Theodore "Ted" Henry

1932 - 2025

Theodore "Ted" Henry passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 1, 2025, in Billings, MT at the age of 92.

Ted was born on April 5, 1932, in Billings, MT to George and Margaret Henry. He completed the 8th grade before deciding his time was better spent farming beside his dad and brothers outside of Laurel. He married Dorothy Bernhardt in 1956. Shortly after marrying, they began their family, welcoming four children, and settled south of Laurel. Ted spent his days in the fields planting and harvesting everything from corn to barley to beets and more. When he wasn't working the fields or irrigating, he was tinkering on machinery with Ron, Ken, Lance, Eric and Ryan. He also spent time milking cows and later raising livestock, including cows, pigs, and chickens.

Ted was a hard worker and always on the go. After retiring from farming, he worked at a brake shop in Billings, a gravel pit south of Laurel, the beet dump, was a ditch rider, and at the age of 70 started as a groundskeeper at the Laurel Golf Course and worked until the age of 89. He had also been a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church, where he served as a deacon for many years.

Ted enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. A dedicated 4-H leader during his children's youth, he later shared his passion by helping his grandchildren care for their animals. He found great joy in the outdoors, especially camping and fishing with his family at Deadman's Basin, Martinsdale, and Newlan Reservoir. He would also take the kids and eventually the grandkids down to the Clark's Fork River and spend hours fishing. At home, Ted could often be found working in the yard and tending to the numerous flower beds, large vegetable garden and fruit trees alongside Dorothy.

Ted is survived by children: Cindy Ripley, Ron Henry, Sheryl (Lance) Graham, daughter-in-law, Cindy Henry; grandchildren: Eric Ripley and sons, Flayten and Kaleb (Haley) and daughter Sophia; Keri Werning and son, Kash; Aaron (Carrie) Graham and daughters, Abby and Lizzy; Nichole Graham and children, Brady and Everlee; Ryan Henry and Sara Henry. Ted is also survived by his sister Iline Rehling; sister-in-laws, Darlene Bromenshenk, Donna Perrigo, and Gladys Bernhardt; brother-in-law, Don Bernhardt and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy; son, Ken; parents; brothers, George and Richard Henry; sisters, Marion Templin, Hannah Kautz, Toots Henry, Esther Morton and numerous other family members.

Services will be held Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11am at the First Congregational Church. Memorials can be sent to the First Congregational Church or Special K Ranch.