Robert Waldo May

Bob was born in Yakima WA where he grew up with a farm work ethic and strong Christian values. After moving to Montana as a teen, he enlisted in the Navy (WWII and Korean War Veteran), and spent the majority of his adult life in Montana. He married and was widowed twice, raised 3 daughters and 2 stepdaughters, and ultimately finished out the last 18+ months of his life basking in the Arizona sunshine.

He's been lovingly described by family and friends as “a man of many stories,” “an incredible sense of style,” “the easiest person to get along with in any room he was in,” “an admirably simple guy in a complicated time,” “the most stubborn person I’ve ever known, loved his family deeply, and a joy to be around,” “he was full of good humor, set an example of kindness and respect, was full of opinions and equally eager to learn and explore new perspectives. He was a very, very special being and it’s an honor to be part of his family.”

Bob is survived by sisters, Lois (Carl) McGlothin and Ida Middleton; sister-in-law, Madelyn May; brother-in-law Daryl Tichenor; daughters, Gina Mathis and Rebecca Ballotta; stepdaughter Nikki (Matt) Sumner; grandchildren, Tony (Ashley) Martin, Grady Stinchfield (Autumn Harris), Avery Ballotta (Emily Moran), and Gabe Ballotta; step-grandchildren Caleb & Alisa Sumner; and great grandchildren, Paige, Ben, and Emma. Bob will also be missed by his extended family and his many great life-long friends, too numerous to mention.

Graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Helena, Montana. Immediately following the graveside service, a celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the Helena Nazarene Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions to assist the family with burial costs may be sent to Paster Dan Thompson, Helena Nazarene Church, 117 Valley Dr, Helena MT 59601.