Ronald Jones

Ronald Patric (R.P.) Jones passed away at his home in Billings on October 28 at the age of 85. He was surrounded by family and his passing was peaceful. He had been in declining health for the last three years and he was ready to leave this world on the wings of angels.

He was born in Scobey, Montana on March 13, 1937, to Lalon Jones and Verna (Gebhardt) Jones of Peerless, Montana. He attended Peerless Public Schools and graduated from high school in 1954. After graduating, he attended Northern Montana College for one year. On November 5th, 1955, he volunteered for the draft with plans of enlisting in the Army. When he got to Butte for the physical, and after the testing, he was put in the U.S. Navy. He did his tour of duty, and after his honorable discharge, began helping his dad on the family farm. Around this time R.P. worked for Amoco Oil Company in the winter and spring. This led to him being one of the workers who helped build the Farmers Union Oil Company in Peerless, Montana, still functioning today as PRO Co-op.

On June 18, 1960, he married Geri Baldry, love of his life and best friend, in St. Ann's Catholic Church in Peerless. He purchased his grandparents farm and continued to farm that land for the next 50 years. During those years he also drove school bus for Peerless Schools for just over 30 years. For most of those years, he drove the “south route” getting up just before 5 a.m. to start the bus when the weather was well below zero. His route was a lot of miles, on dirt roads, and the traveling conditions were very bad at times. He also drove the school's sports teams to countless ball games. R.P. earned the trust of the students and their families during those years, always getting “his kids” safely to their destination no matter the weather. Also, during the winters, when not able to farm, he worked as a mechanic for Lester Estenson.

Ron took pride in helping in the community, serving as the Chairman of the Board for the Farmers Union Grain Company and various leadership positions for G.T.A. He was also proud to be the Chairman of the Peerless Community Club during their annual lutefisk feeds.

R.P. was a humble, hardworking man who loved his wife and children with all his heart. His quick wit and sense of humor was legendary, and he kept that quality right to the end. He was a man of faith, and when he was recently asked if he was ready to go to Heaven, he responded “Well yes, of course I am…but then again I've never heard from anyone that's come back!” Ron loved to laugh and make those in his company laugh too. Finally, R.P. will be remembered as someone who would be the first to help someone in need and the last to seek the credit.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Lalon, mother Verna, two sisters, Donna and Fae, and his daughter, Kristi. He is survived by his sister Garnet, his wife of 62 years, Geri Jones of Billings, MT; Children, Valarie (Kirk) Carlson of Boise, ID, Jim Jones of Scobey, MT and Jeff (Sally) Jones of Sheridan, WY; Grandchildren, Cody (Lindsay) Carlson of Boise, ID, Ciara (Matt) Carter of Exeter, CA, Samantha Jones of Scobey, MT, Zoie Jones of Spearfish, S.D. and Truman Jones of Ft. Collins, CO; Great grandchildren Kaiya, Layla, Rose, and Otto.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be announced and held in Billings in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of R.P., please go do something nice for someone else and don't tell anyone. Rest in peace Dad