Ronald Dean Sherbon, 78 of Spearfish, was born on July 3, 1945 in Belle Fourche, SD.  Ron was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior when he passed away from natural causes at his home, on August 17, 2023.  He was the first-born son of Glen and Dorothy (Smith) Sherbon.

Ron graduated from Lead High School in 1965.  During the Vietnam conflict in 1966, Ron felt a calling to serve our country.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, ultimately becoming a purple heart recipient.

An avid skier since age 4, Ron relocated to Colorado for full-time skiing opportunities and achieved his goal of becoming a Certified Ski Instructor.  He worked seasonally at Keystone, Loveland and other Colorado resorts for over 30 years.  Ron unexpectedly found employment with Continental/United Airlines and turned this opportunity into a 40-year career, retiring in 2010.  His proudest work accomplishment was as an Airport Tower Controller where his responsibilities entailed the orderly, safe, and speedy flow of air and ground traffic.  Ron thrived in this fast-paced, quick decision-making environment.

In 1985 Ron married Marilyn DeWolfe, and they had two sons:  Galen (Buckeye, AZ) and Sage (Green Bay, WI).  Ron was blessedly reunited with his daughter, Lisa Hestera Loffelmacher (Arvada, CO) in 2019 and they enjoyed precious time together.  Ron was exceptionally fond of special friends Bobbie and Cameron Wade, his great neighbors, many gym buddies, and his Celebrate Recovery Ministry partners.

In 2016, Ron returned to the Black Hills to settle in Spearfish.  He was united in marriage to Linda Bates of Spearfish in August of 2021.  After growing in relationship with Christ, Ron made a public declaration of his personal faith by being baptized in July 2020.  Whenever relocating, Ron would prioritize membership in Bible-based churches and has been an active member of Countryside Church in Spearfish where he served his church family alongside his wife, Linda.

At the time of his passing, Ron had just finished planting a tree, completing the last task of his day and fitting for someone whose passion in life was physical activity and being outdoors.  He was a lifelong athlete and enjoyed strength training for 50 years.  He loved waterskiing, parasailing, running, rollerblading, bicycling, and motorcycle riding.  Ron enjoyed a variety of home projects and used his God-given talents as a detail-oriented craftsman when gardening, landscaping, making repairs and problem-solving.  He will be missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Diane Heupel; and brothers, Michael Sherbon and Dennis Sherbon.

Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Countryside Church.  Inurnment will follow at 1:30 PM at  Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Countryside Church, 625 Woodland Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783, or online at www.habitat.org

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com