Remembering Franklin Robbie: The Heart Behind Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
“It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares.”
Those words guided Franklin LeRoy (Rabe) Robbie, founder of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, whose faith, compassion, and vision continue to shape the organization today.
Below is the story of Franklin Robbie—and how a life rooted in faith and resilience unfolded into a vision that gave birth to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), a place where children could find structure, care, and belonging.
A Life Shaped by Faith and Resilience
Born on December 5, 1918, in Minneapolis, Franklin Robbie was the eldest of nine children to Rudolph and Leona Rabe. His father’s ministry led the family to move often—seven schools before graduation—and being left-handed in a right-handed world made learning even tougher. Yet through it all, Franklin’s resilience began to shine.
At fourteen, a ruptured appendix nearly took his life. An experimental treatment saved him, sparking a lifelong faith in God’s purpose. At fifteen, he made a personal commitment to Christ—a decision that became the compass for his life and work.
Soon after, at a church camp, he met Merle Middleton, who became his partner in life and ministry for nearly fifty years. Together they raised three children—Barbara, Wesley, and Kathy—and devoted their lives to helping others.
Franklin Robbie’s Call to Ministry
In 1948, Franklin Robbie moved his family to Montana to serve as pastor of Knees Community Church. There, he inspired his congregation to dedicate “God’s Acres,” where crops grown on donated land funded a parsonage. Within a year, a new home stood as a testament to faith, work, and community spirit.
Later, through Youth for Christ, Franklin began visiting correctional schools and meeting boys burdened by neglect and hardship—“little boys with big problems,” as he called them. Those encounters planted the seeds of what would become his life’s mission.
The Vision That Became Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
In 1957, Franklin Robbie and Merle moved to Billings, Montana, to open Yellowstone Boys Ranch—a leap of faith born from conviction and compassion. With limited means but an unshakable belief in what was possible, they created a home where children could find love, structure, and belonging.
What began as one small home grew into Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, an organization that has since touched tens of thousands of young lives across Montana and beyond.
Franklin Robbie’s ability to connect with people was unmatched—he drew in ranchers, business leaders, and neighbors, transforming them into lifelong supporters united by care and purpose.
A Legacy Beyond One Ranch
Franklin Robbie’s leadership extended far beyond Billings. Over three decades, he advised 23 child-care agencies nationwide, promoting financial stability through his “pay as we go” philosophy. His approach helped YBGR and other nonprofits remain strong, debt-free, and mission-focused.
Away from his work, Franklin Robbie was a husband, father, and friend who loved skiing, gardening, and woodworking. His home was filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of family. Even in his eighties, he lived with curiosity, creativity, and gratitude.
Love, Loss, and New Beginnings
In 1988, Franklin lost his beloved Merle to cancer after his own heart surgery. Her passing left a deep void, but her parting wish—that he find love again—brought new hope. He later married Peggy Oberweiser, whose warmth and care, along with her son Jonathan, renewed his joy in later life.
The Lasting Legacy of Franklin Robbie
Franklin Robbie’s proudest legacy wasn’t just the ranch he built—it was the lives he changed. From his own family to the thousands of youth who found healing and hope through YBGR, his life’s work continues to ripple through generations.
When Franklin Robbie passed away on March 21, 2014, at age 95, he left behind a story of faith, perseverance, and compassion that continues to guide YBGR’s mission today.
“It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares.”
Because Franklin Robbie cared, generations have been forever changed—and his dream lives on each time a child finds hope, healing, and belonging at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.