Ron Ary

Ronald Scott Ary, a true force of nature and a larger-than-life personality, passed away on April 6, 2025, at the age of 74 at Millcreek Hospice in Utah, following a stay at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City. Born on December 3, 1950, in Del Norte, Colorado, to Ray Ary and Beatrice (Smith) Ary, Ron lived a life marked by adventure, grit, and a deep love for the cowboy way of life.

From a young age, Ron demonstrated an uncanny gift with horses, often seen training the family's horses to stand on tree stumps or perform tricks. His love for rodeo began early, and he competed in the Little Britches Rodeo circuit, where he earned his first championship. It was while competing on the rodeo circuit he met rodeo legend Chris LeDoux, a friendship that would endure for years, when the two met up at rodeos across the country.

After serving in the U.S. Army for four years, stationed in Germany, Ron went on to graduate with honors from Adams State College, earning his teaching certification. It was during his college years that he tried saddle bronc riding, a challenge he met with success. Later, he moved to Kansas, where he co-owned an oil company and later ran a multi-state hazardous waste removal business. Even while building a successful career, Ron never lost his passion for rodeoing, continuing to compete well into his 60s.

Known for his fearless spirit and love of adventure, Ron was much more than a cowboy-he was a man who lived boldly, with an infectious laugh and a talent for turning any moment into a memorable one. His skill as a steer wrestler earned him multiple championships and the admiration of fans and fellow competitors alike. But it wasn't just his rodeo victories that defined him; it was his relentless passion for life, his ability to make people laugh, and his presence that could light up any room.

Ron was also an artist, songwriter, musician, and craftsman. He could often be found drawing, playing guitar, or writing songs. His creativity extended to his knack for making handmade barstools from horseshoes, which he crafted for country music stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. He was also known for his skill in making knives and his love for using natural remedies, preferring herbs and horse liniment to traditional medications.

Having spent most of his adult life in Kansas, Ron eventually moved to Arizona, and later to Montana, where he was offered a range-riding job he couldn't resist. After retiring, he settled in Miles City, Montana, a place he loved for its friendly people, stunning fishing spots, horse sales, rodeos and the old-fashioned courtesy of drivers who would stop to let you cross the street.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Ary and Bea Long, and his half-sister, Gayla Brink. He is survived by his sister, Linda (Frank) Cervantez of Broomfield, CO; half-brother, Greg (Lori) Long of Spearfish, SD; and his daughters, Alecia Ary of Oklahoma City, OK; Katie Ary of Pittsburg, KS; and Kasey (Micah) Fisk of Buhler, KS. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: grandsons Kanon Ary and Gunner Boman, and granddaughters Brynn Boman and CJ Fisk.

A celebration of Ron's extraordinary life will take place at John Miller's arena in Kiowa, Kansas, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Ron's memory to the PRCA Justin Crisis Fund, either online or at Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

Ron Ary's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him-his daring spirit, his unmatched talent, and his love for family and friends. He will be missed but never forgotten.