Robert George O'Bill passionate creator of Our Lady of the Rockies passed away peacefully August 14th 2016 with the support of his beloved wife, girls & special friends. Bob was a tough Bohunk born in Butte on March 14, 1933 to Olga Miller O'Bill and John Robert O'Bill. He was raised on the Boulevard with his two siblings Doris Jean and Betty Lou. Bob attended St. Joseph's grade school and graduated from Butte High School. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy returning after his tour of duty to steal the heart of his future wife and love of his life Joyce Merritt. They married August 24th 1952, they have been inseparable ever since. After the Navy they moved to Chicago and he worked at Electra-motive. During their short time in Chicago they were blessed with their first child, Michelle. Soon after her birth they moved to Anaconda, Montana where he worked for BA&P Railroad where they were blessed with their second daughter Marna. After the BA&P closed he starting working at the Anaconda Company as an electrician proceeded by the Montana Power Co.
His motto was "Once a job has begun, never leave it til it's done, be the job great or small, do it right or not at all." His passion and drive resulted in his dream of Our Lady of the Rockies, which was Bob's dedication to his wife and all women around the world. Bob's dream of a statue of Mother Mary overlooking his city came true when the community of Butte & an enormous amount of Bob's friends came together to make his dream a reality on December 20, 1985.
When Bob wasn't working hard providing for his family, or spending countless hours on the statue, he enjoyed spending time in his second home in Whitehall, MT. Whitehall became an animal sanctuary as well as a gathering place for family, and friends. Bob found no greater joy than preparing a huge Sunday breakfast for anyone that wanted to drop in. He also enjoyed traveling with his friends, laughing endlessly with his good buddy Bill, and always getting lost along the way!
Bob had a servants heart and spent many joyful days working at the Food Bank. He was known for his infectious smile, larger than life attitude, great sense of humor and grateful heart. He would give you the clothes off his back, literally doing so for many as well as filling your pockets with money whether you needed it or not. He knew he was the richest man on earth & he was content living in the Mining City on the Richest Hill on Earth.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, Olga and John O'Bill, his sister, Doris McCaul, and all his beloved pets over the years. We are certain he received a grand welcome into heaven.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce, his two daughters, Michelle O'Bill Fisher, and Marna (John) Abbott, his granddaughter, Shawna Gibson, great granddaughter Lilly (Biscuit) Koefelda, sister Betty Knoepke, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as his extended family, the Bill Fisher Family.
In honor of Bob at his request please make donations to Our Lady of the Rockies Foundation, or the Butte Food Bank.
He had too many friends to mention & thank, but we know from the depths of Bob's heart he would thank each one individually if he could.

Relatives and friends are asked to join with the family Thursday from 10:00Am to 11:00AM in St. Patrick's Church for visitations. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM. Interment of ashes will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.