1925 on the family farm outside of Ponca City, Oklahoma to William and Alice Huff. He graduated from Ponca City High School. He married Betty M. Potter on November 26, 1947. They farmed in Oklahoma and Kansas for a time before Howard went to work for Conoco Oil Company. Howard helped to build the Yellowstone Pipeline in Montana, Idaho and Washington. Howard was proud and privileged to be a welding inspector on the Milne Point Project of the Alaska Pipeline at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska before retiring after a 39 year career with Conoco and Yellowstone Pipeline. Howard also owned and operated Huff s Tree Service.He loved to tell a story and share his boyhood adventures with his family and friends, especially his hunting buddy's at the Sieben Ranch. He will forever be remembered for his infectious belly laugh at his own jokes and tall tales hence the nick name Windy Bill.Howard and Betty finally planted their roots in Great Falls where they raised their family. He was actively involved in the establishment of the Great Falls Rescue Mission and served on the board. He was an ordained deacon and loved serving God and his church.After retirement, Howard and Betty enjoyed many road trips in their motorhome. They especially enjoyed their trip along the Alaska-Canadian Highway and the many trips back home to Oklahoma to visit their relatives.Howard is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty; daughters Pamela (Michael) Carroll of Great Falls, Cindy Horne of Tucson, AZ, and Barbara (Paul) Bentley of Nampa, ID; son Bruce Huff of Great Falls; 7 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Jean Ziegler, Lois Daniels, and Leora Ullrey; and son-in-law James Buddy Horne.Memorials in Howards name may be made to the Great Falls Rescue Mission.