Ronald Johnson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was surrounded by family when he embarked on his final flight on December 29, 2023, after a long and full life.
Ron and his twin brother, Rod, were born on a beautiful May day in Wallace, ID, to Richard and Naomi “Pat” Johnson. His mother and father had been en route from Stevensville, MT to visit Richard’s mother in Spokane, WA. Not realizing that she was carrying twins, Pat was taken by surprise when she went into labor on May 18, 1932. Later, the family grew to include another set of twins, Janet and Joan, as well as another son, Charles.
Ron and Rod spent a portion of their youth in two children’s homes – the Spokane Children’s Home and the Deaconess Home in Helena. Ron and Rod were extremely close and the best of friends, relying upon each other not only during their challenging early years but throughout their entire lives.
In 1950, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on Guam when the war broke out in Korea. He served in Korea, stationed in Inchon, until he was honorably discharged in 1953.
Upon his return from Korea, Ron worked for Buttrey Foods in Harlem, Malta, and Chinook. He met his beloved wife, Marilee Chapman, while working in Chinook. They were married at the Presbyterian Church there on December 19, 1954. Ron and Marilee lived all over the state before finally settling in Wolf Point in 1965. Together, Ron and Marilee had three children, Ronald “Dean” born in 1955, Dawn in 1956, and Lance in 1962. Marilee succumbed to cancer in 2000 and Dean passed away in 2020.
Ron and Marilee owned a propane company before Ron realized that he “would rather work with his brain than with his back”. Becoming a Montana Highway Patrolman in 1963 led to a 25-year career in law enforcement, with Ron working his way up to the rank of Sergeant. While in the Highway Patrol, Ron discovered his great love of flying, earning his pilot’s license. Ron became a “Bear in the Air” for the Patrol. He also went on to pilot flights for the state of Montana, flying Lieutenant Governor Mike McGrath and even Governor Ted Schwinden. Ron graduated from the Dawson Community College in May of 1976 with an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement.
Upon retiring from the Highway Patrol, Ron was elected to the post of Justice of the Peace for Roosevelt County – a role which he held for 12 years. Ron was never one to sit idle, and upon his second “retirement” he continued investigative work for cases tried by the United States District Court out of Great Falls. Additionally, Ron served on the Montana Supreme Court Commission for a number of years. Ron even was a bit of a movie star, having been asked to play a judge in a series of commercials for a law firm in California. Ron was an unbelievably talented woodworker, having built most of furniture in their house (although he would want you to know that Marilee should get the credit for the design). Ron also made countless frames for the artwork of his son, daughter, and late wife. Additionally,
Ron spent a summer at Chief Plenty Coup State Park, just after Marilee’s passing, during which he rebuilt the furniture in Chief Plenty Coup’s cabin. Other hobbies of Ron’s included sailing (in his younger years) and golf. Ron was a lover of beautiful cars, having owned two Lincoln Continentals and five Jaguars throughout his years. Ron served on countless Boards and Committees throughout his life.
Ron married Sue Watterson on December 27, 2003 in the midst of a fierce blizzard, which set the tone for their coming years together – years that were jam-packed with adventure – including world travel, experiencing other cultures, learning how to ask for the bathroom in several languages, and bungee jumping on their honeymoon. They were blessed to have celebrated 20 years of marriage two days before Ron’s passing.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Pat, twin brother Rod, sister Joan, wife Marilee, son Dean, as well as other family members and dear friends, too numerous to mention.
Ron is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughter Dawn Garfield, son Lance (Debbie) Johnson, daughter-in-law Lisa Johnson (surviving spouse of Ron’s late son, Dean); grandchildren Doug, Vanessa (John), Shaylene (John), and Cameron, as well as great-grandchildren Stone, Allen, Orion, Mason, Devon, Ezra, Jack, Ella, Layla, Isabella and Asher, who is expected in March. Ron was blessed with a bonus family when he and Sue married, and is also survived by Sue’s children Joycelyn (Barry) Watterson-Woods, Jeremy (Katie) Watterson, and grandkids Conor, Miles, Alice, Ian, Justice, Jude, and Finley.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Time of Sharing
1:00 p.m.
Sunday January 7, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Monday January 8, 2024
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Time of Sharing
1:00 p.m.
Sunday January 7, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Monday January 8, 2024
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Curtis Courchene says
We at the Wellness Center would like to send our condolences ! We know it’s been a trying uphill climb and are thinking of you and your families ! Curtis Courchene , Tasha FourStar from the Fort Peck Community College Wellness Gym of Wolf Point
Warren says
I remember Ron from his Highway Patrol years and then his time as a Judge. He looked at me kinda surprised when I plead self defense after a wild horse stampede altercation. LOL. He looked at me and said, “Self Defense?? Warren, you chased him for a block. $50 fine, “.
Thoughts and prayers to the Johnson family.
David Arndt says
Sue and family, I will miss Ron so very much. My heart goes out to you and the family.
Dave Fyfe says
Ron was a very happy person I enjoyed golfing with him or against him. I also cut many trees up for him in his backyard . I will never forget the backyard party at his house. He could not believe how many people attended he has many friends miss you Ron
Terry Barron says
My deepest condolences Dawn and Family 💐❤️
Scott. (BAR ) corne says
Ron was like my second dad growing up. I have an uncountable amount of great memories. He treated me like his own and scolded me just like lance when we got in mischief. Can’t say enough good things about him. He is loved and missed dearly. Rest in peace ✝️
Laura Christoffersen says
Ron’s family: please know Ron made such a difference on so many levels in his community….a true believer in fairness and even treatment of all. One of the last of the true “officers of the PEACE”
Here’s to a life well lived.
Linda and Bob Rush says
Thought and prayers with u Sue.🙏💕
Alice Christensen says
Ron has been a family friend for ever. He will be missed by many. I send my condolences to Sue, Dawn, Lance his extended family & Friends my thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone that knew him. He will be missed. RIP my friend until we meet again.
Kenny Shields, Jr. says
I remember Ron when he was a Montana Highway Patrolman, my Dad Kenneth Sr., knew him and Ron would always stop and have a leisurely conversation, laughing and telling silly stories. My condolences at this time on the behalf of our family. Ron was a kind, compassionate and caring man.
Mary Dillon says
My sincere sympathy to you Sue and all the family. Know that you are all remembered in my prayers —-it is comforting knowing we will see our loved ones again. 🙏🏼
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore says
Dear Sue, deepest condolences. May you find strength and healing in the sure knowledge of God’s infinite love and in the care and love of family and friends. Love never dies, we are but transformed. Lifting you up in prayer Greg and Chris.
Cindy Stensland says
My dear Sue and family of Ron I would like to express my sincere condolences to you all. I really can’t remember when I first met Ron. He seems to have been a part of my life ever since I moved to Wolf Point. I will remember Ron coming in to the Wolf Point cafe and the OTG for coffee . Seeing him at church and other places. He always, always had a smile and a friendly little hello or comment for you. He will be missed by me and many others. Rest in Peace my friend. I know you are rejoicing in heaven with our Lord and savior and all of your family and friends who are there to great you . Hugs and much love to you all! Cindy
Pat Vine says
Condolences to the families of Ron Johnson.
R.J. Doornek says
Greetings and condolences, Sue! Arlene and I were saddened by the news of your beloved, Ron’s, passing. I was very fond of Ron. He was witty, playful, intelligent, and a true Christian gentleman. I will forever treasure those many years of Thursday mornings spent at Father Steve’s and Father Martin’s rectory, having coffee, chiding each other, and breaking open the Word. Attending was Ron, Dr Z, Ross, Myron, and me. I was always impressed and encouraged by Ron’s late in life commitment to the Church and his faith. You were a great support to Ron as well, Sue, a dependable and stalwart companion. I hope your many fond memories of him will be a great comfort at this difficult time. Ron has taken his seat at the heavenly banquet. No more pain. No more sorrow. No more suffering.
tom wyon says
Sue, my deepest sympathy for you and all the family. Know that, even though I am distant, I am with you in your loss. Ron was great and generous man. I remember him giving me a lot of help building a cedar chest in a woodworking class many years ago. I also remember driving his Jaguar around town and getting waves from everybody because they thought I was Ron. Wolf Point is Ron’s town.
Love you. Tom
Anonymous Friend says
An admirable life lived by Ron. He was one of the people in our community that made it a better place. I hope others are inspired by his life to leave the world improved from how we came upon it. Godspeed Sir.