Ronald Leon Minten

Ronald Leon Minten, born to Raymond Aloysius and Eleanor Frances Minten in Stayton Oregon on April 28, 1932. The oldest of 6 children, Ronald, Wayne, Marcella, Arlene, Laneda, and Sherry. Ron was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Stayton, where he served as an Alter boy.

Ron's parents ran a dairy farm, at a young age Ron delivered bottled milk around town with his mother early in the morning before school. He was small enough in the beginning that he sat on a milk bottle when driving in order to see where he was going. He drove the tracker, had a small pony and a pet deer. As he grew up, he played baseball, left-handed pitcher, and the trumpet, playing in a dance band in high school. He attended St. Mary's elementary school through the 8th grade, graduating in 1950 from Stayton High School.

Lois Nadine Kale became Ron's wife in 1951 and together they raised 8 children. Ron built a home for his family while working full time at the mill. The family enjoyed camping and boating together, in 1967 Ron built a boat. Ron enjoyed many activities with his family, snow and water skiing, card games, playing pool and swimming in their pool.

As Ron's sons got older deer hunting became something that was looked forward to. The girls and their husbands joined the trip in time, and later some of the grandkids. Square dancing brought fun and exercise for many years, along with golfing.

Ron had many different jobs, after graduating from high school. His first job was at the Stayton Woolen Mill, the starting wage was just a little over $1. A variety of jobs followed, sometimes two at a time, Simpson Timber and Plywood, US Post office, Girod's Grocery. Albany Papermill, TV Repair Shop, Farmers Co-op, and then he got a job with Stayton Canning as an Apprentice Electrician. After achieving his Electrician License, he worked for the cannery till he retired in 1999 except for a small break working for Salem Equipment. He was the lead Electrician at the Brooks plant for Stayton Canning when he retired.

In 1980 Ron married Neta Bernice Brown, she had 3 daughters, that Ron helped raise. He also taught them to enjoy the outdoor activities and games.

Ron earned his private pilot's license, which inspired him to build another house, this time on a private airstrip in Independence Oregon, where each house had a hanger. Again, he built the house while working full time. Ron purchased his own 2 passenger Cessna, and enjoyed taking anyone that wanted to for a ride, he loved flying.

Ron is survived by his 8 children, Jerry(Linda), Steve(Debbie), Rich(Wendy), Joan(Roger) Roberts, Jeannette(Andy) Westlund, Jay(Lindy), Russ(Kim), Mike and 3 stepdaughters Lynda, Angela, and Debra(Jayson) Tobis. He has 79 Grand, Great, and Great Great Grandchildren. Ron loved the Christmas get togethers with them, watching them grow and knowing they enjoyed spending time together. Ron loves his family.

In lieu of flowers, envelopes will be provided at the church for donations instead of flowers?