Benjamin Ringo

Benjamin Hunter Thompson Ringo was born on Oct. 24, 1922 to Robert E. Lee Ringo and Ida Thompson Ringo in DeFuniak Springs, Fla. Benjamin was raised by a single mother, five sisters and one brother. Ben always said he had more bosses than any kid should have.

He lived through the Great Depression only to enter World War II at the age of 17. Ben became a B24 tail gunner stationed in England. On his 34th raid Ben’s plane was shot down over Germany. He was captured by a German farmer and turned over to German troops. Ben served six months as a prisoner of war. Ben was freed from captivity by Russian troops on May 4, 1945. Ben made a career in the Air Force.

Ben and Shirley Jean Allison were married on Dec. 4, 1949. They were married 56 years before Shirley passed on Dec. 2, 2005. They raised three children, Jean Marie, Tom and Allison. Throughout their marriage Ben and Shirley’s motto was “we are on another adventure.” The Air Force allowed them adventures to Japan and Brazil and all over the United States. After retirement, Ben moved his family to West Glacier, and spent many years in that area. After his second retirement, he and Shirley traveled the U.S. in a fifth-wheel home, introducing their grandchildren to life’s adventures. They eventually settled in Fort Benton and spent 20 years enjoying its people and wide variety of hunting and fishing. Ben spent his last few years on earth in Helena near his two daughters.

Ben went to join Shirley and the Lord in heaven on March 2, 2008.

He is survived by daughter Jean Marie, her husband Dan McDonald, their daughter Melissa and great-grandchildren Michael and Kelly; son Tom, his wife Nina and their son, Tyler, his wife Tessa and great-grandchildren, Alden and Ella and son Cody; daughter Allison, her husband Bob and their children J.T. and Lynsey. Ben’s sisters Bobby and Virginia also survive him as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family prefers a memorial to DAV Vans do Allison Berg, 1501 Cole, Helena MT 59601.

Services were conducted at Helena Alliance Church on Friday, March 7 with Pastor James Howard officiating. Interment was with military honors at the Montana State Veterans’ Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Cremation has taken place through Anderson Cremation Services. Services have been entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home.