Ronald's Obituary
Ronald Charles Mammen, 88, formerly of Great Falls, died of natural causes on March 1, 2023, at his home near Dearborn, MT.
He was born on October 3, 1934, to Donald J. Mammen and Catherine M. Jones in Billings. In 1937-1938 they lived on Pat O’Hara Mountain, in a remote cabin on the Two Dot Ranch near Sunlight Basin, WY, where at 3 and 4 years old he roamed freely with his dog and .22 rifle, shooting rattlesnakes and prairie dogs. Here began his love of the outdoors and wildlife.
He attended first and second grades in Billings then moved to Great Falls. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1952 and worked for Thisted Motor. Enlisting at 16, Ron spent a short time in the Marine Corps. In 1951 he enlisted and served 17 years in the Montana Air National Guard, 186th Fighter Squadron, T Sgt, airframe specialist. In 1954 he was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, IL, then returned to Great Falls.
Ron started welding at age 12 for his grandfather at Art Jones Welding Shop. He was employed at Industrial Steel, Great Falls Iron Works (foreman), Pacific Steel (foreman), and at Owl Construction on Minuteman Missile upgrades. He owned and operated Silvertip Reconditioning until his retirement in 1996.
He married his true love, Sylvia Lorang, on October 17, 1953, in Great Falls. They shared 60 years together. He remained forever deeply in love with her.
In 1986 Ron and Sylvia built their own home on Carpenter Creek near Neihart. They returned to Great Falls in 2006. After Sylvia’s death, Ron moved to the mountains near Dearborn.
Ron was honest, intelligent, hardworking, and devoted to his Sylvia. He was meticulous, and skilled in many things. He was the one who family and friends turned to for help.
He was a member of Monarch/Neihart EMS, as EMT and team leader, Cascade County Quick Response Team, Neihart Volunteer Fire Dept. as secretary, treasurer and training officer, Red Cross First Aid/CPR Instructor, and Monarch/Neihart Senior Center vice-president.
Dad had many interests and was curious, having a habit of taking things apart to see how they worked. Mom and Dad shared a love of music. He played the coronet in All-City Band when young. He liked everything from George Jones to Pavarotti, and especially Dixieland Jazz.
Dad took us on mountain adventures, thrilling us kids, and terrifying Mom. He had a talent for getting out of predicaments, and always got us home. He loved aircraft and longed to fly. He enjoyed shooting and the Great Falls Trap Club was the highlight of his week.
He dearly loved and was proud of his children and grandchildren, and recorded their milestones and achievements.
He never fully recovered from Sylvia’s death in 2010 and son Nick’s in 2007. At last, he is free of sorrow and can fly away to his Sylvia and Nick. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John, many relatives, and friends.
Ron is survived by his loving daughter, Denise (Neal) Montgomery; grandchildren, Nicole Montgomery (fiancé Richard Higgins), Lyndsay (Brad) Bruno, Jebb (Holly) Mammen; four great-grandchildren; sister, Sherrie Adams; sisters-in-law, Anne Lingel and Mary Seidl; daughter-in-law, Susan Mammen; step-grandchildren, Matt Lewis, Amanda Horn, and their families; nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no services at his request.
Condolences may be shared at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com. Suggested memorials are Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, Billings, MT and St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT.
