Lewistown / Montana / United States
Franklin Robbie founded Yellowstone Boys Ranch in 1956 following several years as a pastor and regional director for Youth for Christ. When he visited the Montana State Industrial School and saw young juvenile delinquent boys housed with older criminals, he determined an option needed to be created. In June of 1957 - the first boy was welcomed at Yellowstone Boys Ranch. Merle was the glue that help people together to work towards a common goal in the early years. She became a respected mentor to wives of staff and board members. Merle was diagnosed with cancer in 1988 and passed away later that year. Today, Franklin is 88 years old, and his heart is as full of hope for the children who are cared for by the staff at Yellowstone. In the fall of 2006, a book written by Franklin, "A Legacy of Caring - The First Fifty Years at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, was published to kick off the 50th anniversary celebration. Bob had worked at the Wyoming Industrial Institute of Boys for five years when he was asked to be Yellowstones first superintendent. Bob and Doris McFarlane brought their family to Billings in 1957 and eventually lived on the campus. Being superintendent included running the farming operations, planting and cultivating harvest, repairing machinery and managing the staff. Besides being mother and homemaker to her children, Glenn and Gloria, Mrs. McFarlane did all the cooking for 14 people at each meal. She also kept check on all incoming clothing and issued clothing to all the boys - then she wrote numerous thank you notes for every contribution. Doris suffered with a respiratory disease for many years and passed away in 1988. Bob can still be seen working on the campus, usually pulling weeds or planting flowers for everyone to enjoy.
