Ronald Dale Grovom, age 74, of East Helena, Montana, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on February 24, 2022 at his home, with his loving wife by his side. He was born May 9, 1947 at Williston, North Dakota, the son of Walter and Lola (Brenden) Grovom and raised in Glasgow, Montana. Ron graduated from Glasgow High School in 1965, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track (javalin and pole vault). Ron graduated from Northern Montana College in 1969, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, History and Social Science. During college, Ron continued to play his favorite sports; baseball, basketball, and football, quarterbacking four years for the Northern Lights. After college, Ron served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Ron met Susan (Gilbert) in college, and they were married on October 11, 1969, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Harlem, MT. They were blessed with having two sons, Ryan and Jason, and a daughter, Lisa. Ron was a man of faith, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and a genuine friend.
Ron was a dedicated teacher and coach in the Clyde Park, Harlem, and Belgrade, Montana school systems. In 1982, Ron and family moved to Helena, MT. Ron had a successful career in sales for several local car dealerships. He was also a member of the Helena Optimist Club. He enjoyed coaching Helena Small Fry Football for The Lions Club champion team (1986) and Grimes champion team (1988) that sons Ryan and Jason played for. Ron coached Freshmen Basketball at Helena High, and Capital High Freshmen Basketball teams from 1988-96. While athletics was one of his passions, Ron’s greatest passion was watching his children and grandchildren compete in their athletic events and other activities. He passed on his love of athletics to his children, and love of coaching to his sons.
In 2013, Ron and Susan moved to Sun City, Arizona. Ron became an avid golfer, and enjoyed golfing in the Montana Club Annual Golf Scramble tournaments. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #2559 in Sun City. In August 2021, Ron and Susan moved to East Helena, MT to be closer to family. Ron was hardworking and forward thinking. He had a talent and creative vision for building home and garden improvement projects. He enjoyed cooking and sharing his “homemade” chicken and dumplings specialty, gardening, music and dancing to his favorite tunes, hosting Super Bowl parties, and watching western movies. Above all, Ron especially loved spending time with his family and close friends. Ron enjoyed hunting, camping, boating on Hauser and Canyon Ferry Lakes, fishing trips to Fort Peck Lake and the annual Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival Tournaments, floating the Smith River, playing pool, and golfing.
Ron was predeceased by: his parents, Walter and Lola (Brenden) Grovom; brother, Harold Grovom; sisters, Shirley (Royce) Shumake, Jean (Jerry) Glover, and Winifred (Leonard) Long; parents-in-law, Lewis and Irene Gilbert; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Gilbert.
Survivors include: his wife of 52 years, Susan; sons, Ryan (Jenni) of Helena, MT and Jason (Katy) of Mankato, MN; daughter, Lisa (Kevin) Inabnit of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren, Lexi (23), Bridger (20), Hudsen (17), Kendal (16), Blake (12), Brett (11), Bennett (10), and Livy (8), of whom he was so immensely proud. Ron is also survived by five sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law: Bernie Grovom, Kay (Jack) Howard, Lewis Gilbert, Jr., Sandra Gilbert, Gwen (Jerry) Anderson, Bonnie (Mark) Josephson; a host of nieces and nephews and their families; lifelong friends, Marvin and Pudda Henderson; many other special friends; and his pet Schnauzer, Rudy.
Ron will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 26th at Fort Harrison Cemetery, Helena, MT. A reception celebrating Ron’s life will be at Fox Ridge Golf Course from 1-3:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Thursday May 26, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday May 26, 2022
Fox Ridge Golf Course
4020 Lake Helena Dr.
Helena , Montana 59602
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Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
So sorry to hear this about Ron. He was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you 💔😇
Nathan G. says
I miss you Uncle Ron!
We LOVE you Aunt Sue!
Jefff Grovom says
Ron was the second father to me. I will miss him beyond measure. Thank you for teaching me so much! You are a great role model Ron!
Shannon Muessman says
Some of my most favorite childhood memories include Uncle Ronnie. He was so deeply loved and cherished as was evident at family gatherings and when family shared news about him. I remember Grandma glued to her transistor radio while watching him play high school football from the stands . . . She wasn’t about to miss anything the announcers said about him and could talk football with the best. Mom was especially attached to Ronnie since he was born on her birthday, and Sydney and Craig seemed more like his brothers when he’d come to Poplar to stay awhile . . . They were always playing ball. No doubt from Ronnie’s influence, Sydney, and especially Craig became enamored with participating in sports. In Glasgow, Ronnie would take us little kids upstairs to hear 50’s-60’s 45-records on his record player. Even now when I think about Uncle Ronnie, I can hear and see his genuine interest in talking to those around him, his contagious laugh, and his broad handsome smile . . . I’m grateful for the hope we have in Jesus as we’ll be with Uncle Ronnie and the beloved others once again. Love and Blessings, Dearest Susan, Ryan, Jason, and Lisa!
Steve and joni grovom says
My memories of hunting, fishing and golfing with Ron are some of my favorites, He wasn’t just an uncle but a friend, so many good times, love and miss him, love to Susan and family
Sandy Benson says
Love you Uncle Ronnie! I will miss you beyond words. You will live on through your wonderful kids and grandchildren . I’m so thankful that this is just temporary and one day we will all be together again. R.I.P. Uncle!
Lindsey Vroegindewey says
Such great memories roofin’ with Uncle Ron – and what a cook he was! And, of course, I’d name drop his name anytime I was purchasing a vehicle….everyone knew and loved Uncle Ron! I remember the 6am Bible studies at JB’s too. See you again soon!
Chris Mockel says
Ron was both coach and friend for me. He pushed us boys to be better at everything especially to be the best people we could be. He showed us you can have fun through your whole life and the key was caring for and surrounding yourself with the ones you love. Ron could lecture but really his lessons were passed on through example. His spirit lives on in me and all the fortunate to have known him. I look forward to doing the twist with you again in heaven Ronny. Thank you for all the blessings you brought into my life because they’re more valuable than all the riches in the world good buddy!
Rosanne says
Jenni and family,
I am sorry Jenni in your father-in-laws passing..
May you find the peace that passé the understanding.
I am thinking of your family in prayer.
LINDA MORAN RITTEN says
Ronnie will always be remembered fondly by all the Moran family. He spent a lot of time hunting, fishing and just ganging hanging out with my brother and our family. RIP Ronnie! Our condolences to Sue an family.
Rod Benson says
Ron was the varsity basketball coach my junior and senior years, and football coach my senior year in Harlem (’76 and ’77). I loved playing for him! I remember his fiery competitiveness, the many pats on the back, and the smell (and spray) of his spearmint gum as he coached us up during timeouts – but most of all, I remember the way he made us believe in ourselves. He had a huge positive impact on my life. Thanks, Coach. I’ll never forget you.
Stephen Munford says
I knew Coach Grovom that well. He was the head basketball and football coach at Harlem High when I was in grade school and middle school. But he definitely had this young athletes attention while he was coach at Harlem High School. The teams he coached inspired us to want be a state champion caliber team. He and the players he coached really did inspire us younger guys to do better. Thanks Coach for helping us younger guys and a community have great memories with you as our coach. Condolences to his family, friends, and the many athletes and students he mentored and coached. Amen 🙏🏽
Stephen Munford says
I really didn’t know Coach Grovom that well. He was the head basketball and football coach at Harlem High when I was in grade school and middle school. But he definitely had this young athletes attention while he was coach at Harlem High School. The teams he coached inspired us to want be a state champion caliber team. He and the players he coached really did inspire us younger guys to do better. Thanks Coach for helping us younger guys and a community have great memories with you as our coach. Condolences to his family, friends, and the many athletes and students he mentored and coached. Amen 🙏🏽
Dave Johnson says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to his loved ones. I deeply admired Ron and enjoyed the time I had working with him. I am more blessed to have had the pleasure and honor of knowing him. Ron was a great guy and so full of life. Heaven has gained a wonderful man. God speed Ron.
JD Rabbit Sauter says
Definitely will miss Ron, lots of old memories while I played at the Exchange bar in Mt.City. Prayers go out to Susan and family. Rabbit
Bill Knudsen says
To Suzi and family, I was very sad when I heard of Ron’s passing. He was a great friend and felloe salesman at Grimes Motors. I always admired him for being the kind of husband, father, grandfather, and good friend. I was particularly fond of his relationships with his boys and their sports career, the kind of Dad every young man snd daughter should have. Im sorry I missed the service When I first heard of his passing, I searched everywhere for an obituary but couldn’t find it…. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Peg Nimmick says
Dear Sue & family,
I just read in the GF Tribune now that Ron died in Feb of 2022. I was just reading your brother’s obituary where it stated Ron was deceased. I am so very sorry for your loss of Ron & your brother. Ron was always so full of life & fun to be around. I am happy I knew him. Take care of yourself & your children & your grandchildren. Our paths may cross again someday. I would like that.. In friendship, Peg Nimmick
Great Falls, MT. 6/14/24.