David R. "Rocky" Stonebraker

1934 - 2009

David Robert "Rocky" Stonebraker, 74, of Ennis passed away April 4, 2009, at Madison Valley Medical Center from complications following hip surgery.

Rocky was born in Consumers, Utah, a coal mining town, on June 2, 1934, to Anna Millich and David Moss Stonebraker.

In the early 1940s he moved with his parents to Bakersfield, Calif. Rocky attended Garces Catholic High School where he was well-liked, captain of the football team and voted "most likely to succeed." He graduated as president and valedictorian of his class in 1952. He then attended St. Mary's College in Moraga, Calif., for two years.

Rocky's first marriage was to Marlene Wilson in 1955. They had two children, Andrea Lynn and David Christian (Chris) Stonebraker. They divorced in 1970.

In 1957 he went to work for the Wilshire Paint and Decorating Store, eventually becoming manager and was a well-respected businessman in the community for the next 15 years.

In 1971 Rocky met and married Judith "Judi" Cappell. After a year, it was their love of the outdoors and fishing that led them to sell the house, pack up the camp trailer and head out to find a new place to live. Their travels led them to Ennis, where they purchased the Silver Dollar Bar and Steak House. At that time it was a "Mom and Pop" operation through which they met and were accepted by the wonderful people who live there. After about a year and a half they realized that they were too busy to enjoy the reason they settled in Ennis, so the sold the Silver Dollar.

Rocky then became a successful painting contractor until 1985 when his kidneys failed and he was on dialysis for the next 18 months. On Feb. 15, 1987, he received a donated kidney that was a very special gift which he took exceptional care of for the next 22 years of his life. Even though Rocky was not able to resume his painting business after the transplant, he devoted many years to the newly established Madison Meadows Golf Course by serving as both manager and board president. He achieved his goal during that tenure to pay off the loan on the golf course, add a room to the clubhouse and purchase equipment and golf carts.

Rocky loved hunting, camping, golfing and fishing. He shared this love with his family. Rocky had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh, which are just some of the things that will be remembered.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judi; daughter, Andrea Hennig and her husband, Bob Hennig of Roseville, Calif.; son, Chris Stonebraker of Molokai, Hawaii; grandson, Ryan Andress of Napa Valley, Calif.; granddaughter, Alison Stonebraker of Red Lodge; brother, Terry Stonebraker and his wife, Mary of Bakersfield, Calif.; nephew, Keith Stonebraker of Bakersfield, Calif.; niece, Lori Stonebraker of Hollywood, Calif.; and half siblings, Chuck Stonebraker, Jeannie and Janice. Also, Aileen Stonebraker of Red Lodge, who was previously married to Rocky's son Chris, remains a devoted daughter-in-law. Not to mention the many other family and friends that made a huge impact on Rocky's life.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a gathering of family and friends scheduled for later this spring.

The family has requested memorials to the Ennis Volunteer Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 147, Ennis, MT 59729.

K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Ennis is handling arrangements.