Russell Peterson

Russell E Peterson (90) passed away on May 15, 2023 surrounded by family. Russell was born in Butte, Montana on May 26, 1932. He attended East Fox School in the Big Hole Valley until 8th grade and then went to Dillon for high school. After high school, Russell served in the army for two years and was stationed in Sacramento. He returned home to Montana and attended Montana State for a short period of time. He then returned to his family ranch, the 40 Bar, to become a lifelong rancher.

On December 28, 1958, Russell married Patricia Richardson, a marriage that lasted 65 years. Russell and Pat had four children together and raised them in the Big Hole Valley on the ranch. Russell was an excellent rancher and took great pride in raising quality cattle. He employed many people over the years, each of whom he treated as family, and many became lifelong friends. He and Pat welcomed visitors at any time, usually with a full meal and a cup of coffee or a toddy. Russell enjoyed spending his free time hunting with his brother, Marvin, and fishing around the ranch and in Alaska, or anywhere that had a fish. He was forever trying to catch the “big one".



After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Russell passed away at Barrett Hospital in Dillon, MT. Russell is survived by wife, Pat Peterson, and three of his children, Doug (Deanna) Peterson, MD (Heidi) Peterson, Janine (Jeff) Hale, as well as his son-in-law, Joe Foster. Russell had nine grandchildren: Dale Peterson; Darby and Sam Peterson; Holly, Ben, and Sam Hale; and Allyson, Molly, and Katie Foster. He is also survived by his brother, Marvin, of Minden, Nevada as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Elvin Peterson, daughter, Shirley Foster, and brother, Donald Peterson.



A celebration of life for Russell and Donald Peterson will be on June 11th from 1-4pm at

Jackson Hot Springs Lodge.