Ted Keating

MOLT - Ted Keating was a rancher, entrepreneur, businessman, author - but most of all, he was a family man. There was nothing he loved more than being with his family. He was proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ted was surrounded by his family in his last hours on April 25, 2010, when he passed away.

Ted was born on March 16, 1921, at the ranch home in Molt to Henry and Carrie Keating. He was the youngest and only boy of five children. Fancheon, Thelma "Peg," Mildred "Midge" and Joyce welcomed him and have preceded him in death.

Ted graduated from Columbus High School and attended college at Montana State University and went on to the University of Washington to pursue his master's until he entered the Army during WWII. He attained the rank of Lieutenant. While stationed in New York, he met Eleanor Woldan, a hostess at an officer's dance on Staten Island. They were married in June 1946 and spent 63 years together until Eleanor passed away last April. Ted and Eleanor raised five children at the family ranch in Molt.

Ted served a term as Stillwater County Commissioner and headed the tax appeal board for several years. He was very active in promoting Charolais cattle helping found the Montana Charolais Association and serving on the Board of Directors for the American International Charolais Association. Ted was one of the original promoters and the first President of the Board of Directors of the Yellowstone Boys Ranch, now known as the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. He continued to serve on the board  for 16 years.

Besides ranching, Ted and Eleanor found the time to visit all 50 states and five of the continents. He loved following the activities of his grandkids and great-grandkids in Rapelje, Columbus and Park City, and had many "adopted" grandkids in all of those communities. He continued to write his novels, finishing his fifth manuscript weeks before his death. He leaves many good friends and relatives who will miss his sharp mind and gracious hospitality.

Survivors include his sons, John (Shirley), Steve (Jacki) and David (Marge); daughters Maureen (Bob) Hemphill and Chris (Lance) Uhrich; foster son Kip Raffael; grandchildren Amy (Dan) Miller, Mat (Heather) Keating, Melissa Keating, Kris (Brian) Krieger, Ryan Hemphill, Gerald Oyon Oyon, Jefferson Keating, Cara Hemphill, Michael Keating, Eric Hemphill, Duman Lucas, Becky Gall, Sarah Keating,  Brianna Krieger, Brooke Krieger, Chloe, Chase and Chance Keating  and Kaden Miller.

Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at a private service as we lay him to rest beside his beloved Eleanor. A celebration of Ted's life will be held this summer on July 10, at the ranch in Molt. At Ted's request, memorials can be made to the Rapelje PTA, c/o Carol Thompson, PO Box 89, Rapelje, MT 59067.

Ted Keating

(Courtesy photo)