With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald R. Lamping, a devoted father, cherished grandfather, beloved great-grandfather, and dear friend. Ronald lived a remarkable 90 years filled with love, dedication, and unwavering strength.
Born into a large and hardworking family on April 7th, 1934, Ronald was one of eleven children raised on a ranch. At the age of three, he lost his hearing due to an accident, yet he never allowed this challenge to define him. At eight years old, his parents made the difficult decision to send him to The Montana Boarding School for the Deaf and Blind, where he thrived in academics, sports, and community activities. Despite being away during the week, his parents made a point to bring him home on weekends, to assist on the family ranch.
It was at school where Ronald met the love of his life, Darlene Eleanor Ostrum. Their love story led them to marriage on November 16th, 1958, and together they built a beautiful life, raising four wonderful children; Rodney, Ronda, Ronell and Rachel. Despite their hearing disabilities, they created a home full of warmth, resilience, and boundless love.
Ronald was a man of many talents, working across various trades—from driving trucks and pouring concrete to building homes. A skilled craftsman and mechanic, he found joy in fixing things, whether it was vehicles, small engines, or anything in need of repair. His passions included woodworking, hunting and fishing with his brothers, and spending cherished time at the family cabin in the Elkhorns. Once their children were grown, they remained deeply involved in the deaf community, traveling to camps and conventions every summer and forming lifelong friendships along the way.
As devoted parents, Ronald and Darlene instilled a strong sense of love and unity within their family. Ronald took great pride in being an active and loving grandfather to his eight grandchildren and a great-grandfather to seven. He never missed a sporting event, milestone, or opportunity to lend a helping hand. His calm demeanor and boundless love created a special bond with each grandchild and great-grandchild, who adored him in return.
In his later years, Ronald found joy in side-by-side adventures and camping trips with his family. His endless energy and spunk made his sudden diagnosis of end-stage liver cancer all the more heartbreaking. Though he fought bravely, Ronald passed on February 1, 2025, surrounded by the family, he so deeply loved.
His legacy of kindness, resilience, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Ronald will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Ronald is proceeded in death by parents, Fred and Pearl Lamping, wife Darlene Lamping, siblings, Arvah Chenkovich-Morton, Fred Lamping, Leonard Lamping, Clifford Lamping, Wyona Spoonemore, Baby Eunice Lamping, Kenneth Lamping, Richard Lamping, and Dan Lamping. In laws, William Morton, Andrew Chenkovich, Cliff Spoonemore, Lauretta Lamping, Pearl Lamping, Loretta Lamping, Dolly Lamping and Donna Lamping.
He is survived by his children, Rodney Lamping (Kate), Ronda Jenko (John), Ronell Floding (Steve), and Rachel Amdahl (Doug); Grandchildren, Miranda Elliott (Brian), Lindsey Younker (Drew), Sadie Merkel (Tucker), Kail Amdahl (Allie), Madison Floding, Tanner Amdahl (Ally), Dr. Emma Lamping-Hammer (Dr. Nathan), and Sam Lamping (Maddie); Great-Grandchildren, Remmi, Bodie, and Raya Younker, Camden and Natalie Elliott, Maverick Amdahl, and Brooks Amdahl. Sibling Larry (Barb) Lamping, sister-in-law Fee Lamping, and many nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Mike with St. Peter’s Hospice and Dr. Bedell with St. Peter’s Health.
A celebration of Ronald’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 11am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Ronald R. Lamping to the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, 3911 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59405 or St. Peter’s Hospice Department, 201 S. California St. Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Saturday February 8, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday February 8, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Saturday February 8, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday February 8, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Jon & Becky Bass says
To the family of Ronald and Darlene Lamping,
We were blessed to have had them as Neighbors in Montana City, and are forever grateful for their friendship, and kindness when we lived there.
We pray the Lord helps you through this difficult time.
Jon & Becky Bass
Mann Gail says
So sorry for your loss. Your dad always had a smile on his face and was a remarkable kind man. You are all in my prayers.
Lisa Gault says
My thoughts are with the Lamping family — have enjoyed being friends with Ron and Darlene since I was young and they were exemplary role models as Deaf individuals and as a couple. Such steadiness, faithfulness, and humor with them, they were a blessing to be around.
Mary Westover, Oliver Westover says
Sorry for your loss .
Bob DenHerder says
Ronnie and his note pad ! He taught me and anyone around him the art of carpentry through special needs A very special man. He will be messed and I am glad years ago working at Sharbonos had a moment to be with him.
Rolph Foster says
Sorry for your loss, Ron was a very good friend to me.
Enjoyed many many deaf group campout with Darlene and Ron.
Sorry, I cannot attend the funeral, I have another funeral to attend.
Ron & Pam Novak says
Ronda & family,
Thinking of you and the loss of your dad. I remember him (and your mom) from the Montana City Store – incredibly nice, kind and unassuming … always. Good, good people! Sending love and prayers to you all during this really difficult time.
Linda fauhl says
I only met Ron and Darlene once when my husband and i were graciously invited to their big family Thsnksgiving dinner (the weather that year had been horrrible ,roads closed, so we could not get to our own family dinner in Great Falls).
it was a memorable evening with the family !
I spent enough time with Darleen and Ron to know they were the warmest and most kind people one could be lucky enough to meet
Ted Polette says
Dear Ronda, John, Lindsey, Mariah, and Family,
My heart goes out to you in the loss of Ron. What a joyful soul he was, who spread his love and constant support to all who were fortunate enough to be blessed by knowing him. I’m sure Jackie and Darlene met him at the gates of Heaven and celebrated his arrival on the other shore. I will forever cherish the memories of Ron and Darlene clapping in the stands with big smiles on their faces for Lindsey and her Ambition volleyball team, and then showering the players with love and hugs after the matches were over. 🙂 I will visit them at Forestvale Cememtery every day when I visit Jackie. “Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories.” May Ron and Darlene’s gardens bloom gloriously forever! Love from my family to yours.