Rodney Hobaugh

Rodney Hobaugh, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on March 7, 2025, in Bozeman, MT, at the age of 84.

Rodney was born on June 4, 1940, in Dillon, MT. His childhood was spent in Montana and Pennsylvania. Rodney attended high school in Philipsburg, MT, where he met his future wife, Gayle Morrison. After graduating from Montana State University, he worked for Burlington Northern in Idaho and Montana. Rodney and Gayle moved their family to Bozeman in 1973. While in Bozeman they enjoyed 45 wonderful years of marriage and Rodney developed a long career as a contractor and business owner prior to retiring and returning to Philipsburg. He stayed active through his retirement, enjoying his favorite outdoor activities, various projects at his home, and spending time with Patty, family, and cherished dogs.

Throughout his life, Rodney had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and spent much of his free time camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and exploring on dirt bikes and his side-by-side. His love for adventure took him on memorable trips to Moab, Alaska, Costa Rica, and throughout remote Montana.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Patty McDonald; sister, Loraine (Richard) Gilroy; his daughters, Wendy Hobaugh (Dave Murphy), Melissa Hobaugh, and Helen Hobaugh (Ryan Saunders); grandchildren, Justine (Josh) Palmer and Jason (Megan) Cowdrey; and great-grandchildren, Jesse, Vanderbilt, Dagny, and Sloane. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Hobaugh, and his son, Kenneth Hobaugh.

A memorial service will be held on March 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service, 300 Highland boulevard, Bozeman. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer in Philipsburg, MT. Contributions in Rodney's honor are suggested to the Philipsburg Area Education Foundation (paefmt.com).

Rodney cherished time with family and friends, whether sharing morning coffee or embarking on outdoor excursions. Rodney’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.