Ernie J. Gallegos

Ernie J. Gallegos, proud father and husband, avid bowler that had a 300 game, golfer and softballer who loved to grow flowers, passed away from post-vaccination Covid-19 on July 31, 2021. Ernie was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on March 12, 1941. He grew up in Colorado Springs, graduating from Colorado Springs High School in 1959. He joined the United States Air Force and was posted at Malmstrom Air Force Base. He married Rosella (Zedda) Rice of Great Falls in November 1962, and they were together for nearly 60 years. The Rice family appreciates his tolerance of their curious ways for so many years and his humorous one-liners (“You got that right”). Ernie was employed in the food service industry for many years, working in grocery stores and delivering milk and ice cream. He retired from Meadow Gold in 1999. He was very proud of his Hispanic and Native American heritage. He is survived by his wife, Zedda; daughter, Lisa (Dave Cox) Gallegos of Helena; sons, Tom of Great Falls and John-Paul (Sarah) of Missoula; and sister, Pat Didion of Colorado Springs. He was preceded in death by his son, Alan; daughter-in-law, Joann (Tom’s wife); and his parents, Ernie and Marcella Gallegos. Sometime in the future we will have a gathering in Ernie’s name. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please get vaccinated and wear a mask at any gathering. Life is precious don’t risk it. Monetary donations to Great Falls Rescue Mission at gfrm.org or Polka Dogz Pet Rescue at polkadogz.org.