Ronald Gene Schatz lost his life on April 30, 2013 after a lengthy illness at his home with family.
Ron was born to Frank J. and Edna R. Schatz on June 29, 1942 in Helena. He spent his entire life on the Schatz Ranch and was very dedicated to his life style. His life was dedicated to tractors and equipment along with the cows as well as helping his many rancher/farmer friends. Along with his Dad, the were the first producers in the state of Montana to have ‘certified weed free hay’ Long hard hours were spent in producing the ‘best’ hay for horses, many horse-racing friends were met along the way.
During Ron’s years in 4-H, he won the local tractor contest and went to Springfield, Illinois to compete. He also won a trip to the Grain Exchange in Chicago. Ron joined the Montana National Guard after graduation. Ron received training in Fort Ord, California and was a reserve officer for eight years. He came back to help his Dad with the ranch.
Ron and Yvonne(Vonne) Ogle were married June 24, 1961 – they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2011. Ron and Vonne raised their three children in Helena and they all helped on the ranch and learned stron ‘work’ ethics. He never let anything or anyone come between his family that he loved dearly.
In the last few years ranching, he and Vonne produced and shipped excellent horse hay to many states, as far as Dodge City, Kansas. When you speak horse hay, Ron Schatz comes to mind. He hauled hay no matter the weather on his Dodge six wheel retriever to someone in need.
Ron was a very hard working man, if there was work to do, it got done at any cost. He had strong opinions but he could be depended on to help his neighbors and friends. Many time she had helped repair someone else’s equipment (balers mostly) and could do it in his sleep or over the phone. Many times Ron would see smoke from the field and arrive at a fire before anyone else. He always had a ‘water truck’ filled and ready to jump in and go. He went above and beyond to help anyone and had a heart of gold. In his quiet way, he valued his friends and family and was a strong presence in everyone’s life.
Ron was a member of the Lewis and Clark County Weed Board, Helena Snowdrifter’s Snowmobile Club, Ag-Fourm, Elk’s Lodge, Lewis and Clark Planning Board, Lewis and Clark Conservation District as a Supervisor for 29 years.
After his retirement, Ron enjoyed many years of hunting with family and Pennsylvania buddies. Ron also enjoyed his ATV 4 wheeler and was always up for a ride in the mountains with friends and family. Ron related many stories of the history in the area. Ron also had a great passion for his 1926 chain drive Mack truck, Ron and Vonne traveled to numerous truck shows, receiving many “people’s choice” awards.
Ron was preceded in death by both of his parents. Survivors include his beloved wife, Vonne; two sons and one daughter. Dave (Teresa) Schatz, Nata Tucker, Myrlin (Joanne) Schatz; seven grandchildren; Mike Schatz, Dan Schatz, Taylor Schatz, Samantha Patton, Bailey Sheppard, Collett Schatz, and Nathan Schatz; two great-grandchildren, Natasha and River.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. today, May 3, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A memorial service celebrating Ron’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the funeral home. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. Burial at Ron’s final resting place will be held at Blossburg in a private family service at a later date. Memorials in Ron’s name are suggested to Frontier Home Health & Hospice, 800 Front St., Helena, MT 59601, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting: www.stjude.org,, Farm in the Dell International, 1208 Poplar, Helena, MT 59601 or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday May 3, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday May 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday May 3, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday May 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Chris Evans says
I have so many fond memories of Ron…I first met him 14 years ago when I went to work for the Conservation District. He and Vonne were both so welcoming and have become friends over the years. I’ve never known anyone else who knew so much about the area in which he lived, the history, the people, the streams and landforms. He has been much missed at the Conservation District the last several months, and now is missed by us all. To his family, please know that you are all in my thoughts right now in your time of loss.
Shauna Longmire says
Vonne and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of Ronnie!! I first got to meet Ronnie and Vonne when I worked at Capital Answering Service. You guys were haying some where and I needed to get ahold of you and was trying to reach you by radio!! By some lucky chance, I did get ahold of you and you guys were just as surprised as I was!! I remeber you both laughing and asking if I had put my bloomers up to get extra good coverage to reach ya!! I still have my “bloomers” just in case!! R.I.P Ronnie.
Jeff & Chris Otto says
Vonnie & Family –
We are so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. You welcomed us into the Helena Snowdrifters way back when and “recruited” us as host families for the mushers, for which we were grateful for your friendship and guidance. We will remember Ron with good memories of a man who kept his word and was always willing to help with anything. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Marie Kall says
Vonne,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I have great memories of Ron from our days on CC Ave. God bless, Marie Kall
Clay Pipinich says
So sorry to hear of your lost.
Richard Kauffman says
Ron was married to my cousin Vonne, I didn’t know Ron ,or had a chance to visit them when I was in the Helena area. Our thought and prayers go out to the family. Sorry I hadn’t been able to visit and get to know Ron.
Renee Pipinich says
Vonne and family, So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I would like to thank you and Ron for all you did for me during my hard time and would like to let you know I am there for you.
John McCluskey says
I was a Helena High Class of ’60 classmate of Ron’s and saw him at every reunion the class had. He was one of the nicest, most pleasant guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I can’t recall a single time I saw Ron without a great big grin on his face. I’ll miss seeing you in 2020 my friend.
Ralph Aylstock says
We were sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Helena has lost another good person. I worked with Yvonne at the old St. John’s Hospital, and found Ron and Yvonne to be wonderful Montana kind of people.
C. M. (Kelly) Richardson says
I am saddened to learn of Ron’s passing. We went through high school together. Shared a shop class and Ron was a good guy. I’ll miss seeing him at the reunions. Our prayers are for the family at this difficult time.
Sharon Ziegler Johns says
When I saw the photo of Ron in his obituary, I thought to myself, “There is that genuine Ron smile!” That is the same smile I remember from the days at Helena High School!
He truly was one of the nicest people in our class. You captured him perfectly in the sentence, “… and had a heart of gold.”
Treasure the memories!
Sharon Johns
and had a heart of gold. In his quiet way, he valued his friends and family
Dennis & Shannon Meyer says
Vonne and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, please accept our deepest sympathy. The good old timers are becoming fewer and fewer, we are lucky to have known him.