Bruce Jay Annis

Bruce Jay Annis, 73, passed away at Benefis Medical Center in Great Falls, Mont. on Sunday, May 13, 2018.

A Memorial get together will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at the Brownie Park in Chinook, Mont., starting at 1 p.m with a potluck to follow. His burial took place on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Kuper Memorial Cemetery. Edwards Funeral Home was entrusted with the Funeral Arrangements.

A longtime resident of Blaine County, he was visiting his family for the first time with his twin sister Betty, they were the first set of twins to come along. During the next few years, the Annis family was blessed with two more sets of twins making for a large family of thirteen, for their parents Alton Desford Annis and Orla Irene Lott Annis. Bruce went to the Harlem Grade School until the family moved to Paradise Valley, where he continued his school years at the Zurich Grade School until the eighth grade. He then enrolled in Chinook High School until his junior year.

Bruce worked in Blaine County for several years as a ranch hand and he was a good one! He started work for Ira Hall in 1967 at the age of 21. Working as a ranch hand and moving buildings is what Bruce did most. Bruce was able to do many things, what he didn't know how to do he learned quickly.

In 1972 we moved to Butte, Mont., where he enrolled in the miner's training. He was employed as an underground miner for a few years at Anaconda Mines. Later we moved back to Chinook where he worked for the Blaine County Road Department for 11 years and became a Bridge Forman after his boss retired. In 1985 we again moved to the Mountains of Anaconda, Mont. He worked one summer at the George Town Boat Club as an all-around handyman and groundskeeper. He went to work for Lisac's Tire shop in Butte, where he changed many tires and was also their handyman. Later he worked as a wrecker driver in all kinds of weather. Later he worked for Milo's where again he drove the wrecker and did all sorts of things in the shop. He was constantly busy. While working at Milo's he developed a heart condition that was to be with him for many years. He was no longer able to do all the hard jobs he was used to doing.

Bruce went to live with his nephew Shawn Eustis in Malta, Mont, he worked with Shawn at the Veterinary Clinic until the business changed hands. He lived and worked at the Robinson Ranch as an all-around help maintaining fences, irrigation, and livestock. He lived on the ranch for several years. Last fall he decided to retire from ranch life because his health was not good.

Bruce moved to the Glen Erskine Farm last fall. Because of the snow, Bruce stayed in town for the winter, where he could get the medical attention he needed.

Bruce married Rozella Hall on January 22, 1968, he was a stepfather to Debra and Edward, grandpa to Mike and Anthony Randles, and great-grandpa to Quentin, Zeke, Jeremy and Rosalie Randles.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife Rozella Annis, Son Edward Harrison, daughter Debra Stover, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, brothers George F. Annis (Dolly) of Great Falls ,Mont., Paul R. Annis (Connie), and Donald Lee Annis. His sisters, Orla M Annis of Oregon, Betty Kay Walker (George) of Hogeland, Mont., Pauline May Eustis of Chinook, and Elizabeth Hope Urban of Fort Benton, Mont.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Alton Desford Annis, Orla Irene Lott Annis, brothers Ronald W. Annis, Bryce N. Annis, and Alton E. Annis. Sisters Violet G. Olson, and Donna M. Bennett. And great-grandson Skylar Randles infant son of Amber and Anthony Randles.

Bruce was always there if someone needed his help and he often gave advice at the same time. He was taken with his family and brothers and sisters at his side. He will no longer feel the ache in his back, if there are horses in heaven he will be riding or driving them. Until we all meet him again, may God be with you, Bruce.

Condolences can be made to Rozella Annis at P.O. Box 962 Chinook, MT 59523 or to the Chinook Senior Center.