Wendell Hart Elliott, 98, of Sidney, Montana, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Wendell was born in McLeansboro, Illinois on December 23, 1926, to William Carl Elliott and Hattie Hart Elliott. He grew up with two older brothers, Norman and Carl, and two younger twin brothers, Joe and John. He attended McLeansboro schools and at the early age of 17, Wendell enlisted in the Navy, choosing to serve his country in World War II, in the footsteps of his older brothers, who had already enlisted. Wendell served in the South and Asiatic Pacific on various ships, spending time in New Guinea, the Philippines and Austral-ia. He attained the rank of Electrician’s Mate, 2nd Class.

In 1952, Wendell began his career in the title industry with his brother Carl, work which took him to Sidney, where an oil boom was underway. He worked in the title business for many years, eventually owning title companies with various partners in Baker and Sidney, Mon-tana, along with Crosby and Bowbells, North Dakota.

During his early years in Sidney, he met the love of his life, Doris Lillian Sundheim. They were married on February 8th, 1956. During those early years in Sidney, Wendell was very civic minded, actively participating in many community organizations and the Republican Party. He and Doris served as delegates to the Republican National Convention.

Wendell served in the Montana State Legislature as the Deputy Chief House Clerk and was a candi-date for the State Senate and for Chairman of the Montana State Republican Party.

Surviving Wendell are his four children, Karen Willie, Steven (Michelle), Robert (Sue) and Patrick, along with 9 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Wendell was predeceased by wife, Doris, his brothers Carl, Nor-man, Joe and John, and his son-in-law Paul Willie.