William Raymond DeYott
July 31, 1970 - November 2, 2024
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the world lost a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. William Raymond DeYott known to many as Bill, and to some as Billy Ray passed away at St. Patrick's Hospital following a massive stroke. After years of battling medical challenges, Bill is finally at peace, free from pain, but his absence leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him.
Bill was preceded in death by his infant son, Donald Edward DeYott; father, Donald Edward DeYott; in-laws, Bertha and Edward Shephard; siblings Steven, Debra, Patricia and Larry DeYott; brothers-in-law, Kelly Shephard and Lyle Little, and niece and nephew Glenn DeYott and Mindy Little.
He leaves behind a family who will treasure his memory: his wife of 30 years, Sandy; son Alex; daughter Joyce; his mother Connie DeYott; siblings Joy (Jim) Grady, Denise DeYott, Donata DeYott, Lorrie DeYott, Dan Joe DeYott, Rae Ann Forseth and sister-in-laws Deanna DeYott and Tammy Little. Bill was also deeply loved by his nieces and nephews, John and James Grady, Andrea (Jason) Kost, Conner DeYott, Katie and Joey DeYott, Ritien, Mackie, and Kayla Forseth, Jennifer Little and great-nieces and nephews Haylee Grady, Kenzie Grady, Caliber Stanyer, Gabe Torbert, Eleori Kost and Cooper Simon. His extended family, including many, many cousins, also mourn his passing.
Born in Butte, Montana, and raised in Deer Lodge, Bill's journey through life was marked by resilience, intelligence and a unique sense of humor. Bill attended Job Corp, where he made lifelong friends and met his future wife, Sandy Shephard. They married in 1994, built a life together in Colorado and Montana, raising two children, and oh so many rescue animals.
Bill's love for his family was immeasurable; nurturing, supporting and inspiring his children, nieces, nephews and siblings in their hobbies and passions, helping them discover new interests, encouraging them to read, exploring new areas. He was the biggest kid in the room, the protector who would do anything for the ones he loved.
Whether through a joke, a word of advice, or a shared moment of laughter, Bill's legacy is one of love and support. He was a guardian, a prankster, a mentor, and a friend. While Bill may no longer be with us, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him. His laughter, generosity, and passion for life will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge followed by a Celebration of Life at the Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bill's memory to your local library, books in your local Little Free Library box or contributing blankets and supplies to your favorite animal rescue.
May he rest in peace, free from pain, and forever remembered with love.
