Ronald Gene Straw

   Cause of his death was cancer.

  General Notes:

research of Jessica L. Goodroad

obit
Ronald Gene Straw passed away on June 4, 2012, at the age of 51 at Belle Fourche, SD, after his battle with cancer. Ron was born on April 29, 1961, in Rapid City, SD, to Loite and Viola (Mohr) Straw.
He lived all of his childhood in Hill City, where he attended public school. At the age of 15, Ron worked for Youth Forestry for the US Forest Service the summer of June-August, 1976, cleaning campgrounds, planting trees, and mowing. At the age of 18, Ron became a member of the Hill City Volunteer Fire Department, and retained his membership from 1979 to 1991, for a total of 12 years. He received the Honor Life Member Award status and his Badge Number is 69. He also received an award for Gallantry and Bravery from the Firefighter's Association, which was signed by President Ronald Reagan. Over this time period, he had volunteered over 280 hours in firefighting. Ron also received CPR and First Aid Training from Fire Chief Duane Meyers. Ron was employed by Pacer Corporation from 1979 to 1981 as a Mill Operator in Keystone, SD. In 1982, he worked as a carpenter for one year in Igloo, SD. In 1983, for the summer, he worked for Lee Charles, Inc., just outside of Spearfish, SD. From 1983 to 1993, Ron was employed by Dakota Stone in Hill City, as a rock splitter and yard foreman. From 1994 to 1995, he was employed by the School of Mines as a custodian and security guard. From 1995 to 1996, Ron was employed as an Apprentice Electrician for the City of Fremont, NE. He worked as an Apprentice under the direction of his Uncle John Tober. Ron also worked off and on for approximately 17 years for Betty Matkins of Hill City, cleaning and restoring antiques and collectibles. From 1997 to 1998, Ron was in Alaska building roads on an island on Big Lake, AK. He also worked on a ranch located twelve miles west of Hill City, where he was able to work with horses.
Ron married Roxanna Carruth in Hill City, SD, on May 16, 1981. One daughter was born to them, Melissa Straw. Ron's second marriage was to Joanne Hansvold in Hill City, SD, on December 17, 1988.
Ron had many different hobbies, which included working with rocks and slate building rock water falls for yards and gardens, camping, hiking, fishing, panning for gold, and exploring and spelunking of old mines and caves in the Black Hills. He took pride in and enjoyed refinishing old furniture. He loved listening to Elvis Presley music.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Melissa Straw and his granddaughter, Lela Straw of Grand Island, NE; his brothers and sisters, Annette and Duane Groves, Hill City, SD, Floyd Straw of Fairburn, SD, Donna Coppess of Belle Fourche, SD, Donald and Sherree Straw of Rapid City, SD, Donavan Straw of Bridgewater, SD, Dan and Doreen Straw of Hill City, SD, Diane and Bill Vanderbeek of Custer, SD, Duane and Brenda Straw of Hill City, SD, Bonnie and Jerry Goodroad of Nisland, SD, and Dennis and Kiki Straw of Hill City, SD; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Preceding Ron's passing, were his father, Loite; his mother, Viola; his brother, Derwin; and his nephew Frank Jay Mahoney, all of whom Ron was looking forward to being reunited with in Heaven. Ron is loved and will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends,each with very special memories, which we will carry with us forever in our hearts. Ron had a special place in his heart for each of his family members and an extra special place in his heart for his daughter, Melissa, and his granddaughter, Lela. His granddaughter brought him a great amount of joy in his last days, and has been and will always be, his pride and joy.
A special Memorial Service in Ron's honor will be held Friday, June 8, 2012, at the Hill City Senior Center. Kline Funeral Chapel of Belle Fourche is in care of arrangement

Ronald married Living

Ronald next married Living