Robert Allen McElderry, Sr. — December 11, 1949 - May 27, 2025

    Robert Allen McElderry Sr., 75, passed away with his family by his side on May 27 in Omak, Wash. Bob was born on Dec. 11, 1949, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Dan and Jean McElderry. The family later moved to St. Ignatius, on the Flathead Reservation. Bob was a very proud member of the Salish and Kootenai Confederated Tribes.
    The family eventually settled in Deer Lodge, where Bob graduated from Powell County High School in 1969. He loved the Deer Lodge Valley and embraced his passion for hunting and fishing.
    In 1968, Bob married Cyndi Johnson. The couple had two children, Bob Jr. and Tara. They later separated in 1997.
    Throughout his life, Bob worked as a highly respected and successful project manager/grant writer for various tribes across the Northwest. He was deeply committed to supporting Native communities and was known for his ability to bring people and resources together.
    Bob had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand. He gave his time freely to others, often volunteering for community events and projects. He had a special gift for research and a deep love of history - particularly tribal history and regional lore.
    He was the kind of person people turned to when they needed to know the “real story” behind something. Bob’s curiosity was endless, and he was always reading, learning and sharing what he discovered.
    Later in life, Bob enjoyed photography, beading, whittling and writing stories. He also had a deep love for music, especially the songs of his youth, which he listened to often and with joy. His creativity, thoughtfulness and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures shone through in everything he did.
    Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Jean; and brothers Dan, Tom, Glen and Ken. He is survived by his children, Bob Jr. (Meaghan) McElderry and Tara (Jeff) Serles; grandchildren Maddie and Katie Serles, and Finnegan, Leo, Henry, Milo, Sam and Betty McElderry; his brother Doug (Roxie); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
    A private burial will be held at 1 p.m. on June 28 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, led by his Masonic Brothers. A celebration of life for family and friends will follow at the Elks Lodge, located at 230 Main St., Deer Lodge.