Oliver Custer

Oliver Ronald Custer was born in Keyser, WV on September 18, 1944 to Oliver and Ruth (Wilkes) Custer. He was the beloved brother of Ruthann and Esthermay. Ron passed away on February 24, 2020 in Billings, MT, surrounded by family. Ron was also affectionately called Dad, Grumpy, Ronnie and Uncle Ronnie, but under no circumstances was he to be called late for dinner. He grew up in western Maryland, West Virginia and Rhode Island. He spent the last 51 years of his life in Billings. He graduated from Bruce High School in Westernport, MD in 1962, then from Zion Bible Institute in East Providence, RI in 1965. From there, Ron traveled across the country to Northwest Bible College in Kirkland, WA, where he earned a degree in Pastoral Ministries in 1967. While in Washington, he met and fell in love with Myrna Joyes. They married in Plentywood, MT on September 10, 1966. After college, Ron became an associate pastor in Yakima, WA. From there, he and Myrna moved to Billings. He worked at Noyes Garage, then went on to work at Cenex Refinery in Laurel until retirement. After retiring, he pursued a lifelong dream of driving bus. He enjoyed driving for First Student, Powder River, and finally Jefferson Bus Lines. He was also self-employed in residential and commercial painting. Ron and Myrna raised four children, Steven, Tiffany, Rachelle and Marie. He taught them to work hard, apply themselves and to just take the next step when the going got tough. Above all, he taught them to love God with all their hearts and to always seek His will. Ron enjoyed being very involved in churches he attended. One of his passions was his involvement with Walk to Emmaus for many years. He liked working on cars and doing carpentry and handyman work around his and his children's homes. He also enjoyed bowling, skiing, reading, boating and a good nap. Ron was a very caring and giving man who was always finding ways to help others. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was one of his greatest joys. He was greeted in heaven by his grandparents, parents Oliver and Ruth Custer, and father-in-law Harold Joyes. Ron is survived by his wife, Myrna Custer; children Steven (Gretchen) Custer, Tiffany (Doug) Huseby, Rachelle (Dan) Sneigoski and Marie Custer; sisters Ruthann Stokes and Esthermay Brooks; grandchildren Karis, Kian, Joshua, Benjamin, Sierra, Isaiah, Isaac, and Jonah; mother-in-law Shirley Joyes and many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2800 4th Avenue North in Billings, Montana. While his family misses him deeply, we rejoice knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior.