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In Memory Of William “Bill” Stevens, age 65 of Ashland
June 12, 1960 – July 13, 2025
William “Bill” Craig Stevens, age 65, passed away on the morning of July 13, 2025, while out tending to his cattle on the forest.
Bill was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on June 12, 1960, to Marcus and Nancy Stevens. He was their first born and the start of the fifth generation on the Circle Bar Ranch.
Bill’s childhood included many adventures as one would expect living on a ranch. From swimming in Otter Creek to climbing the surrounding hills, Bill was always up to something. Collecting various wild animals as pets, going camping, riding his bicycle to town (Sheridan – 67 miles away), and playing in The Fort.
His education started at the one room schoolhouse on Otter Creek for the first couple of years and finishing up with 8th grade at Ashland Public School. Bill then attended and graduated from Tongue River High School in 1979. After High School, Bill traveled to Laramie, Wyoming to attend WyoTech, graduating with certificates in automotive and diesel technologies.
In the summer of 1981, Bill first met Janice (Jan) Lori Kyllo as she worked at the OW Ranch outside of Sheridan, WY. As fate would have it, Bill had accepted a flying job in Laramie as Jan was starting her freshman year at the University of Wyoming in Laramie that fall. Bill and Jan dated until she graduated in the spring of 1985. They married June 1, 1985, and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2025.
Bill and Jan welcomed Heather Anne on July 12, 1988, during the week of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, amidst a summer of numerous fires. Jennifer Ellen came two years later on October 9, 1990 while Bill was working on a water pipeline. Finally, Megan Kay arrived on August 27, 1994. Bill loved his girls and never felt outnumbered by the female presence in the house. He instilled in them the love for the ranch, family history, hunting, cooking, and being adventurous.
Bill’s love for flying started at an early age flying with his dad, Marc. Soloing at 15 and receiving his pilot’s license at age 16. While attending WyoTech he continued his piloting education as well, gathering various certifications from Commercial to Instructor. Bill finished out his certificates as a Multi-Engine Instrument Flight Instructor. In 1981, Bill took a job with Laramie Aviation as a flight instructor and charter pilot. He worked there until he moved back to the ranch in 1983. Bill continued to fly at the ranch, from looking for cattle on the forest and hunting coyotes in the winter, to taking friends and family up for a joy ride and flying to town for parts, Bill was always at home in the air. Bill’s pride and joy was the yellow and black NorthStar plane, in which he logged many hours building and even more flying.
Hunting was always a big part of Bill’s life. From the local game of mule and whitetail deer, antelope, and elk, Bill usually drew a tag. While Bill enjoyed hunting himself, he really loved taking new hunters out to show them the ropes. Later in life, Bill found a love for Africa and hunting there. In the spring of 2025, he convinced Jan to travel with him to Africa, hoping that she would share the love for it that he had. It didn’t take much convincing after Jan shot three for three.
Bill’s love for competition was evident in the many sports that he participated in. He participated in wrestling and football while attending High School. He especially enjoyed coaching little kids in wrestling, teaching them their first move; to throw their hands up in the air, yell, and run onto the mat at the other competitor, thereby forcing them off the mat. He was always studying the local Broadus High School calendar to see when the next football, basketball, or wrestling meet was going to be held so that he could attend. In the mid 1990’s, Bill found the sport of Endurance Riding with his wife. He participated in many one-day rides from ranging from 50 to 100 miles. He furthered his endurance experience by offering to help the US Endurance Team when they traveled overseas for various World Championships. His travels included Canada, the United Arab Emirates, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. In these travels he made countless friends, with many of them traveling to the ranch to visit.
The ranch was always in the forefront of Bill’s mind. He was so proud to share his love of this way of life with his family and friends. He impressed upon the girls the importance of loving the land; treating it with care so that it can provide for the coming generations. He loved the history of his family in ranching and being the Papa of the 7th generation here on Otter Creek.
Bill served on several local boards including the Powder River Conservation District and the Airport Board in Broadus. He enjoyed being involved in the decision making for the betterment of the natural resources and the longevity of ranching in Southeastern Montana. He was also a very strong fundraising advocate for the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department.
Bill’s family would like to thank our family and friends for their outpouring of support through this difficult time. Bill always felt that there were never any strangers in the world, only people he hadn’t befriended yet.
Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jan; Daughter Heather Herman (John) of Sonnette, Montana; Daughter Jennifer Clairmont (Chet) of New Bern, North Carolina; Daughter Megan Stevens of Sheridan, Wyoming; Grandchildren Tyler, Cody, and Kaylee Herman and Milo Clairmont. Parents Marcus and Nancy Stevens; Sisters Suzanne Notti (Jae) and Cynthia Gratwohl (Hal); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Dorothy Stevens, grandparents Russell and Mary Price, and his niece Rebecca Notti.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to the Bill Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will be dedicated to furthering the education of students wishing to go to trade schools.
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