Ronald (Ron) L. Askin was born in Miles City, Montana, on February 7, 1942 to George Foster Askin and Louise Lenore Sieler. He spent his younger days on the family ranch near Ismay, Montana, where he attended Cottonwood School.
Growing up, Ron worked alongside his father in the water well drilling business. From the early age of 14, he was running crews and 12-hour shifts. In 1967, Ron purchased the family business from his father. This gave Ron the opportunity to keep the family piece of the business alive by working over the years alongside his brothers, brother-in-law, sons, and eventually even a grandson.
The family moved to Miles City in 1956. Ron attended Custer County High School where he met the love of his life, Beverley Cunningham. They were married in 1962 and were blessed with five children.
Ron and Beverley especially looked forward to evenings of dining and dancing. The love they had for each other shone as they twirled and spun around the dance floor. With the enjoyment they shared dancing, Ron took time to teach each of their children to dance. This created fond memories of getting dressed up and heading to the Red Rock Supper Club for dinner and an opportunity to join their parents on the dance floor.
Ron had a profound appreciation for his family, especially of family members who came before him. Ron enjoyed telling tales from his childhood and sharing stories about family and friends. He told anecdotes in such an engaging and entertaining way that the listeners felt they were right there with him. While listening to their father’s memories, his children felt that their ancestors were real-life heroes jumping straight out of an old western movie.
Whether sitting by the riverside or at a family cabin on the lake, Ron greatly appreciated the opportunities that fishing brought. Just knowing he had some free time, a fishing partner, and a calm sunny day put a huge smile on his face. For Ron, the main pleasure came from the experience itself, with catching fish simply a bonus.
Ron was always open to a game of cards. Just as with fishing, the game wasn’t important; it was really about spending time with those he loved. He was just as happy playing Uno or Phase 10 with the grandkids as he was playing 500, Pitch or Cribbage with his brothers, sister, and their families as they gathered together for holiday celebrations.
Ron was a member of Montana Water Well Drillers Association, Yellowstone Masonic Lodge No. 26, Eastern Star, and Al Bedoo Shriners.
Ron passed away on July 23, 2025, and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his children; Douglas (Tami) Askin of Miles City, Kathleen (Mark) Netland of Cypress, Texas, Ronald C. (Celeste) Askin of Helena, his brothers Gary (Bobbi) Askin and Frank (Laray) Askin, and sister Rayanda Shipman, all of Miles City, nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Ron will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Beverley, daughter Colleen Askin, and son Daniel Patrick Askin.
Family will receive friends on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Those who so desire may make a memorial donation in memory of Ron to the Range Riders Museum, Holy Rosary Healthcare Hospice and Palliative Care, or to the charity of their choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 1, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday August 2, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 1, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday August 2, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Garth Sleight says
Oh Doug, I was so sorry to see this. He brought you up well, along with the rest of his family. I know this leaves a huge hole in your heart, along with the rest of the Askin families. God bless you as you grieve the passing of a great man. May his memory be an ongoing source of comfort and inspiration in your life. It’s especially painful when both parents are gone. My heart breaks for you and your family.
Carolyn E Hays says
Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He’s been a part of MC for so many years it’s hard to believe he is gone. Peace and wonderful memories for the family. I know he will be missed. Carolyn (Cooky) Emerson
Phyllis landa says
Doug, Ron , and Cathy and family’s so sorry for your loss !!
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Doug and Askin Families so sorry to hear about Ron. Ron was The best WELL DRILLER in the country. Ron always was a great friend and Business man. We were glad to have him drill wells for us. RIP PEACE RON
Jim and Annalise Willson
Nikky Walker says
Askin family your in my thoughts and prayers. Ron was a wonderful man that i also thought as a grandpa. I’m always going to remember our conversations especially our last one. He always put thing bluntly and so kind and i liked that about him. I’m forever grateful i got to meet Ron.
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
To all of the Askin family, Kate and I are sorry for your loss. Ron was one of a kind. Maybe the definition of impatient. lol
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Askin family at this diffecult time. RIP
Sandy Pickett says
Doug, Ron, Kathy and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was always so nice to me. He will be greatly missed. Love you all.
Vikki Bradley says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Was a very nice man.🙏
James Arneson says
Doug and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. May God comfort you with the best of memories now and always.
Shorty& Judy says
Doug our hearts are saddened to hear about the loss of your Dad and a very special friend he will be missed by all Doug are prayers are with you all
Diane Welbes says
Askin gamily so sorry to see this. He was such a great man. and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, What a wonderful man, I had quite a visit with him over a home made chocolate cookie a year ago. He had so much history of the area. Always interesting and kind. Our thoughts are with you all.
Marcy Stabler Parks says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! My heart goes out to all of you.
David &Jean Wheeler says
Asking family saddened to hear the loss of Ron. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Askin family
Burch and Linda Palmer says
So long old friend and thanks again for being “The Walkers’ “, first driver and escort.
Holly Griebel-Askin Orr says
Ron and Bev were so great to my mom Marjorie Askin and treated me like their own kid with the best after school treats! Doug/Ron/Kathy, thank you for sharing your parents. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Holly
Marc and Denise Hartse says
My sympathies and condolences to the family.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Brian an deb lester says
So sorry to all the asking familys
Kent Roberts says
So sorry for your loss ! I will miss seeing him driving up and down our street. He was a great man and friend!
Ken n Karen Strobel says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Prayers to all the Askin family.
Burl Mulkey says
Condolences for your loss
Cathy Thibault Lampert says
To the Askin families, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Ron was a very nice man.
Larry and Judy Jens says
Ron was a top-notch well driller and got to be a friend. We sure enjoyed visiting with him. He leaves a great legacy in Eastern Montana!
Mallett family says
So sorry to see this what a hard working nice man.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy stanhope says
So very sorry to hear about Ron what a good man and a loss to the community prayers to to the family your all in my prayers 🙏🏻.
William Askin says
From the Northern Askin families, it was a honor and a pleasure to meet Ron and his family when we took our late father out to meet his numerous second cousins. Ron and his late wife Bev opened their home to us and the stories he told about our family tree I will never forget! Much love to our Askin kin and for ever grateful for meeting such a great man! Our deepest sympathy to all! Much love William, Michael and Philip Askin
Steve Hathaway says
Sorry for your loss Ron. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Xina says
Sorry for this loss
Ron was a community staple. Always enjoyed our interaction and his smile.
Anne (Bricco) Wald says
My sympathy & prayers for your family, they were good neighbors to my folks & others out in the Aye Addition
Beth Petro says
Such a nice man, I enjoyed visiting with him whenever I saw him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kevin Donnelly says
Sorry to hear this may God be with the Askin Family.
He left quite a legacy around here. Good man and family that he can be proud of. God be with all of them.
Edward Grywusiewicz says
Ron was a great guy. I picked his brain alot, always helped me out. Very sorry to hear this. RIP old friend.
Alan and Jane Erickson says
Ron, Doug, and Family…. Thoughts and prayers with you all. Your dad was the only water driller my dad would let on our Ingomar ranch 40-60 years ago. Always came out when needed, got the work done, and no nonsense. Even brought out his boys some times to work them a little. Glad to have Askin Drilling out just last week to take care of our wells with service that would make him proud and reflects that he also raised a good family.
Carol HIGGINS says
Carol HIGGINS
WE ARNE SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS. YOUR DAD MEANT A LOT TO US. SPECIALLY WAYNE. WE HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF RON AND BEV. MAY GOD HOLD YOU ALL SAFELY IN HIS HAND THROUGH THIS TRYING TIME.
Mike & Myrna Higgins says
deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss to all the Askin family.
Harry & Gail Price says
Gary and Bobbi, May memories comfort you during these hard days.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, What a wonderful man. I so enjoyed visiting with him over some homemade chocolate chip cookies while we watched a well being drilled. He knew so much history about the area. Always kind and interesting to visit with. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Lesh Clark says
Peace and love to all the Askin families as you grieve.
Warren and Rashell Scheeler says
We were so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Will miss seeing him and hearing his stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mariilyn Askin says
To all of Ron’s Family: Remembering all of the great memories over the years being a part of the Askin family. My Sympathy, Prayers and Love. Marilyn Askin
Don and Mary Luhr says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Askin family at this time. So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing but what a life he lived. May the memories of special times uplift you in your grief.
Ellen Hart says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Back in the day Ron and Bev were the best dance couple out on the floor!
Darbie Karch and family says
Condolences to the Askin families. Always enjoyed seeing him when he came to the pharmacy. He will be missed by all. Rip Ron!
Cindy and Dale Berg says
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear dad and grandpa. Keeping you all in our prayers. Love and Hugs.
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
To the Askin family. We are saddened to learn of Ron’s passing. He was our “well” guy and a lifetime of wonderful memories of friendship with our family. Our sincere condolences.
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
So sad to learn of Rons passing. Richard went to school with him and has some super memories of him. May he rest in peace. Ron and family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sad to hear this. Hugs and prayers for all of Ron’s family and friends
DAN DINARDI says
Askin family i am sorry to hear of Rons passing,I knew hima long time. May now he rest in peace
RIP MY FRIEND
Kim Stanton says
Dear families,
Thinking of you as I know, you are missing a beloved and cherished father and grandfather. His work ethic was unparalleled and he set a great example for all of us to follow. Sending you prayers for your comfort and peace.
With heartfelt condolences,
Kim Stanton
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
Such sad news. He will be greatly missed
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry to hear of Ron passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
William Petro says
Best boss ever! More importantly was how well he raised his family. I knew all his kids. They all turned out great. Job well done Ron. A life well lived. RIP Ron Sr.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Askin family, Ron left quite a legacy, quite a trail to follow. Thinking of you all at this time. Marie and Karson Kluver
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
Our deepest sympathy to all the Askin family.
Mary K (Traweek) Newbert says
From: The Family of The (Late) Howard Traweek & The (Late) Norma (Askin) Traweek (In Canada)
To: Doug, Ron, Kathy & Their Entire Askin Families, Far and Wide
It greatly saddened our hearts to hear of the recent passing of Ron. After many years, we all got to reunite with him at our Father’s funeral service in Miles City in August /24. It was such a pleasure to see him and listen to stories about our parents when they were young. Gary and I (Mary) just got to see Ron again at his home at the end of May/25 and had a great visit with him along with Kermit and Linda Askin that day.. We were also privileged to treat him and Rayanda to supper at The Black Iron Grill the night before we headed back to Canada. That night at supper Ron told us our Father’s (Howard) passing, was the end of an era/legend and we all agreed. Another era/legend has now ended with Ron’s passing, as there will never be another Ron. All those who knew him were truly blessed. Our family will be forever grateful to Ron and Bev for opening their home for a luncheon in honor of our Mom’s passing (Norma) 40 years ago and all the countless other relatives that they did the same thing for over the decades. Priceless! May it be a comfort to the families that Ron is finally reunited with Bev and his loved ones and dancing up a storm and fishing! God Bless All The Askins!. With heavy hearts, Howard Traweek Jr., Gary and Mary (Traweek) Newbert, Tom and Penny Traweek and Tim and Lisa Traweek.
Rich Labbe says
I am privileged to have had the opportunity to work as a hydrogeologist alongside Ron Askin Drilling on numerous drilling projects. Ron was very influential to me in the formative years of my career and even more of an inspiration as a family man. He treated his employees as if they were family and his family like gold. I loved watching Ron work those levers at the back of the rig and I will never forget the rare slower and quieter moments on jobs when he had occasion to tell stories about his upbringing and raising his kids.
Doug, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Askin family.
ronald lala says
Gary and Rayanda and to all of your family.You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May your brother rest in eternal peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Nelson says
I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was always a good friend to me.
Sherry Stanhope says
I’m so glad we got to have a nice visit a few months ago to catch up! I was surprised he remembered me. He was truly a sweet gentleman & I’m glad I got to thank you for all he did for me!! 💙🙏Rest in Peace Ron!
To the family, I know you will miss him terribly but always remember your wonderful Memories with him & the kind soul he was! I will be thinking of each of you kids & grandkids & you’ll be in my Prayers 🙏