Ronald Cleeve France

Ronald Cleve France, 84, of Eureka MT passed away on Thursday March 29, 2018. Ron was born July 29, 1933 in Hamilton, MT and was the first-born of ten children. He grew up in the Bitteroot valley, and later moved to Newport WA where he attended Newport High school lettering in football, track and boxing. After High school Ron joined the U.S. Navy where he continued his enthusiasm for boxing and proudly served his country during the Korean war. Ron served on two carriers, The U.S.S. Philippine CV-47 and the U.S.S. Ticonderoga CV-14. He later met and married Alma H. Roose in Eureka, MT, and they had two children, Ronald W France and Kevin L France.

Ron worked in the logging industry in Montana, Wyoming and Washington state. Additionally, Ron drove truck in multiple industries. Of all his driving jobs, his favorite was driving a logging truck. Ron enjoyed an active life and had a very adventurous spirit. He ran the Bloomsday race in Spokane 5 times. His passions included his friends, hunting, camping, fishing, waterskiing, motorcycling, four-wheeling and traveling the country sightseeing. Alma loved his sense of adventure.

Alma passed away on July 6, 2005. Then in July 2006, one year later, Ron met Dorothy (Dottie) Newell in Spokane at a yard sale, and one year later they married enjoying 11 years together. Dottie, through Ron's adventurous spirit and zest for life learned to appreciate all that life brings.

Ron is survived by his wife Dottie, his son's Ronald (Ronnie) W France, and Kevin L France, Ronnie's wife Teresa, their sons Ron Jr., Cole, and Zack, Kevin's wife Loretta and their children Alexander and Heather, Heather's husband Andrew and their children Marcus and Liliana, and Dottie's children Deborah Newell Briggs and Robert J Newell.

Ron's siblings preceding him in death are; Marrianne Lawrence, Shirley Hanson, Donna Wisner, Janet Baker, Diane Hunt and Kathy Haas.

Ron's surviving siblings are; David France, Stephen France, Nina France-Marino, and Vickie France.

Ron's funeral service will be at the First Church of God 1295 2nd Ave E. Friday April 6, 2018 at 2pm. Donations may be made in Ron's name to the First Church of God.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Ron's family.

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