It is with much sadness we announce that Rick Elhart of Glendive, Montana passed away on February 12th, 2026. On January 7th, he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. He was able to spend most of his final month at home, but in his last few days, he was under the care of the wonderful physicians and staff at the Glendive Medical Center.
Rick worked hard throughout his lifetime. In grade school, he began by selling seed packets and greeting cards door-to-door in his Grand Junction, Colorado neighborhood. He also helped to keep the floor tidy at a local barber shop as well as pumped gas and serviced vehicles at the local Texaco station. In his late teens, he worked on road construction crews and painted houses. He earned good money from these and was able to buy his first beloved champion yellow Labrador retriever “Frosty,” a snazzy Camero, and his first motorcycle. Rick had a love of cars – he and his brother Steve were known as “the Camero Brothers” in High School! He also established his very own painting business: “Elhart’s Custom Painting” which is how he paid for his college education. After college, he continued to be successful in his painting business and became very well known for his high integrity and quality workmanship.
Rick loved being outdoors and was an active Boy Scout. Growing up, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and exploring – especially with his younger brother. Rick brought up his family with these same pastimes, and together they enjoyed many boating and camping trips, hiking, cutting firewood, making memories at the Oregon coast and sitting by the crackle of a Montana campfire under the stars. Throughout the years of adventures, at least one Labrador was always with the family. Rick had a dear love for his dogs!
At age 23, he met his wife Susan at a wine & cheese party put on by their local church. They were married inside that same church the following year. A few years later, they moved to Portland, Oregon, where Rick opened an employment agency and worked for Safeco and United Grocers Insurance Companies. They then began their new family: first with their yellow Labrador retriever “Willie” and then with daughters Kate & Penny.
Rick’s career as an AAL/Thrivent Financial planner is where he really shined. All his life experiences, successes and failures taught him how to handle life’s many challenges. This came through in his financial coaching for his clients. In fact, he considered his job more of a ministry and this was evident in how he advised his clients. His guidance will be a gift that keeps on giving for many generations to come. Rick lived generously, gave to God and helped his family and community in whatever capacity he was able.
Rick was knowledgeable about nearly everything. He could fix cars, do remodeling, make furniture, cut giant trees for firewood and repair just about anything. Rick was also very involved in church and community organizations. These included: Optimist Club, Kiwanis, church council president as well as other church boards, heading up fundraisers, presenting seminars and participating in men’s Bible study groups. His leadership was very much appreciated, and he knew how to run meetings effectively and efficiently so that people could get back home to their families.
Rick is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan; daughter Kate (Jerem) Joyce of Glendive, Montana, and daughter Penny (Nick) Leslie of Austin, Texas; grandchildren: Jadis, Audrey, Kian and Chloe; siblings: Linda (Jim) Bosley of White City, Oregon, and Steve (Sunnie) Elhart of Waldport, Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews; and lastly Rick’s best furry pal, Chester, who misses him dearly.
Silha Funeral Home in Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. There are two memorial services planned to honor and celebrate Rick’s life. The first service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive, MT on Thursday, March 19th at 11 am with a luncheon to follow in the downstairs fellowship room. The second service will be on Friday, June 12th at 10am at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Helena, MT. Lunch will also be served after the service along with the opportunity to share some “Rick” stories that you all may have. We are looking forward to seeing both family & friends as we celebrate and honor Rick’s life together.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday March 19, 2026
Zion Lutheran Church
401 Riverview Avenue
Glendive, Montana 59330
Funeral Reception
Immediatley following the memorial service
Thursday March 19, 2026
Fellowship Hall of the church
,
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 12, 2026
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediatley following the Celebration of His Life
Friday June 12, 2026
Social Center of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday March 19, 2026
Zion Lutheran Church
401 Riverview Avenue
Glendive, Montana 59330
Funeral Reception
Immediatley following the memorial service
Thursday March 19, 2026
Fellowship Hall of the church
,
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 12, 2026
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediatley following the Celebration of His Life
Friday June 12, 2026
Social Center of the Church
,
Share
Mark says
I am sad to here of Rick’s passing. The short time I was a Thrivent Representative Rick and I had interacted and communicated.
Sherry Gunter says
Rick is such a gentle, caring and generous soul. Love and prayers for you Susie, Kate, and Penny.
Karen Duncan says
Rick was generous with his time and good advice. I knew him and Susan in Helena and later reached out to him when a young friend was moving to Glendive. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Chine Strobel says
I met Rick when he picked out Chester. He was such a nice man and I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bruce Fear says
Rick, you will be missed. Enjoy your heavenly rewards.
Elaine Bradbee says
I’m Penny’s mother-in-law and met Rick through my son’s marriage. His kindness shone through everything he did. He was very caring and generous towards me when I had cancer. He was also very welcoming whenever I went to visit with the kids. He will be missed. My prayers go out to Susie, Kate, Penny and their families.
Linda Fromm says
Saddened to learn of Rick’s passing. He was the Thrivent Financial representative here in Helena and got my husband and I set up with several Thrivent products. I served on the Thrivent Financial board for several years, and that board met at his office. He was a delightful, gentle man. I am sure he is keeping the meetings running smoothly in Glory! May Susan and his extended family feel God’s presence during this difficult time, and remember His grace in their lives together as family.
Peter Dan Sullivan says
Susan and Family,
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Rick on several Montana financial advisor organizations and committees. He was passionate and knowledgeable about our industry, and I miss his keen insights. My prayers are with all of you.
Tanya Hartman says
I am so very sad to hear this but I know Rick is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He was my first financial advisor when I was just out of college and was such a wonderful man to work with through AAL/Thrivent working on local projects for our Church as well. My condolences to his family.
Alicia Johnson says
I will always remember the kindness and amazing memories with Rick. He always treated me like another one of his kids. I have so many fond memories of him… it still doesn’t feel real he’s gone… we love you so much Susan, Penny & Kate!
Aunt Kathy says
Kate, I’m sad that I never had the pleasure of meeting your dad. He sounds like such a wonderful man! My heart goes out to you, Jerem, the boys, your mom, sister, and all of your family. May God hold you in the palm of his hand during these difficult days. All of the Joyce’s have you in our thoughts and prayers.