Roland Clifford Marney

Roland Clifford Marney was born on April 11, 1936, in Clark, Wyoming, to Raymond and Emma Marney. He was raised on the family farm and ranch near Clark, where they grew soybeans and alfalfa and raised cattle. It was there that Roland developed his strong work ethic, his love and devotion for his family, and his appreciation for the land they worked.

He attended elementary school at Lion Creek and graduated from Belfry High School in Montana. After high school, Roland worked several different jobs, from survey crews to construction, before returning to the family farm to help his parents. When Roland was in his 30s, he decided the farm was not big enough for both families and left the farm to his brother Bob. He then attended Eastern Montana College, where he earned a degree in education.

While in college, God brought Roland and his future wife, Bonnie, together on a blind date. They dated throughout college and would return to Clark during the summers to help on the farm. On June 10, 1972, they were married at Grace United Church in Billings, Montana.

After graduation, Roland took a job in the small town of Dodson, Montana, where he and Bonnie began their life together. Roland wore many hats in the community. He worked as a teacher, custodian, scorekeeper for school games, city clerk, and manager of the town's water and sewer systems. But the job he was most proud of was being a dad to his children, Sarah and Brian. Together, he and Bonnie built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and service to others.

Roland enjoyed gardening, reading books, fishing, hunting, and driving his kids across the Hi-Line to watch them run track or play basketball. It didn't matter what was going on or where the games were—he was going to be there. He possessed a quiet wisdom and calm presence that made him a trusted source of advice and encouragement for those around him.

Faith was a big part of Roland's life. He was actively involved in the Lutheran Church and valued the fellowship, purpose, and sense of community it provided. He also enjoyed bowling and never passed up the chance to play rummy, particularly if it meant he could spend extra time with family and friends.

Those who knew Roland will remember his steady presence, practical nature, kindness to all, and unwavering dedication to his family and those he loved. He always believed in showing up, working hard, helping others, and doing what had to be done without needing recognition. His life was not defined by grand gestures or the things he had, but by the character and kindness he demonstrated every day.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Emma Marney, and his three brothers Raymond, Doug and Bob.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Bonnie Marney of Belgrade; his daughter, Sarah and John McCulloch; his son, Brian, and his wife, Fernanda, of Belgrade; his cherished grandchildren, Ayasha and Kaitlyn McCulloch and Cash, Isabella, and Noah Marney; as well as many extended family members, former students, friends, neighbors, and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Roland's legacy lives on through the values he passed on to his family and the many lives he influenced through his work, faith, and example. His life stands as a testament to humility, service, perseverance, and love.

A memorial service will be held at Living Waters United Methodist Church in Belgrade, Montana on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11 am. The burial will be at Rockvale Cemetery at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association.