Albert George Reather

1935 - 2022

Albert George Reather

Albert George Reather passed away peacefully on the morning of February the 18th, 2022 in Hamilton, Montana. Albert was born in Billings, MT on February 5th, 1935 to Ann M. and Albert L. Reather. He was the second oldest of four children. Albert grew up in Billings and attended St. Francis Catholic elementary school and Billings Central High, where he excelled in academics and sports. Albert, who was also known by the nickname "Sonny" was a member of the 1952, undefeated Central High Rams football team. Albert played the position of left halfback alongside Central High hall-of-famer and Notre Dame back fielder, Dean Studer, in a stellar season taking the Rams to their first state championship victory. After high school, Albert attended Eastern Montana College and took to the gridiron for the Eastern Montana Yellowjackets. In 1956 Albert began work with the Montana Highway Department as an engineer's assistant. He met the love of his life, Ruth Wilkinson in 1957. Albert and Ruth were married on September 7th, 1959. In August of 1960, Ruth and Albert's first child, Lorinda Kay was born but sadly passed away minutes after her birth. One year later, in August of 1961, they were blessed with a second daughter, Cindi Lee. Albert, Ruth and Cindi lived in Billings until Al's work took him to Helena in 1977. Al worked for the Highway Department for 30 years, specializing in bridge construction, then as a project manager and bridge inspector. After retirement in 1987, Albert and Ruth moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where Al worked for Morrison-Maierle Engineering and then for the Arizona Department of Transportation. In 2003, Al and Ruth returned to Montana to be closer to Cindi and her husband Mark along with their grandsons Kevin and Tony. They built a home in Hamilton and spent their golden years together driving back and forth to Missoula and to Mark and Cindi's property on Echo Lake near Philipsburg. In later years, Albert spent a great deal of time with his grandson Tony, who Tony affectionately referred to as "Pops." They especially enjoyed Echo Lake and exploring the mountains and forests of the beautiful Pintler wilderness. There were many campfire stories, early morning runs to the bakery and more than a few pranks on Mom, Dad and "Grammy." Albert was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Ann Reather, his brothers, Orville and Ronald, sister Shirley and daughter Lorinda. He is survived by his wife Ruth of Hamilton, daughter and son-in-law Cindi and Mark Woodward of Missoula and grandsons Kevin and Tony of Missoula. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to friends Theresa and Mike King and family, for their help and friendship over the past few years. They would also like to thank Fr. James Connor of St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton and to Home Hospice of Hamilton for their kind and caring assistance. There are no services planned at this time.