Robert "Bob" Elton Windom

Robert Elton "Bob" Windom, 89, passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bob was born on November 8, 1936, in Albany, Oregon, to Walter and Clara (Pitcher) Windom. He was one of six children and is survived by his brother, Marvin "Buck" Windom, and his sisters, Anita Hutchins and Cheryl Moos.
Because his father worked construction on major infrastructure projects throughout Oregon during the post-war boom, Bob attended schools across the state before graduating from Reedsport High School.
The summer he turned fifteen, Bob took a job on the Bill Kittredge Ranch on Klamath Marsh, where his father, uncle, and older brother had worked when they were young men.  Ranch life suited him well. He quickly earned a reputation as someone who would tackle any job, fix almost anything, and quietly get things done. He spent every summer and several years after graduation working on the ranch, participating in cattle drives, branding, horse breaking, and seasonal trail drives. He was recognized as an emerging leader and expected to build a future in ranching until he received his draft notice.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Around that same time, he met his sister's best friend, a spirited redhead named Rita. The two married on December 28, 1959, and Rita joined him at Fort Carson. Together they built a life and marriage that would span more than sixty-six years.
After his military service, Bob and Rita moved to Winslow, Arizona, where Bob began working in the beverage distribution business. While in Winslow, they welcomed their sons, David and Evan.
In 1963, the family moved to The Dalles, Oregon, where their daughter Debbie was born. Four years later, in 1967, they relocated to Libby, Montana, where they put down permanent roots and became deeply involved in the community they would call home for the rest of their lives.
In Libby, Bob built a successful career as a beverage distributor and entrepreneur. Together, he and Rita expanded their business interests to include Sunshine Vending, a Montgomery Ward franchise, Pioneer Sports, a Kawasaki and Arctic Cat franchise. These ventures helped fuel a family passion for motorcycles, snowmobiling, and outdoor adventure.
Summer weekends were often spent at local lakes, fishing, water skiing, and trail riding, with Bob leading the way and Rita bringing up the rear. He built a trail system in the woods behind the house, so the kids had a safe place to play.  Every winter he would plow a 10-foot-tall sledding hill next to the warehouse that hosted all the kids in the neighborhood and their saucer sleds.
In the 1970s, Bob discovered what would become another lifelong passion: aviation. After earning his pilot's license, he often said he was never more at peace than when he was flying. Beyond personal enjoyment, he volunteered countless hours flying search-and-rescue missions for the Civil Air Patrol. He was also instrumental in providing aerial photography and tours of the region for location scouts who ultimately selected Libby as a filming location for Steven Spielberg's movie Always.
Service to family and community came naturally to Bob. He rarely sought recognition, preferring instead to work quietly behind the scenes. He helped establish the Libby Sno-Kat Club and build the snowmobile track at Pipe Creek. He assisted with numerous Logger Days floats for organizations including Volunteer Hospice and the Civil Air Patrol. Through Windom Distributing, he sponsored Libby's first youth soccer program for several years, helping introduce the sport to local families.
In retirement, Bob and Rita purchased a home in Ajo, Arizona. A lifelong fan of Western history and culture, Bob became fascinated with the Sonoran Desert and the people who had traveled through it for centuries. He volunteered with an organization that restored natural desert water sources, helping provide water for bighorn sheep and other wildlife. He was also an accomplished photographer who received several awards for his images of the Southwest. Their Arizona home became a welcoming refuge for friends and family seeking sunshine during Montana's long winters.
In his later years, Bob devoted himself to caring for Rita following her stroke and throughout her health struggles. Even while battling cancer himself, he made sure she reached every appointment and had everything she needed. His care for Rita reflected the same sense of duty, loyalty, and quiet service that characterized every stage of his life.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita Windom; his parents, Walter and Clara Windom; his sister, Mida; his brother, Clinton Windom; and his brother-in-law, Richard Moos.
He is survived by his brother, Marvin "Buck" Windom; his sisters, Anita Hutchins and Cheryl Moos; his children, David Windom, Evan Windom, and Debbie Windom; his daughter-in-law, Brenda Windom; his grandchildren, Josh Windom, Cheri Senna, and Jake Lewis; and his great-grandchildren, Noah Windom and Jaden Lewis.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Bob will be remembered for his steady hands, adventurous spirit, quiet generosity, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby, MT. Online condolences and memories  may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com. 

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