Ronald Lee Wallis was born February 25, 1954 to Robert and Cecilia Wallis in Culbertson, MT. He grew up in Froid, MT with his 5 brothers and his baby sister, Lucille (Lulu). During his school years, he played baseball, basketball, and football, with football being his favorite. He graduated in 1973 from Froid High School, and immediately joined the Army. He was a medic in Germany, and continued a career with the military until he was honorably discharged in 1993.
Ronald married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Nacey, on May 12, 1979. There was a bet at the Mint Bar in Froid as to how long the marriage would last, because they were such opposites! They proved everyone wrong with 33 years of happiness together, and 3 beautiful daughters. Ronald and Nancy did everything together, and were truly best friends until her passing in 2012.
Papa Wallis had a special bond with each of his 7 grandchildren. Swimming, fishing, playing cards, cruising to the oldies music, and supporting all of their sporting events, were some of the many things he enjoyed doing with them. He had a special Pen Pal relationship with his granddaughter, Mya.
Ronald has a passion for coaching basketball and football. His love for coaching showed when he coached all three of his daughters, and grandsons. He had a special place in his heart for the Brockton Warriors. He coached football and basketball for Brockton. He cherished all the years of coaching the Warriors, and kept in contact with all of his players by going to graduations, and through texts and Facebook.
“Dad, we are going to miss all of your jokes, stories, playing cards, and our little fishing trips to the slab. We will miss those late night phone calls when you just wanted to say “Hi” and visit, or asking about your grandchildren. Missing you comes with the comfort of knowing that you are finally with your “Snookie”, and I’m sure that she gave you a big “Smooch” as soon as you got to Heaven.”
Ronald was preceded in death by; his wife, Nancy; his brother, Raybern; and his parents, Robert and Cecilia.
Ronald is survived by; his daughters, Jean (Les) Rathbun, LeeAnn (Stacy) Stangeland, and Rhonda Sorensen; his grandchildren, Sierra and Dalton Rathbun, Jaxon and Milo Stangeland, Makenzie and Mya Sorensen, and Lenna Schober; his brothers, Richard “Dick” (Cheryl), Robert “Bob” (Nici), Cecil (Patty Jo), Jim (Janet), Jerry, and his special baby sister, Lucille “Lulu” (Dale) Baker.