Russell Earl Zanto

Russell E. Zanto, 64, of Belt, an operations superintendent for the Montana Air National Guard, died of an apparent heart attack Sunday, Sept. 30, at his home. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today at OConnor Funeral Home. His funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday at OConnor Memorial Chapel, with burial to follow in Pleasantview Cemetery in Belt. OConnor Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Russell was born Sept. 15, 1948, in Great Falls and was raised in Highwood. He graduated from Highwood High School in 1966 and attended Northern Montana College in Havre for one year. He married Frances Pierce in 1967. They were divorced in 1992. Russell married Bonita Mitchell in 1994 in Belt. Russell enlisted in the Montana Air National Guard on Aug. 19, 1967, and was assigned to the 186th Fighter Squadron. He retired as a chief master sergeant Sept. 17, 2004. Russell also worked at the Husky Bulk Plant in Highwood with his father. He was a Belt City Councilman and served as acting mayor of Belt from 1985 to 1993. He served as treasurer of the Belt City Fire Department from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, Boy Scout leader and chairman of the board for the Belt Bible Fellowship. He was a great volunteer for the community. Russell enjoyed bowling, playing card games with his grandchildren, collecting coins and crossword puzzles. He loved his country, was an avid Griz fan and told a good joke. Russell is survived by his wife, Bonita A. Zanto of Belt; a son Ted (Teri) Zanto of Missoula; daughters Kelly Zanto of Philadelphia, Julie (Daniel) Doran of Sand Coulee, Vicky Dekoning of Belt and Stephanie Rennick of Great Falls; a brother, Wilson Zanto; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his sister, Myrna Lundy; and his parents, Clinton and Ruth Zanto.