The Ekalaka Eagle - Your Community Builder

LAS VEGAS, Nev - Ron served his country in the US Navy from 1959 to 1961 aboard the USS Lexington and Bennington aircraft carriers as an Aviation Communication and Navigation Equipment Technician. While in boot camp he was chosen 'Honor Man of the Navy Recruit Company 164'.

In 1958 Ron and Elaine Faye Kindsfater were married in Billings and had one daughter. He attended Eastern Montana College and graduated with a degree in Art Education in 1967. Ron studied under the late Ben Steele and continued oil painting throughout his life.

In 1986 Ron married Darlene Schneider and resided in Miles City where he taught art at Pine Hills School.

Later, Ron moved to Red Lodge to be closer to his mother and where he met his sweetheart, Jo Foster and became snowbirds to Arizona. Ron loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter and mountain man.

Ron and Jo are active members in the Quartzite Art Guild where Ron's paintings are still enjoyed by all.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Stoltz, stepson Kerry Cole Schneider and step grandson Teddy Day.

Ron is survived by his life partner, Jo Stoltz of Quartzite, Ariz.; his mother, Frieda Stoltz; daughter Alison Stoltz (Mark Day); granddaughter Izzy Stoltz (Justin Day); great grandson Jaxon Day; sister, Linda Sheldon (Truman) of Red Lodge; sister, Sandy Schneider (Tony) of Billings; stepson Guy Schneider and step granddaughter Sydnee of Miles City; two step granddaughters, Tandi (Schneider) Jesperson and Trista (Schneider) DeFrance; three step great-grandsons and four step great-granddaughters of Ekalaka. Along with numerous nieces and nephews and other family members, Ron will be remembered and missed by all.

Burial in remembrance will be Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the Yellowstone Valley Memorial Cemetery in Laurel, Mont.