Benjamin Michael Sullivan, 30, of Helena, Montana, passed away on February 8, 2026, in his hometown. He was born on October 12, 1995, in Helena, as a miracle baby with a knot in his umbilical cord, to Patrick Sullivan and Jaydee (Varone) Sullivan.

Ben attended Jefferson Elementary, Helena Middle School, and graduated from Helena High School. As a child, he was active in soccer and hockey and was always building and creating small “whimsies” - handcrafted treasures that became keepsakes cherished by family members. Even then, he was a “doer” at heart.

In high school, Ben became scuba certified and volunteered as a firefighter, demonstrating his courage and commitment to serving others. Upon graduation, he proudly enlisted and served from 2014 to 2018 as an Assaultman in the United States Marine Corps, something he declared he would do at 11 years old and never wavered. Before leaving the service, he was accepted to and completed the Workshop for Warriors welding program. Upon returning to Montana, he again volunteered as a firefighter in Fairfield, continuing his dedication to every community he was a part of.

Ben worked as a journeyman electrical apprentice for Integrity Electrical in Helena and was a valued member of their team. He loved to tinker and could fix most anything. Whether working with his hands, solving a problem, or helping someone in need, Ben took pride in doing things well and doing them right. He was quiet by nature yet fierce in resolve - steady, strong, and deeply loyal.

Above all, Ben was a dedicated husband and father whose greatest joy was his family. He married the love of his life, Jewel, and together they built a life centered on adventure, laughter, and unwavering love. Their honeymoon took them to Germany and Switzerland last October, and their shared passion for travel led them to explore places like Costa Rica and Iceland. They also completed an ambitious ten-state sightseeing journey in just seven days.

His greatest joy, however, was his children. He treasured watching his daughter, Zoey, play soccer and hockey, and his son, Ryder, play soccer, baseball, and hockey. He was their biggest supporter and proudest fan. He truly cherished teaching both children new things and took great joy in watching them grow - not only in strength, but in confidence and individuality as well..

Ben found peace in the outdoors - hiking, fishing, hunting, and spending time at Holter Lake and Hogum Creek. He enjoyed a good game of cribbage, especially with Ryder and Jewel, time with family and friends, and the companionship of their beloved dogs, Bailey and Teufel, and cats, Finnegan, Willow, and Ruger.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Jewel (Fox) Sullivan; his children, Ryder and Zoey Sullivan, along with their mother, Hannah (Davidson) Sullivan; his father, Patrick Sullivan and Patrick’s spouse, Mary Gilchrist; his mother, Jaydee (Varone) Zakovi and Jaydee’s spouse, Jake Zakovi; his brother, Conner Sullivan and Conner’s partner, Victoria Olson; and his grandparents, Michael and Anita (Holoubek) Varone.

He is also survived by his uncles and aunts: Brian Sullivan and Anna Leon-Guerrero; Gerald (Kip) Sullivan and Claudia (Grazulis) Sullivan; and Kathy (Sullivan) Zigweid and Tim Zigweid; along with many extended family members, fellow Marines, friends, and coworkers.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerald Sullivan, Sr. and Patricia (Conner) Sullivan.

Ben will be remembered for his strength, his steady presence, his fierce love for his family, and his bold heart. Though his time here was far too short, the impact of his life will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Please consider supporting any organization that works towards helping veterans, as well as mental health and traumatic brain injury research.

A church service will be held at noon on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Liberty Baptist Church in Helena, with military honors following at Fort Harrison.