Ronald Bennett Lone Bear, Sr.; our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother departed this earthly life on July 11, 2020 to be with our Heavenly Father.
Ronnie, as many knew him, was born on January 7, 1963 in Stanley, ND to the Late Lester Lone Bear, Sr. and the late Mary (Windy Boy) Lone Bear. He was a child the Prairie Chicken (Ciiga) Clan. He grew up on the Fort Berthold Reservation. He attended grade school in Twin Buttes, ND and High School in Halliday, where he dropped out his sophomore year. But, determined for his education, he obtained his GED and attended Lake Region State College.
In 1981, Ron met JoVonne Fox and they were married in 1982; two daughters were born to this union; Roberta Lone Bear and the late Ruth Lone Bear. They moved to Omaha, NE and eventually the marriage dissolved and he later moved back to Mandaree, which he called “HOME”. In 1992, he met his life companion, Milissa Good Bird and they had three children; Ruby Lone Bear, Lena Lone Bear and Ronald Lone Bear, Jr. During their relationship, he took in Milissa’s children as his own; Cynthia Good Bird, Viola Grinnell, Eric Grinnell, Patrick Malnourie, Ediburt Good Bird and the late Kyle Good Bird. He never treated them any different. He loved all his children and they all held a special place in his heart. Ron and Milissa shared their lives for 20 years overcoming all obstacles till the time of his passing. Their love for each other was beyond measure. Milissa lovingly stayed by his side and cared for him after his car accident until the time of his passing. During 2001-2002, his daughter Cynthia took care of him until he requested to go to a nursing home.
In 2008, he resided in Rock View nursing home located in Parshall, ND. He made a best friend, Joy Bear who was his caretaker for two years and then he was moved to Park View Health Center in Aneta, ND. His last residency was Knife River Care Center in Beulah, ND until his passing.
Ron loved to play basketball and played in many independent basketball tournaments. Through his years he participated in Golden Gloves boxing club. He was the “crazy one” in the family; always raising heck and teasing everyone. He made everyone laugh, even strangers. He truly had a “heart of gold” and helped anyone in need. If you needed anything & he had it, he would give it to you without hesitation. He enjoyed throwing horse shoes with his family and friends. And he loved music.
Ron is forever loved and will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
We, the family, would especially like to thank the Knife River Care Facility; his nurses, Meghan and Bailey; RT Riley; Dr. Shrestha-ID, Dr. Oudbury-ICU, Dr. Beltran-Neurology and Dr. Mateo-ID. You all did the best in making sure our dad was comfortable as could be.
Ron is survived by: his companion, Milissa Good Bird-Mandaree, ND; Children, Cynthia Good Bird-Bismarck, ND, Roberta Lone Bear-New Town, ND, Viola Grinnell-Mandaree, ND, Eric Grinell-NJ, Patrick Malnourie, Ediburt Good Bird and Ronald Lone Bear, Jr.-all of Mandaree, ND, Ruby Lone Bear & Lena Lone Bear-both of Mandan, ND; Brothers, Lester Lone Bear, Jr.-New Town, ND, Marcus Lone Bear-New Town, ND, Jarett Lone Bear-Minot, ND; Sisters, Verna Lone Bear and Loretta Lone Bear- both of Mandaree, ND; his many nieces, nephews, and grandkids too numerous to mention.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Lester Lone Bear, Sr. and Mary (Windy Boy) Lone Bear; Maternal Grandparents, Standing on a cloud and Windy Boy; Paternal Grandparents, Fred Lone Bear and Florence Susan Jones; Brother, Darcy Lone Bear; Son, Kyle Good Bird; Daughter, Ruth Lone Bear; Niece, Summer Lone Bear and Grandchildren, Saleigh Good Bird and Baby Lone Bear.