Florence – William D. “Bill” Hanson, 67, of Florence, MT, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 in his home following a long battle with cancer. He was born October 29, 1953, and was adopted at the age of 3 into a family of 6 children, all of whom were adopted by Robert and Dorothy Hanson. The children grew up on a ranch north of Big Timber, MT. He attended 1st through 8th grade at the o.ne-room Cherry Creek Elememtary schoolhouse.
He went to Sweet Grass High School in Big Timber where he graduated in 1973. Bill loved telling everyone that his phone number growing up was ‘’three longs and a short’’ and would wait to see if they could figure it out! Some did- some didn’t!
After High School, Bill moved to Virginia, competing in the 3 Diamond Rodeo Circuit riding bulls. He got a job working at Stump’s Junkyard, where he met and married Donna J. Frazier in June of 1976. They had 5 daughters and later divorced.
In the year 2000, Bill made a trip back to Montana and met Patty J. Gress. They married in September of 2002.
In 2017, Bill received a call from a brother who had been looking for him and his siblings for decades. He finally got the chance to meet his long-lost brother Mike Maroney and sister Georgia Stier. It made a real difference in his life!
Bill grew up hunting, fishing, looking for arrowheads, agates and morel mushrooms. His love of the outdoors was evident in every aspect of his life. He was a hard worker who tried his hand at many different jobs across the country, where he never met a
stranger and acquired many lifelong friends. But Bill’s true passion was beekeeping. He loved talking about them, working with them, and would gladly pass on his knowledge to any one who wanted to learn about them. His favorite part about being a beekeeper, was giving family, friends and strangers alike, a sparkling jar of his golden honey.
Bill had a heart as big as the state he loved. He was very proud to be a Montanan. He would give a helping hand to anyone in need. Bill will be truly missed by many. May you Rest in Peace, Dear Billy!
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Hanson, his brothers Mark (Shadow) Hanson, Joel Hanson and Mike Maroney, sister and brother-in-law Leslie and Richard Spomer, in-laws Anthony and Dolores Gress, and nephews Michael and Ryan Kane.
Bill is survived by his wife Patty of Florence, MT, brother Richard Hanson, Cleveland, TX, sisters Paula (Terry) Froehner, San Augustine, TX, Georgia (Jan) Stier, Great Falls, MT, sister-in-law Sandy Maroney, Lakebay, WA, In-laws Kathe (Kenny) Kane, Drummond, MT, Sandy Evans, Stevensville, MT, Vicki (Russs) Hanni, Stevensville, MT, and Tom (Bonnie) Gress, Missoula, MT. Daughters Paula Whisten, Staunton, VA, Hedda Rhea (Aaron) Kozel, Stuarts Draft, VA, Grace Braxton, Stuarts Draft, VA, Laurel Hanson, Crimora, VA, Haley Grant, MI, and Kallie (Tel) Harris, Florence, MT. 13 Gtandchildren: Caitlynn Hearn, Lonnie Whisten, Denelli Hanson, Rausey Braxton, Donna Jade Hanson, Lakin Braxton, Nevada Kozel, Noah Kozel, Abigayle Agnor, Eddie Banks, Brooklynn Grant, and Nalina & Saharra Harris. 2 Great Grandchildren: Riley Anderson and Roman Hearn. Bill had many neices and nephews that he truly loved and kept in close contact with.
A Memorial in Honor of William will be held for Family & Friends on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Cramer Ranch in Big Timber. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.