Ronald Oliver Prante was born to Herbert and Vera (Berry Simpson) Prante on April 18, 1929. Ron passed away at his home in Elma on Feb. 24, 2018, with family by his side.

Ron was the youngest of a blended family of 14 children. His mother died when he was very young, so Ron was “adopted” by Carl and Mary (Harvey) Beckley/Burkman in his teens. He attended schools in Porter and Elma, graduating from EHS in 1949. Ron was an outstanding athlete, excelling in baseball, football, basketball and track. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. Ron worked in the local timber industry from 1953-1978, for various companies including Schafer Brothers Logging, DeYoung Logging, Richard Clark Logging, Elma Plywood and Simpson. In 1978 Ron started working for the Grays Harbor County Road Department, retiring from there in 1994.

Throughout his life Ron was an avid deer hunter, and also enjoyed spending time working around the farm with his tractors and equipment. He raised beef cattle as a hobby, and employed many local youth and family members over the years to help with putting in the hay every summer. He also spent a number of years coaching Little League Baseball in the early 1980s. Ron and Rosalie were members of the Good Sam Club for many years and enjoyed traveling with their RV, as well as playing pinochle with the local card groups.

Ron was especially proud of his grandchildren, and loved attending their various sporting events and activities.

In 1954, Ron married Rosalie Caswell in Salem, Ore. She survives him at the family home. Ron is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law Carol and Kyle Cristelli of Montesano; son and daughter-in-law Dennis and Carman (Ketola) Prante of Elma; grandchildren Stefanie Cristelli of Pasco, Alexi Prante of Ellensburg, and Kylar Prante of Dillon, Mont.; sister Elaine Harvey of Tokeland, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and kin.

Funeral services for Ron will be held on Monday, March 5, at 12:30 p.m. at the Elma Church of God – 109 S. 6th Street, Elma, Wash., with a reception immediately following in the church basement.

To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano is honored to assist the family.