Ronald Wayne Hinther

Ronald Wayne Hinther, 79 of Turlock, CA formerly of Circle, MT passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2026. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior and is now free from the health struggles he faced in recent years.

Ron was born July 16, 1946 to Karl and Evelyn Hinther. He grew up in Jordan, Montana, alongside his sisters Anita and Noreen, graduating from Garfield County High School in 1964. During his school years, he worked at his family's Exxon Service Station, where he developed a lifelong love of cars.

After one year of college in Billings, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Kennedy on its first voyage, later finishing his service in Lemoore, CA.
Ron married Carolyn Phelps in 1972, and they had two daughters, Courtney and Cara. In 1980 an opportunity presented itself for Ron and his family to move to Circle, Montana and take over the school buses. Ron especially loved driving the activity bus and supporting students in their activities. In 1984 Ron married Denise Bianchi and they continued to run the school buses in Circle until their retirement in 2018.

Ron was a man who loved conversation, community, and laughter. He enjoyed going to the shooting range at the Memorial Building in Circle. He enjoyed all the banter with anyone that showed up each week, especially with Perry and Pat Breitbach. Ron also had a passion for Corvettes, keeping his yellow beauty tucked safely away under a pile of tablecloths in the basement garage for years.

Ron and Denise were active members of their church communities in Circle and later in Turlock.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Carolyn, and several extended family members.

Ron is survived by his wife Denise; daughters Courtney and Cara; his granddaughters Kayla, Tahnee, and Tannya; sisters Anita Twitchell, Noreen (Mike) McKeever; and many nieces and nephews, Mother-in-law Barbara Bianchi, Sister-in-law Ronda Duncan and her daughters and families, and numerous extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later time at Crossroads Church of Turlock, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity or volunteer organization of your choice.