Ronald Eugene King, 76

Ronald Eugene King, an incredible husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away June 30, 2023, at the age of 76. He was born March 6, 1947, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Kenneth Riley King and Katherine Margaret Rice King. Ron was the youngest of three children, with his siblings Marilyn and Ken.

From a young age, Ron displayed an adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors. He was known for getting into all sorts of trouble, spending hours riding horses and racing cars down Main Street. His high school years were filled with unforgettable stories of adventures with his friends.

During his high school years, Ron met the love of his life, Jeanne Arlene Carey. Although their paths briefly separated when Ron was drafted into the Army in 1965, they were reunited through the magic of Grandma King. Ron and Jeanne married May 4, 1974, and together they formed a blended family. Ron had a son, Steve, while Jeanne had two daughters, Angie and Pam, whom he proudly adopted. They later welcomed two more daughters, Rhonda and Krissy. As faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ron and Jeanne were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 5, 1980.

Ron proudly embraced his role as a father and grandfather. He cherished his family and found immense joy in their presence. Over the years, Ron and Jeanne welcomed 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren into their lives, with one more on the way.

Having served in the Army for eight years, Ron continued his dedication to service by joining the National Guard. He retired after eight years of active duty and an additional 20 years of service in the National Guard. Throughout his working life, Ron was employed in the lumber industry, spending most of his time operating a forklift and loading lumber into train cars.

A true cowboy at heart, Ron's passions included horses and rodeos. He spent many years as a 4-H horse leader and showed horses alongside his daughter, Rhonda. His most prized possession was his Appaloosa stallion, Bitterwind High, whom he lovingly called Ajax. Ron dedicated countless hours to training and working with Ajax and his offspring. Saddle rides were Ron's happiest moments.

Ron also had a deep love for hunting. He enjoyed spending time in the woods of Northern Idaho with his daughter, Krissy and grandson Hunter. And riding into the Wyoming mountains in search of the biggest elk with his son-in-law Blake. Ron often spoke of his desire to move to Arizona and park his fifth wheel in his son Steve's driveway, relishing the time spent with Steve and his family.

Throughout his life, Ron served in various callings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those who served alongside him held a deep affection for him. He served in Primary, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, High Council, Elders Quorum and the Bishopric, and as a temple worker in the Spokane, Wash., Temple. His love for the Gospel and Jesus Christ shined brightly in all he did.

Ron and Jeanne built a beautiful life together in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, residing in their dream home until 2020. Jeanne, his loving wife, was moved to Hearthstone Village for Alzheimer's dementia care in Kootenai, Idaho, where she peacefully passed away Dec. 9, 2021. After Jeanne's passing in December 2021, Ron made the decision to move to Richmond, Utah, to reside with his daughter, Rhonda and her family. It was a time when he could receive the necessary medical attention. The year was filled with camping and boating trips, rodeos, and countless moments of laughter and adventure. These cherished memories created during that time will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Blake, Rhonda, and their children. They will always be grateful for the joy and happiness they shared with Ron during that period.

Unfortunately, Ron faced a formidable battle with liver failure. Despite the challenges, he fought with immense strength and courage. On June 30, 2023, surrounded by peace and love in Rhonda's home, Ron passed away peacefully. His humor, presence and spirit will be dearly missed by his family and friends, but the memories of his adventurous nature, love for his family, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

Ron is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne Arlene Carey King; as well as his father, Kenneth Riley King, and mother, Katherine Margaret Rice King. He is survived by his son, Steve Stowe (Tina) of Gilbert, Ariz.; daughters, Angela King, Pamela (Todd Hittle) of Naples, Idaho, Rhonda (Blake Davis) of Richmond, Utah, and Krissy King of Spokane, Wash. Ron's brother and sister, Ken King and Marilyn Macumber, also survive him.

Family and friends are invited to honor Ron's life at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home on July 7, from 4-7 p.m. A viewing will also be held July 8 at 12 p.m. at 6568 Alderson Lane, followed by the funeral services at 1 p.m. Ron will be laid to rest at the Paradise Valley Cemetery, where he will receive military honors. In a tribute to his love for horses and the outdoors, Ron will be transported to the cemetery by dear friends and relatives in a mule-drawn wagon. For those unable to attend, the funeral will be live-streamed at the following link: bit.ly/ronaldeugeneking.

Ronald Eugene King will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his adventurous spirit and love for life inspire us to embrace every moment and cherish our loved ones. To leave a message or memory for the family go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.