It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank William “Bill” Cartner, who died May 3, 2025, in Billings, Montana. Bill was not only a great husband, son, brother, uncle and friend to many, but he was an amazing father and grandfather. His smile and bright blue eyes would light up a room. As an organ donor, his beautiful eyes are going to help two people see again.
Bill was born in Chehalis, Washington, on Feb. 14, 1954, to Frank Cartner and Eula Gannon. He was the oldest of four children. He graduated from Eatonville High School in 1972 with an award for not missing a single day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade. He worked several jobs over his lifetime, including at the Jamerson Chicken Farm, UPS, L&E Bottling, TransAlta, Bower’s Realty and the Rosebud Coal Mine.
Bill married Barb Meyer in 1974, and together they had three children: Tara, Dustin and Andrea. Bill and Barb later divorced, and he married Tammi Beal (Shoemaker) in 2008, with whom he was together until his passing.
Bill enjoyed hunting, especially in Montana, and would always host family or friends every year during hunting season. He also loved to fish, whether in Washington on a boat or on a guided trip in Alaska. He had numerous close friends in Washington and Montana whom he had known for countless years — some he considered family. If not back in Washington state for the holidays, he would spend time with his “Montana family.” He also loved spending summers in Washington with Tammi, making memories with the grandkids and family, in hopes of moving back home to Washington soon.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Tammi; his daughters, Tara Cartner and Andrea (Ben) Ozretich; his son, Dustin Cartner (LeAnn); his parents-in-law, JD and Karen Shoemaker; his brother, Clay (Susan) Cartner; his brother-in-law, Troy (Karen) Shoemaker; his grandchildren, Bayne, Dominick, Tyran, Lucas and Cole; great-grandson, Zagreus; and many nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mom, Eula; father, Frank; brother, Kevin; and sister, Brenda Lynn.
We will miss your smile, your laugh and your heart — forever and always.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Swede Hall in Rochester, Washington. We ask, in true family tradition, that everyone bring a dish or dessert of choice.
