Donald "Donnie" L. Hould

MALTA- Donald "Donnie" L. Hould, 84, a life-long farmer and rancher of the Malta community, passed away at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, Montana on December 31, 2015 while surrounded by his family. He died of natural causes.

Rosary was Monday, January 4 at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel with a celebration of life following. Mass of the Christian Burial was Tuesday, January 5, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Interment was in the Malta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First State Bank, P.O. Box 910 Malta, MT 59538, where a fund has been established. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Donnie was born in Malta, April 11, 1931 to Alcid and Marguerite (King) Hould joining brothers Denver and Stanley. Donnie attended South Wagner School grades one through eight until entering Malta High School graduating in 1949. Donnie enjoyed playing football and later became a football referee. He attended Carroll College as a premed student until returning to the family farm to help his mother after the passing of his father. He married Jane Garlinghouse, June 6, 1952 later divorcing in 1977. They had five children, Becky, Bruce, Dennis, Pat and Kathy. On February 26, 1983 Donnie married Kay Ulrich Rummel welcoming two stepchildren David and Blayne.

Donnie's entire life was dedicated to his farm and ranch operation located at the Hould Homestead at Wagner. Donnie's family always came first. He really enjoyed family gatherings, the bigger the better. He was a friend to all who knew him.

His interests and activities included refereeing football, golfing, fishing, bird hunting, cooking and gardening. He was an active member of Malta Club, Malta Athletic Club, Marian Hills Golf Association, Loyal Order of Moose and Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental in the building of the first Milk River Pavilion through the Exotics North Association. Donnie began to play golf in college and in later years became a competitive golfer. Known as "Houlie" to his buddies, they enjoyed many excursions to Laughlin, Nevada.

He is survived by wife Kay; children: Becky Bruce, Malta; Bruce (Linda), Wagner; Dennis, Brussels, IL; Pat, Dubai, UAE and Kathy (Mike) Iannacchione, Eureka, NV; stepchildren: David (Brenda) Rummel, Malta; Blayne (Barb) Rummel, Billings; brother Stan (Pat), Bigfork; sister-in-law Myrtle of Malta; 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Denver, son-in law Matt Bruce and daughter-in-law Contessa (Tess).