Roby Edward Ring

On the eve of the first anniversary of his sister’s passing, Roby Edward Ring, 57, chose to join Kim and Jesus in his heavenly home.

Roby was born on July 27, 1966, the third of four children born to Ron and Chere Ring. He was welcomed home by two sisters, Rhona and Kim, who anxiously awaited the new “baby doll.” Two years later, the baby role was filled by his brother Chad, who was his dearest friend.

From the beginning, Rob was a free spirit who marched to his own drum, tested every limit and pushed all boundaries. “He had a heart the size of Texas that was only outmatched by his mouth,” which may (or may not) have served him well over time. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend, an avid fisherman, and a fierce advocate for those trying to overcome their inner struggles.

Growing up in a neighborhood full of kids on Cook Avenue, he was out the door at the crack of dawn and came home when the sun went down. He played hard at all things boy and excelled at every sport in his youth. He especially loved playing Little League baseball and being on the boys all star team with his sister, Kim. He graced (or tormented, depending on who you talk to) the halls of Meadowlark Elementary, Will James Junior High and Billings West High.

Following high school, Rob enlisted in the Navy and served for a brief time. Military life was not for him, so, once free of his commitment, he left the state of Montana with his lifelong best friend and brother from another mother, Dan Kennedy. They headed to the great state of Florida, where they worked on fishing boats and lived the life of young single men in the Florida Keys.

Upon his return to Montana, he successfully owned and operated a well-established and reputable roofing company. He took great pride in his company and could point out every home he ever worked on while driving around Billings and the surrounding areas.

He loved kitties, fishing, playing cards, potlucks and family gatherings. Known as a fiery opponent on poker tables or an accomplished angler on any river or lake, Rob lived his life doing what he loved with those he cared most about.

Although Rob never married nor had children of his own, he had a lot of fur babies and was affectionately known as a crazy cat man. The craze started when he brought home a stray kitten he found on the Crow reservation, naming her Garryowen Two Pettings or Gary, for short. Following a long and pampered life, Rob was crushed when Gary crossed the rainbow bridge. He then adopted Catsy Cline and, shortly after, Runt. Lizzy and Linus completed his little fur family.

Rob also suffered from alcoholism and depression, diseases he struggled with for many years. While he was unable to overcome the battle, he was a persistent fighter who lived every day as fully as he could. Some of his greatest support and friendships could be found in the rooms of an AA meeting or recovery group.

Rob is survived by his beloved parents, Ron Ring and Chere Ring; his sister Rhona (Tim) Webb; his best friends, brother Chad Ring and Dan Kennedy; and his four kitties. Also left to mourn are his nieces and nephews, Lyndsay (Jeff) Van Steenburgh, Mike (Hannah) Glassing, Joe (Shyanne) Ryan and great-nieces and nephews Emma, Parker, Malia, Sawyer, Harrison and Leighton. He was welcomed into heaven by his sister Kim Ryan and grandparents, Ed and Emma Ring, whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service will be  at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings, followed by a potluck luncheon at the Columbia Club, formerly known as Knights of Columbus at 2216 Grand Ave. Rob loved potlucks because of all the different foods but, please, do not feel obligated to bring anything. The service will also be live streamed via Rob’s obituary on the Michelotti-Sawyers webpage at https://www.michelottisawyers.com/listings.

If so inclined, in lieu of flowers, please donate in Rob’s memory to Gratitude In Action, 1234 Avenue C, Billings, MT 59102, an organization near and dear to his heart.