Ronald Dean Ebert

Ronald Dean Ebert, 81, passed away on May 21, 2023, due to complications caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  Ron passed away peacefully at his residence in Coos Bay, Oregon with his wife, Vickie, at his side.

Ron was most passionate about his career as an Ironworker, his love for family, friends and serving others as well as his joy of the great outdoors. Examples of this were left for family as a forever reminder in a personal handwritten letter from Ron stating some of the following:

My Proudest Family Moments: The marriage to my wife & the birth of my children. 4 boys and 1 girl - Bob & Chris, Gary Michael, Kristi & Lance. The most loving and caring family anyone could be blessed with.

My Proudest Career Moments: Completing 36 years of construction with all my fingers and toes, not a small accomplishment. And also the personal pride that goes with being an Ironworker that only an Ironworker or an Ironworker’s wife could possibly understand.

Special Achievements: Just looking back over life and knowing you have been surrounded by loving and caring family, knowing you may have had a small part in how they turned out.

As a child, Ron spent his elementary years in International Falls, MN followed by years in Phoenix, AZ.

At the age of 18, in Oct of 1959, Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until October of 1963. Ron spent two years of his service time in Japan and would often recount fond memories of his time there. To this day the family uses the Noritake China he sent home to his mother, Mayme, while there.

Ron joined the Ironworkers Apprenticeship in 1963 that lead to a long and fulfilling career ending in his retirement from the Ironworkers Union in August of 2000. At retirement, Ron was given a lifetime membership to the International Ironworkers Union. He spent retirement staying connected to his long loved career through his monthly Ironworker Magazine as well as meeting up with old colleagues, now lifetime friends. Ron worked for multiple Locals including one out of Ohio, Local 708 out of Billings, MT and Local 29 out of Portland, OR. His career offered him the opportunity to work in many different states serving several communities.

Ron married Carolyn Sue Manyen in August of 1963. During their marriage they had two sons, Robert Dean Ebert and Christopher Allen Ebert.

On April 28th of 1974 Ron married Vickie Lynn Steffen. Together they had a daughter and a son, Kristi Lynn Ebert and Lance Russell Ebert. They spent the rest of their marriage creating a life together. Vickie held his hand as he passed. As promised in their vows, she “walked him home”.

During the memorable years of raising a family, Ron & Vickie enjoyed living in many areas that the Ironworker career took them. While in Montana, Ron spent much of his time enjoying the great outdoors and all it has to offer. His love of fishing and hunting not only provided for his family in terms of sustainability, but also taught them many lessons of life. The importance of being self sufficient, the valuable lesson of patience, respect for nature and the importance of slowing down. His passion also served as a way to bring the family together and create memories to last a lifetime. Who could ever forget something like paddle fishing in the great state of Montana? Just ask his boys Bob and Chris if you are up for a good story.

Eventually Ron & Vickie made a home in Oregon to remain near her sister Phyllis. Here is where Kristi and Lance would navigate their teen years as all of their children would transition into their adult years and begin their own journeys. Ron shared his many passions with his family during these years. He and Vickie supported their kids and eventually their grandchildren as well in all of their personal activities. Everything from sports and school activities to birthday parties and babysitting. They spent many years traveling Interstate 5 making their way through Oregon to Washington to be a part of those important moments. Together they enjoyed blending their love of collectibles with creating things by hand. Ron’s love for woodworking and Vickie’s love of crafting became intertwined as he creates pieces to support her passion and ideas . Together they supported family, demonstrated love and shared the beauty of family. Ron left many blessings and memories for his family to carry forward. To begin, like any good man of construction, he began with a strong foundation of family followed by pillars of strength built with his love of reading, cribbage, the joy of lessons learned from bird watching, the gift of giving to others, the importance of hard work and dedication, respect for your mother and let’s not forget the appreciation and love of food, with peanut butter being the undeniable everlasting first true love. Is there much a good spoonful of peanut butter couldn’t fix? Ron didn’t think so. With that, grab your favorite food. Scoop it up. Cheers to a good man. Don’t take life for granted, enjoy the moments you have and know the best are yet to come.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Mayme Overley. The father who raised him, Leroy Ruport, fondly known as Buck. His Step Father, Clement Overley. The Mother of his two eldest sons, Carolyn Sue Manyen. His Aunt Mabel, lovingly known as Bobbi along with three Uncles; Norman, Billy and Earl.

He is survived by his wife Vickie Steffen Ebert. His children: Robert (Carrie) Ebert, Christopher (Kate) Ebert, Kristi (Mike) Ebert Shaffer, Lance (Tasha) Ebert, Stepson Gary (Maya Beal) Blakey II, His Grandchildren; David, Dawn, Ryan & Nick; Kyle, Brody & Jordan; Corey & Jenny; Tyler, Cannon & Gage; Along with 8 Great Grandchildren.  Ron’s siblings including his sisters; Verna Snyder & Patricia (Jim) Ehret. Brothers; Lance known as Lanny (Sheila) Ruport and Rick (Kathy) Ruport.  Uncle Bernard (Barbara) Ebert and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends better known as family.

On July 30, 2023, family and friends will be meeting at 10:30 am at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home, 118 N. 3rd St, Livingston, MT, before the graveside service. The graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston, MT. Directly following the service there will be a gathering for light refreshments and conversation. All are welcome to attend, located at The Shane Lanani Center, 415 E. Lewis Street, Livingston, Mt.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that if you feel led to, please consider supporting one of the locations listed below on behalf of Ronald Dean Ebert.

The Shane Lanani Center will ensure that children continue to have access to music and performing art programs as well demonstrating community involvement. Ron loved the laughter and joy of children and believed they should all be made a priority. The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, PO Box 58, Livingston, MT. 59047.  (406) 403 8986 Erika, https://www.theshanecenter.org/ Select Donate Now Then Education

The Ironworkers Death and Disability Fund will ensure help to those Ironworkers and families of Ironworkers who have been injured or loss their lives during their career. This is close to Ron’s heart, as he considered himself truly blessed for finishing his career safely and in good health. He would be the first to help those who are struggling.

Ironworkers Local 29 FCU, 11620 NE Ainsworth Circle Floor 2, Portland, OR 97220, Death and Disability Fund in Ronald Ebert’s name. (503) 774 3848 Amy