Howard Roy Matteson, age 68, passed away September 1, 2023 at Continental Care in Butte. Howard was born August 18, 1955 in Butte, the oldest child of Howard B and Doreen (Williams) Matteson.
Howard had a love for dogs, horses, and the rodeo life. After graduating from Butte High School, he hit the trail and competed in bull riding and team roping in Texas, Arizona, and Montana. After rodeo days he continued to own, train, and ride horses with his dogs faithfully beside him.
Howard’s employment life included summer ranch work while in high school several years, working for Burlington Northern Railroad, working for Charlie at Barb Tree and Lawn, his true calling was drilling all over the U.S. for O’Keefe Drilling.
Howard enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and 4–wheeler rides. In 1977, Howard married Lola Hubbard. They remained constant companions until she passed in 2019. Together they raised 2 sons and a daughter.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lola; sister, Wanda Jean Olson; and brother-in-law, Joe Ruckdaschel.
He is survived by sons, Howie and Jeremy; daughter, Leta; brothers, Ray (Fran) and Rob (Lucretia); sisters, Debbie Matteson and Rhonda Joan Ruckdaschel; brother-in-law, Alan Olson; and aunts, Sandy (Lester) Thissen, and Lily Pansch; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Howard is also survived by grandchildren, Alyssa, Angel, TJ, Lorretta, and Tiffany.
Howard will be deeply missed by family and friends. Cremation has taken place, a private family burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff and management at Continental Care, especially Chris, Chandra and Sharlie and all his Doctors. Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.
A true cowboy never dies, he just rides off into the sunset.
He will remain in our hearts forever.
A celebration of life will be September 30 at 3:00 at Unity Church 300 South Mt. Street
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Howard.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Howard and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 P.M.
Saturday September 30, 2023
Unity Church
300 South Montana Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 P.M.
Saturday September 30, 2023
Unity Church
300 South Montana Street
Butte, Montana 59701
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Charlene Warren says
Oh, I am so very sorry to hear of this. A new Howard sophomore year at Butte high and he was such a good guy. I am so sorry to the family members.
Charlene Conniston Warren
Jaclyn Giop says
Oh Howey, we are all so sad to hear about your passing. Hopefully you are reunited with your mom, Lola and the others. We will surely miss you. Your family at O’Keefe Drilling.
Sherry Williamson says
I am so sorry for your loss and your familys. I can’t believe we lost our last parent within a few weeks of each other. Thank you for the call Howie. Hugs!
Dianna Shulund says
We are so sorry for your loss . Prayers go out to each family member 🙏 ❤️ so sorry we couldn’t make over to the service ,just know you are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace. Sending our ❤️