Benny Lew "Ben" Armentrout

Benny Lew Armentrout, 79, our beloved Dad and Grandpa passed away from difficulties due to colon cancer and set about his trek to be with The Lord on November 22, 2025. He was born January 1946 in Portland, Oregon to his late parents Benjamin and Lucy Armentrout and was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation. It is with his fond memories from the early age of 7, Ben grew up in Texas and Oklahoma. Beginning in the town of Grand Falls, Texas, then moving to Royalty, Texas at age 10. At age 12, he and his family moved back to the birthplace of his mother, Atoka, Oklahoma, where he remained until the age of 17. Within that time there was a lifelong bond created with the family of Slick and Slyvia Morris of Hugo, Oklahoma who adopted and treated him like their own son. In 1963, at the age of 17, Ben enlisted in the United States Navy for a 6-year service obligation. Where he served ready and willing to give up his life in service to our country. He was stationed aboard the USS Ticonderoga, Attack Aircraft Carrier (CVA) – 14. In 1969, he was honorably discharged. In 1972, Ben moved to Montana with his not so little brother Big John. He wound up staying for the rest of his life. 1980 was a pivotal point for Ben's future. He met the love of his life, Estelle (Russell) Armentrout. They married on November 14, 1980, until her passing on March 2022. That day his heart was broken. During his marriage with Estelle, he assumed responsibility for two children. At that time, 9-year-old Haroldine Fisher and newborn Cliff Jon Russell whom he raised as his own. That same year, Ben closed a chapter in his life, to open another, one about sobriety on March 20, 1980. He never let us forget about that day; he chose us over alcohol. Ben started his 41-year career quest learning about substance abuse and the effect it has on families. He began as a detoxification tech which led to him becoming a full-fledged Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Ben graduated in 1995 from Dull Knife Community College and from Salish Kootenai College with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services in 1998. Ben was an avid cribbage and chess player; he always had a board at the ready. He spent years working on cars and was pretty good at it. He would sing to his children, even after they were grown, he would sing to Estelle, Just Beyond the Moon by Tex Ritter. Ben was baptized last year at Crazy Head Springs by the Lutheran Church Circle of Life, for it was his faith in Jesus Christ that never wavered and kept his spirit up through the tough times. He was very proud of LaRenzo in his achievements of graduating from law school, earning his Master's in Public Administration and military service, especially when LaRenzo earned his E-5 Rank – Sergeant. Ben is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Estelle (Russell) Armentrout, his parents Benjamin and Lucy Armentrout, adopted parents Slick and Slyvia Morris, brothers John and Frank Armentrout, Niece, Allison Littlewhiteman. Ben is survived by his daughter Haroldine Fisher and son, Cliff Jon (Bernadette) Russell, Grandkids, LaRenzo W. Roanbear, Kylen, Karson, Cross and Chayla Russell, Mahya and Callie Littlewhiteman, Nephews, John Armentrout Jr., and Benjamin Armentrout, Nieces, Diandra Littlewhiteman and Francis Armentrout. Sister-in-law Shirley (Morris) Armentrout. Adopted brothers, Davis Wounded Eye Sr., Myron (Cheryl) Littlebird, Close Friends John Retski, and John Hackenburg. Special thanks to William Littlewolf. Also, special thanks to the staff of Advanced Care in Billings, MT and Laurel's Rehabilitation Center. The relationship that we had with Ben doesn't end here, he is with God and the Lord Jesus Christ, his beloved wife Estelle, as well as friends and family that have gone before him. During his many years on earth, he has touch people's hearts and spirits with love, devotion and empathy. We will miss you and cherish our memories with you forever. We know you and mother are with us every day.