Ronald Stahley was born Jan. 10, 1947, in Evanston, and left us suddenly on Jan. 11, 2022. He was born to Ralph and Gloria (McAllister) Stahley. The life he lived was remarkable and inspiring.
As a child, Ronald was a dreamer and an explorer. He spent most of his time outdoors climbing trees, which resulted in some time mending in a hip to ankle cast. When he wasn’t climbing trees, he was playing in the garage, which he ultimately caught on fire. Life was always an adventure.
He graduated from Douglas High School in 1965, and then furthered his education at Casper College.
Music was a large part of Ronald’s life. In 1968 and 1969, he began a successful radio show in Evanston. Shortly thereafter, his first child was born, a beautiful baby girl, Nadeen Ryan. A few years later, another precious girl, Natalee (John) Little arrived.
To support his growing family, he began working at the local sawmill. When he was given the opportunity for a career change, he jumped at the chance and went to work at Cazin’s.
Jerry Cazin mentored Ronald until he achieved his master electrician’s license. This was something he was very proud of, and he excelled in the field. Jerry also gave him the nickname Ace. As in, “Way to go, Ace,” for a not-so-stellar-job at the beginning of his career. The name stuck and the rest is history.
Ronald’s family continued to grow as he welcomed two more children, a precious daughter, Vicki (Doug) Thornhill, and a loving son and sidekick, Ralph.
In October 1993, Ronald met the love of his life, Cheryl Sim. She and her two, remarkable, daughters Crystalynn (Shawn) Saban and Michaela (Kody) Bristow completed the family.
Cheryl helped him run the business he created in 1994, Stahley and Son Electric. He worked tirelessly to make it a success. After 13 successful years, he retired in 2007. He had dreams of selling everything and moving to Idaho to fish the rest of his days, but health concerns kept him close to home.
On Jan. 31, 2018, Ronald and Cheryl where married in front of friends and family in Las Vegas.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Stahley; and his mother, Gloria Stahley.
He is survived by three siblings, Margy (Mark) Johnson, Sherry (Dave) Anderson and Richard (Lou) Stahley. He leaves behind his six children, 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many friends who loved him.
Please join us for a celebration of life from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, at the Beeman-Cashin building in Evanston.
