Russell (Rusty) Lee Stuart, 56, passed away at Holy Rosary Extended Care on November 24, 2017 surrounded by his family after an extended battle with cancer.

Rusty was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Edward and Virginia (Melum) Stuart on January 22, 1961. After graduating from Belle Fourche High School, Rusty moved to Miles City, Montana to attend Miles Community College. At MCC he obtained an AA in Science while rodeoing for Ed Mayberry.

It was in Miles City that Rusty met Mickie Wash. On June 13, 1987 two became one and a 30 year journey began. To this union two children were born: Wacey Telle (1990) and Bailey Lee (1992). Rusty's children were one of his greatest accomplishments, you knew this instantly when he spoke with great pride about them. The joy they brought him created a smile from ear to ear he displayed with honor.

Rusty enjoyed driving many hours to rodeo's, spending time in the arenas, fighting bulls, running gates, sorting cattle and just about anything else that involved helping everyone out, including sharing his kind words of encouragement.

Rusty's love of the rodeo world and those individuals it included was a site to behold. After being a rodeo dad to many, Rusty found his way back to the arena as a rodeo judge. At many different levels while judging Rusty showed his integrity time and time again. Rusty was fair to everyone he encountered in and out of the arena.

In 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer, at a very difficult time, Rusty was blessed with the news of two additions to the family; his new daughter-in-law Nicolle and soon to follow his first grandchild Steele Russell Stuart. This blessing sparked Rusty's will to fight, with this strength he fought hard to continue his journey with his family for as long as he could. At the time of his passing, Rusty was employed at Cenex Harvest States where he met many new people that soon became friends. He loved his job and even more being able to use his ability to gab.

As his family we cannot express in words what Rusty meant to us and everyone he encountered. We also cannot accurately convey the man he truly was. But we know if you ask anyone who knew, or had met Rusty, you would hear numerous stories his compassion and generosity towards his family and anyone else he met along his ride in this life. He was the type of man who rode with Jesus Christ in his heart and his family and friends right by his side. We will always miss his kind soft encouraging words.

Rusty is survived by his wife Mickie Stuart; son Wacey (Nicolle) Stuart; daughter Bailey Stuart; grandson Steele Stuart; father Edward Stuart; sister Darla Stuart; brother Billy Stuart; sister Mary (Jason) McKinley; mother-in-law Betty (Vernon) Ganser; special friends Lloyd and Ashley Ketchum and numerous nieces and nephews. Rusty's family would like to thank the hospice nurses for the special care they provided.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Rusty selected to be laid to rest on the family acres overlooking their arena in Miles City.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Rodeo Club, 760 Wright Way Rd., Miles City, MT 59301.