R. Dale Small, "Granddad", of Huntley, passed away at his home on June 23, 2006, at the age of 81.

Dale was born on September 16, 1924 to Ralph and Helen Small in Strong City, Oklahoma.

He shared his birthday with his father.

He grew up on the family ranch with his parents and five sisters.

Dale proudly served his country as a Marine during World War II in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned home to Oklahoma where he started his career.

Dale attended college at Hardin-Simmons College in Wichita Falls, Texas.

While at a rodeo in Vinita, Oklahoma, he met Lucille Phillips, his wife of 56 years. Dale and Lucille were married in 1950, in Bentonville, Arkansas.

They moved to Montana to work on the Padlock Ranch where Dale was ranch manager for seven years on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

He spent many years as a cattle buyer and bought cattle for Midland Packing.

Dale was a long time rodeo stock contractor in the states of Montana and Wyoming, from the 60's through the 90's. Many cowboys knew him simply as "Granddad".

Later, he sold his rodeo company to Rodney Newman & Sons. He continued working by hauling cattle on long hauls throughout the southwest until he was nearly 80.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen Small; and his sisters, Mary Gidley and Johnny Faye Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille Small; and his children, Sally {Jim} Dressler, Guy {Kay} Small, and Linda {Steve} Degenhart; his sisters, Imagene Jines, Willie Sue Kissick, and Mildred Chalfant; and his grandchildren Alyson Flatness, Erin {Paul} Curmow, Keely Degenhart, Raulie Dressler, and Wendy and Wayne Small.

Dale truly enjoyed spending time with his family throughout the years. He will be remembered as a loving and generous husband, father, and granddad.

He made many people laugh and smile along the way. We will always cherish our time with him.

Cremation has taken place, memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings, Montana.

A gathering was planned at the Shrine Auditorium immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Shrine Children's Hospital, c/o Al Beddoo Temple, P.O. Box 20673, Billings, Montana 59104.

Michelotti-Sayers Mortuary was in charge of arrangements and cremation.

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