Essie R. Gebhardt, 84, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2016, due to natural causes at her Billings residence. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016, in Calvary Cemetery. Essie's family has requested that memorial donations be made in her name to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Essie's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at www.hollandbonine.com.

Essie was born on October 23, 1931, in Havre to Ernest and Mary (Battram) Roche. She was raised in Havre until her mother passed away, and she and her brothers and sister were sent to Great Falls to live at the St. Thomas Orphanage, so her father could continue working as a conductor for the railroad. Essie returned to Havre at the age of 16 to finish school, during which time she also worked. In 1951, she married Dean Gebhardt. Soon after the wedding, Dean was stationed in Louisiana, and Essie followed him. Their beloved son was born in Louisiana, and upon Dean's honorable military discharge, the family returned to Havre, where they raised their son Ron. Essie stayed home to care for her family, but she also served on the City Council for a number of years, acting as its President for several of those years. She also kept herself busy, with the American Cancer Society, serving as the chairman of the Havre chapter in the late 60's and early 70's, coordinating the fundraisers.

Essie loved working crossword puzzles. She also busied herself chasing Dean and Ron, while they flew their model airplanes.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dean; her parents Ernest and Mary Roche; her brothers James and Ernie Roche; and her sister Luella Feltman.

Essie is survived by her son Ron (Yvonne) Gebhardt of Sidney; her two grandsons, Ronald "Craig" (Marci) Gebhardt of Killeen, TX, and Nicholas A. (Leandra) Gebhardt of Choteau, MT; her five great-grandchildren, Andre', Bryce, Shylah, Keala, and Jesse Gebhardt; her brother George P. (Janet) Roche of Council Bluffs, IA; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.