Ronald James Banks
Marriages
Marilyn Roberts
Burial Details
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - November 30, 2008
Former Steamboat Springs resident Ronald James Banks died unexpectedly Nov. 20, 2008, at his home in Helena, Mont. He was 57.
Ron was born to Robert and Barbara (Shumate) Banks on Nov. 13, 1951, in Helena, Mont. He attended grade school in Great Falls, Mont., before moving to Helena in 1966. In 1968, he went to live with Art and Shirley Hall. Ron graduated from Helena High School in 1971. He then attended Western Montana College in Dillon for three years.
Ron was a two-time undefeated heavyweight prep state wrestling champion for the Helena Bengals, and he captured two Frontier Conference mat titles at Western Montana College. He once attempted to ride a bull at a Dillon rodeo, and another time he wrestled a bear at the Carroll College PE Center. One of the state's most powerful men, Ron gained fame throughout his life for his incredible feats of strength.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 22, 1976, and served until he was honorably discharged on Nov. 21, 1980.
Ron resided in Steamboat Springs from 1981 to 1983, receiving the nickname "Ranger Ron." He then moved back to Helena, Mont., where he met his future wife, Marilyn Roberts, in 1990. After a period of employment with the highway department, he began working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Fort Harrison. Ron was employed at the V.A. at the time of his death.
Ron will be remembered as a gentle giant and a generous, compassionate man with a big heart. He was a dedicated Marine and was very active in the Helena Marine Corps League. Ron was selected as Montana's Marine of the Year for 2006-07. He was very instrumental in the passage of a legislative bill that prohibited the protesting of military funerals in the state of Montana. He took great honor in being present during Gov. Brian Schweitzer's signing of this bill, and afterwards, Ron presented the pen to the Baucus family at their Wolf Creek home.
Ron loved his country and was very patriotic. His favorite pastimes were power-walking the Governor's Cup marathons, volunteering with Toys For Tots and helping out with his church. Ron's passions included the Denver Broncos, fishing, attending local sporting events, eating large amounts of good food, and the love of his life, Marilyn.
Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn Roberts, of Helena, Mont.; his birth parents, Robert (T.J.) Banks, of Townsend, Mont., and Barbara Roberts, of Townsend; his adoptive parents, Art and Shirley Hall, of Helena; brothers Don (Vicki) Banks, of California, Glenn "Chip" (Shannon) Hall, of East Helena, and Deac (Laurie), Hall of Helena; sisters Barbie Wood, of Maryland, Julie (Graham) Porter, of East Helena, Cynthia Berst, of Billings, Mont., M.C. (Leroy) Beeby, of Helena, Lisa (Wayne) MacLean of Helena, Vina (Bryan) Watson, of Rudyard, Mont., and Tabitha Morley of Helena; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Ron's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Helena, Mont. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will be held at the Eagles Lodge No. 16, 801 N. Fee St. in Helena, immediately after the graveside service.
Those wishing to send memorials in Ron's name may do so to one of the following: A memorial fund set up in Ron's name at the Elkhorn Federal Credit Union at Fort Harrison, MT, 59636; Intermountain Children's Home, 500 S. Lamborn, Helena, MT 59601; or First Christian Church, 311 Power St., Helena, MT, 59601. To offer a condolence to Ron's family or to share a memory of Ron, please visit www.mem.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Retz Funeral Home.
