Robert Ray Ronish

Click here to livestream the service: https://mycmc.life/memorials

Robert Ray Ronish, aged 88, passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at his home in Great Falls. Robert was born on September 10, 1934, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the firstborn son of Theodore R. Ronish and Irene B. Ronish.

Robert spent his formative years in Cheyenne. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1957 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He entered Active Duty in February 1958, accepting a regular Army appointment in July 1959. He completed the Infantry Officer course and was assigned to the 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Korea, from December 1960 to March 1962. He later served with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, KS and was then assigned to Okinawa, Japan from June 1965 to November 1967. His final active-duty assignment was at Fort Huachuca, AZ. Robert then spent 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. One of his most cherished Reserve assignments was with the 172nd Infantry Brigade, U.S. Army Alaska. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in September 1994 in the rank of Colonel. After he left Active Duty, Robert was employed by the Department of the Army in several civil service positions, retiring after a twenty-year career. During retirement, he lived in Arizona and Colorado before settling in Great Falls, Montana in 2004, with Lois, his beloved wife of 68 years. He was an active member of Crossroads Memorial Church in Great Falls, where he taught Bible classes.

In addition to Lois, Robert is survived by his daughter, Renee (Dennis) Thompson, of Tucson, AZ; sons, Shane (Svetlana) Ronish of Alexandria, VA and Clay (Cherie) Ronish of Great Falls, MT; two granddaughters, Keely and Anna; and two grandsons, Nick and Zach.

Robert’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Crossroads Memorial Church (1700 Market Place Drive, Great Falls). A livestream will occur on the Facebook page @ Crossroads Memorial Church. A reception will immediately follow at Crossroads Memorial Church. A graveside service with full military honors will be held after the reception. Funeral arrangements are provided by Schnider Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any one of the following organizations: Great Falls Rescue Mission, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Gideons International, or Crossroads Memorial Church.