Ronald Keith White

 

Ronald Keith White, 80, of Cheyenne, passed away at Davis Hospice Center with his loving wife by his side.

He was born October 4, 1943 in St. Joseph MO. Keith, as he was known to his friends and family, lived a wonderful life full of many adventures. After graduating from Maysville High School Keith joined the U.S. Army and was eventually stationed in Izmir Turkey, NATO headquarters. After receiving his Honorable Discharge, he returned to his home state of Missouri and worked in the service department at a local car dealership and there met his future wife, Ila Rhei Shampnoi. They were married in 1966 and shortly afterwards moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Keith worked in a car dealership while learning the real estate and insurance business and becoming an agent. Later in his life, Keith returned to the military but this time as a civilian and was very active in the installation of the Peace Keeper Missile system at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. During this time Keith received recognition as the “Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award” recipient for “Outstanding Munitions/Missile Maintenance Civilian Manager of the year” which was chosen from the entire United States Air force.

During this period Keith found time to earn his pilot’s license and start one of his great loves, flying. Not only did he fly but became involved in building planes for he and Ila Rhei, who also received her license, to fly together on many adventures.

Keith was involved in many organizations throughout his life and was fully dedicated to each one. He was first and foremost a Christian. He then became a Master Mason and Past Master of the Burns Lodge in Wyoming. He became a Shriner and assisted with raising money for the Shrine Childrens Hospital. He was a dedicated member for Cheyenne Frontier Days and served on the Heels group and the Contract Acts committee. Other groups include the Cheyenne Sheriff’s Posse, Cheyene Rifle and Pistol Club, and past President of the Cheyenne Shriners Club.

It is impossible to sum up a person’s life in a short space, but suffice it to say that Keith White was a dedicated friend, advisor, outdoorsman, and husband who will, by leaving, create a void which will take many to fill. However, his friendship and spirit will be here guiding all who had the opportunity to call him friend. He will be missed in our community.

Keith is survived by his wife, Ila Rhei, two great nephews, other family members and too many wonderful and dedicated friends to list. He was preceded in death by his parents J. Ray and Lucinda White, a brother and two sisters.

Services will be held at Schrader’s Chapel, 2222 Russell Ave., Cheyenne Wyoming. Visitation begins at 1:oo pm followed by Services at 2:00 pm and a graveside service will follow immediately at the Mountain View Memorial Park cemetery. A reception will be held at the Cheyenne Shrine Club.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Cheyenne Shrine club 224 E. Iowa street, for support of the Childrens Hospital Travel fund.