On October 25, 2021, with his family by his side, Ron Wells was called home. Ronald Loran Wells was born in Okmulgee, OK on September 6, 1950 while his dad was attending a saddle making school. After his dad was done with his school, the family returned to Montana to work for Sherm Chezum on the Tongue River. Ron attended school at the SH School through the 8th grade. The family then moved to the Farley Hereford Ranch at Colstrip. Ron started high school in Colstrip then later transferred to Huntley when the family moved to Farley’s ranch on Pryor Creek. Ron enlisted in the Army, recieved his GED and was stationed in Germany. After an honorable discharge he returned to Montana where he worked for several different ranches: Artie Larson Killen Ranch, Charlie & Ginger May and Bud and Bobbie Kramer. His experience and friendship with these people were always very special to him. Oh and all the stories…. there could be volumes written.Ron loved riding bulls. He would work all week, go to a rodeo, and then “slide” into the yard just in time to get back to work again. When Ron worked for Bud & Bobbi Kramer, he got to work with two special people Donald John Cameron & Gary Crowder. Both men were big influences in his life.October 29, 1977 Ron and Linda Clark were married in Miles City. They welcomed Christy Jo in 1978, Misty Dawn in 1980 and Dustin Lee in 1983. During this time, Ron worked at the Beaver Slide Ranch for Bud Christenson, whom Ron highly respected. Later the family moved to Rock Springs, WY where Ron went to work with his Father-in-law, Dave Clark, in the oil field. The family moved back to Montana to go to work at the 6 Quarter Circle Ranch for Louie Roripaugh.
Ron attended a school in CO where he learned how to perform C-section, prolapses and A.I.ing cows. He loved it! He said that he enjoyed it so much, and often thought that he would like to be a veterinarian. Later, he also learned to spay heifers from Dallas Davidson.
When Ron started taking his kids to the Taylor arena on Sunday Creek to rope, run barrels and poles there was Susan Pauley, taking her kids Paul, Brenda and Amanda to do the same thing. He was twitterpated! They were married May 27, 1989 with their children as their attendants and became the “Brady Bunch”. It was never about yours or mine, it was always “OURS”.
Ron and Susi moved to the Ball 71 Ranch with their family. Ron managed the ranch for 12 years. The people they worked with and their boss George Brown developed close friendships. When the ranch sold they moved to the 71 Ranch on Sweeney Creek at Rosebud still working for Hunt Oil Co.
Ron worked for Solaris Feeders, Bart Meged and was working for Coffee Cattle at the time of his death. Ron loved to work! He took a lot of pride in a job well done! His work ethic was like no other. His joy and purpose was to get up every morning and know he had a job to get done. Whether it be riding colts, feeding cows, swathing, bailing, fencing or anything else that may need done. Mechanicing was not Ron’s favorite but he still always got it done.
Being a good friend and neighbor was very important to him. When he told you he would do something- he would do it. His honesty sometimes needed a filter because he never sugar coated anything. He was very intimidating, his voice was deep, if he didn’t smile, you would think he was a crabby old fart and he was at times. But there was the biggest softest heart inside that chest. He always said you gotta laugh. Every tough day you come up against, Ron would tell you to look at yourself, be thankful and laugh.
Ron loved animals, especially horses and dogs. Most horses would perk up their ears and start running when someone would come in the corrals, not his. Ron and Susi’s horses would come running up to get scratched and loved on. He loved to raise horses.
Ron soon found out that the love of his grandkids was the reward he got for raising his 6 kids. Michael, Tanner, Tristan, Alec, Abby, Liam, Hallee, Zoey, Kerrigan, Avrie, Hayven, Brooke, Teagan, Colter, LaRae and Holden were Papa’s pride and joy. Papa loved his Grandbabies and they pretty much had that cowboy wrapped around their little fingers.
Ron will be missed by not only his loving wife, 6 kids and 16 grandkids but also by a whole community that loved and respected him. Even though we may be sad let us praise our Lord and Savior because we know this ol’ Cowboy is healed. We find comfort in knowing that Jesus met him at the gate and said “Well done, good and faithful servant…. Come and share your master’s happiness” Mathew 25:23.
Ron is survived by his wife Susi Wells. Sons Paul Pauley (Suzie) and Dustin Wells (Lori Vance). Daughters Brenda Witkowski (Travis), Christy Governatori (Aaron), Amanda Kieson (Brandon) and Misty Wells. Siblings Dick Wells (Kay), Gary Wells, Peggy Nelson (Harlan), Zona Reinhardt (Tom), Leslie Ross (Jack), Jim Wells (Ann) and Linda Harwood. He had numerous nieces and nephews that he loved to pick on, his way of showing how much he loved them. He is also survived by Susi’s sisters and their husbands.
Ron is proceeded in death by his parents Les and Doris Wells, Granddaughter Abby Michal, Brother-in-law George Guesanburu, Sisters-in-laws Faye Wells and Shelly Long Fox and Mother-in-law Wildene Fortune.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Custer County Event Center in Miles City. Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Susan Sanderson says
This is heart breaking to see that Ron has passed away. My heart is so sad. My sincere condolences to each one of you.
Ron was such a special man. I truley hope your memories will sustain you through these days to come.
The lord must of needed a tough, but kind cowboy.
God Bless you all.
All my love & many hugs.
Chris & Jan Michal says
Susie, Brenda, Paul, Christy, Amanda, Misty, and Dusty; May God Bless all of you and your families in this time of need.
We are very fortunate The Lord let us know and appreciate Ron! We are very much looking forward to running into Ole Ron and Abby Jo, laughing, where there is no pain or sorrow, and the range is always green with plenty of clean water.
Mary Ottoy says
My deepest condolences to you all. So sorry.
Forest Plympton says
My friend you will be missed. Our arguments and constant joking of one another will never be forgotten. Thanks for the many times horseback and days spent trucking hay. You were one of the good ones. Your legacy won’t fade with me.
Rebecca Gookin says
Susie and family. We are so sorry for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Ron…
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
Susie and families. So sorry for your loss! Sending prayers and hugs!
Tammy Mallett Pecha says
Suzie and family so sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Arn and Connie Huseby says
Dear Suzie, Dusty, Misty, and family, sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Ron.
When it come to cowboying, Ron and Arn spoke tge same language, it was the generation they grew up in.
One time I hauled calves to the feedlot. Ron was backing me up to the alley. When I stopped, Ron yelled loudly, “ouch! You ran over my foot!”
I opened my pickup door and yelled back at him, ” then keep your big feet out from under my trailer tires!”
He laughed loudly, then said, “how are you Connie?”
Arn and I are in tears as we reminisce about the passing of a good friend.
Arn and Connie Huseby
Craig and Jerianne Dunnam says
What a great picture of Ron ! I miss him already. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda Moore says
To all of Ron’s families. So sorry to see he passed. Please take care. Moore family
Patsy George Almy says
Susie……l am so, so sorry.
Sherry Oster says
My sympathies to your family! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal! Hugs and prayers.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy. so sad. Ron was such a nice guy.
teeny mcmunn says
I am so sad that Ron passed. this past few months, when I was in Miles , he and his brothers and wives met me at the Airport Inn. It was so much fun to see them again. My dad and their dad were brothers so as kids we met up at holidays and various events. I had not seen Gary, Dick, and Ron since Dad’s funeral and it was like no time had passed. As I sat down this last meet up, they looked at me and said, “What is your real name!??” lol! They knew me as Teeny all their lives.
I was looking forward to more meet ups. For his family and friends, special condolences.
Bev and Joe McNurlin says
Susie and family…..so sorry for your loss…..
Debbie Weyer says
I am so sorry to hear this Susie. May God comfort you at this difficult time. “DEATH” leaves a heartache no one can heal, “LOVE” leaves a memory no one can steal. author unknown.
Danette & David Olguin says
Suzie and family am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing and I want to extend my condolences. May God’s comforting arms be around all of you at this time.
Lana Elshere says
Susie and family,
Our hearts are aching for all of you and no words can express the sorrow you are enduring but Jesus hears your prayers, He knows your pain and He loves you. Call out to Jesus and He will give you strength and peace to endure.
Love you all. Jim, Lana and families
Judy Nerud says
Susie…our deepest condolences.
Diane, Sharon and Judy Hubing
Maureen Larson says
Dear Susie and family,
So very sorry to hear this news. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. Prayers for you all. Love and hugs!
Tyler and Julie Cook says
Susie and family, We are so sorry, sending you hugs and prayers.
Jackie Stroh says
Too sweet Susie and the Wells family so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and your family! May you receive comfort in the days ahead. Sincere condolences to you all!
Scott and Becky says
Suz and family, Our hearts are broken for you. Ron was an awesome man with a great sense of humor and wonderful laugh. Every time we take a drink of fireball we will think of him. I will miss his everyday morning wave on the road and big grin. If any of you need anything we are here for you. All our Love Scott and Becky
Bill & Brenda Allison says
Suzie and family, so sorry for your loss. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Roger G. SPrague says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, good friend, great cowboy, and all around good guy ! Always a bit of good natured badgering back and forth since our days in school together. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers from Susie, Dusty and all the family.
Jane Viall says
Susie and family,
I’m so sad for all of you. It just breaks my heart. I have been praying for Ron and now will pray for God’s comfort for all of you as you go through this great sorrow. God loves each one of you and He will walk with you.
Ginger Kiel says
Dear Susie and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you all that your many memories help to comfort and ease your sorrow.
Kathy Damm Culy says
Susie and family,My Deepest Sympathies to you all for the loss of your husband and father…Thinking of you.
Diana Elwood says
Dear Susie and family, I don’t have words to express how sorry Chris and I are for your loss. Ron was a special guy and so much fun to be around. Always a smile and a hug and some laughs. He is riding high, wide and handsome, with no pain and a big smile on his face. We send our love and prayers.
Sandy Rabe says
Susie, my heart is hurting for you. May God give you comfort and strength. God Bless.
Katie Gresens Messer says
Susie and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was hoping and praying so much for Ron and hoped he would pull through this. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. Love you all.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Ron Wells family; We are so sorry to hear about Ron. He was such a great guy to work with when we were at Solaris Feeders Feed lot. We always knew when Ron was there you never had to worry about a job getting done. I will certainly miss you Cousin. It was so good to be able to work with you.
Prayers to your Family
Jim and Annalise Willson
Truman & Judy Bovee says
Dear Susie and family,
We have many fond memories of Ron, Susie and kids from our Beaverslide, SY School days. May all of your precious memories of Ron lift your spirits during this sad time.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
Susie & family and all of the Wells Family,
I am so sorry to hear that Ronnie has gone on home to heaven. Your families and mine have a really long history and go back to childhood days. It is like losing a brother. He was such a fun person, always a smile on his face and that quick wit. I had the privilege of growing up with the Wells family as well as Susie…lots of Garland School Dances as well as just the things kids do together in a community. I’ll never forget his horse Noble..and a lot of activities that surrounded Ronnie & that horse! I so love the picture you chose for him..it speaks of him in a nutshell. We are in the thick of hunting season and serving our guests, but I so hope to be able to attend his services. Moon Creek is a group all of our own and I hope to be there to represent what all we are..together. Love you all so much. Mary Beth
Jack Fleming says
Susie,
So very sorry for your loss
Barb and Jerry Smalis says
Susie, there are no words that can adequately express our sadness for you and your family. Prayers and more prayers.
Tom and nancy reynolds says
Susie and family
So sorry about your loss. We hope the wonderful memories of Ron will live with you forever and you will smile when you think of him. Tom and nancy
Alan & Angie Dodge says
So sorry…we are thinking of you.
Schneider Family says
With a heavy heart we want to Express our sincere sympathy to all of you. May God wrap his arms around you and give you the comfort you need in the weeks and months to come. Hugs to all of you.
Rebecca L Bass says
Susie, Jon and I are so sorry for your loss of your husband. We didn’t know him, but we know you and pray our Lord comforts you and brings you through this our friend. Your one special Lady and He must of been one special man. Hugs to you Jon and Becky Bass
Deverie, Wes, Brynna & Ava McCoy says
Our sympathies and prayers are with you, Susie, and your entire family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Jeana and Syra Brock says
I am very sorry to hear of the loss to your family. Praying for peace in the days ahead. You are loved!
PETE AND JUNE MINOW says
Susie and family, We are so sorry for the loss of Ron. May the happy memories of your years with him be a comfort to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Dear Susie and Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayer and we send our sincere sympathy. So sorry for your loss.
Pam Rogge says
Susie and family, my sympathies and prayers are with you at this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Wanda Gresens says
Susie so sorry for your loss .my condolences go out to your and your family
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To all of Ron’s family,
I am so very saddened by Ron’s passing. Keep all your memories close and they will comfort you in the days ahead.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Susie, saying prayers for you, may God provide comfort during this time of grieving.
Pam Griffin says
Susie and family,
Our hearts are breaking with yours in your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers of strength and God’s peace in the days ahead. Deepest sympathy, Donny and Pam Griffin
GARY AND PAT HELM says
SUSIE AND FAMILY
WE CANNOT BRING UP THYE WORDS TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. OUR WHOLE FAMILY SEND OUR BLESSINGS AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOURS. GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS HANDS AND HELP YOU THRU THIS TIME OF NEED LOVE FROM ALL AND LET US KNOW IF YOUNEED ANY THING. GOD BLESS YOU ALL LOVE FROM ALL THE HELM FAMILY
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Susie and family I am so sorry for your loss. Lifting you up in my prayers.
LaRae Tangen says
Susie, so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Denise Harvey says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort in this very difficult time.
Pat Herzog says
Susie and family.. we’re so very sorry for your loss.. we’ll hold all of you in our prayers 🙏 ❤… with time and through God’s grace.. the pain you’re all feeling right now will be replaced with all the fond memories you have of Ron..Love and prayers to you all 🙏❤❤ Pat and Monte Herzog
Jeff Faycosh says
Susie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Merry and Armando says
Susie and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We’re so very sorry for your loss. prayers of strength and God’s peace in the days ahead. Deepest sympathy, We are very saddened by Ron’s passing. He was such a wonderful Man <3 <3
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Susie & family and Wells family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Cherish all the memories as they will become treasures. May God wrap his arms around you all.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Susie and all of your families,
Love and Hugs to all of you! No words can express the heartbreak, but we do know everyone loved Ron and he will be missed by so many.
Stay Strong and God Bless you All!
Erin O'Connor says
Susie and family,
So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. I didn’t know Ron but have had numerous people tell me some pretty great stories about him. He sounds like a pretty amazing guy! May your memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe & Kayla Kiel says
Susie and family you are in our prayers! WE are so sad for you all. Praying for comfort from God to help you in the days ahead!
Lonnie & Kathy Leslie says
Susie & Family,
So very sorry for your loss. He will truly be missed. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you with His Peace.
Lonnie & Kathy
Mary Beth Kibler says
What a wonderful obit you put together..thank you so much. I know Teri, Sherm, Barb & I won’t be able to be with you on Wednesday, but we will be bowing in prayer with you at the time of his services. I so wish I could be there in person, but will be there in Spirit. Love you. Mary Beth
Cliff &Lila Glade says
Susie & family, We have no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. I’m so glad you have a big caring family to help you through this,
Jimmy & Vicki Mauldin says
Our sincerest condolences for all of the family. We were blessed to have known ‘Dad and Sues’ from becoming family with Christy. Rest Easy cowboy, you will be greatly missed ❤🙏
Quirt & Jaci Phillips says
Susie and family, sorry for your loss. Sending condolences.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
This breaks our heart. Please know our prayers were and are with you through this time. We love you all.
Dana Miller says
My condolences. Ron was dearly loved by our family. He treated us as family and my children got excited when they got to see him. He will never be forgotten and my heart breaks at the loss of such a great man. I know he is in a beautiful place now and with the almighty. To his family , I wish you comfort and joy knowing he has open range now and will forever be a True cowboy that gave his all.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry Susie for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Ron & June Tibbetts says
Susie & family. You are all in our Prayers. With deep Sympathy for you. Gods Blessings on each of you during this difficult time🙏🙏🙏
Debbie Schofield says
Susie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May your good memories bring you comfort in the future.
Kelli Rooney and family says
Ron was a good guy and a great neighbor with a big heart and he will be missed by many. We are so sorry for your loss but rejoicing that he’s in heaven and that we’ll see him again one day. Hugs and prayers Suzie and the rest of the family.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
We are so very sorry for your loss Susi..God’s blessings to you and your family.
Marilyn Askin says
My Sympathy and Prayers for you and your family Susie. So sorry to hear of your loss
Gracie Ann Hill says
Dear Susie and family—my heart hurts but I am comforted that he is healed. Please tell all the Wells’ family that we care. Have loved getting to know your kids. You are an amazing woman and I am proud to call you a special friend.
Love, Gracie Ann Waples Hill
Dana Penrod says
My heart is broken, I will sure miss Ron! A man very well respected by many. You are in my thought and prayers. 🙏
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
Susie–so sorry to hear about Ron. We didn’t know Ron real well, but after reading his obituary, we have learned so much more. Sounds like you have a lot of good memories to remember him by. God bless.
Ellen Hart says
Susie: I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My prayers are with you.
Voni & Scott Tally says
Susie and family- we are so sorry for your loss and just pray for your continued comforting.
Lynn and Judy Strobel says
Susie and family, So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tayvee Steen says
Prayer and deepest sympathy to you all! May God put his loving arms around you all in these hards times and in the future as well! So blessed to have known and grown up with you all! Love you! Love Tayvee Steen and Family
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss
Sheryl Cathey says
Susi,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherish your memories.
Bill and Sheryl Cathey
Karen and clay taylor says
So sorry to hear this sad news of Ron’s passing thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Cliff and Laura Monasmith says
Susie: Cliff and I are so sorry for your loss. We are praying that Jesus will wrap his arms around you all during this time.
Donnie Rooney says
SUZIE I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. Ron was a good man and great hand and always lending it . needed.I was beginning to worry if something was wrong because Ron hasn’t been coming to Ace for along time. You’re in my prayers R.I.P. RON.
Lorna Niles says
So sorry for your loss, Ron’s family.
Susi, my deepest sympathy. I totally enjoyed working with your husband! He was always good n fair n Lord knows I gave him run for his money from time to time…
Sending comfort, healing n strength sweet Lady….love, hugs n blessings
Lori
Ana Walker says
My deepest sympathy to you Suzie and family. May memories fill your heart ❤️