Ronald Hernandez

Ronald Joseph Hernandez, “Ronnie” passed away at the age of 77, on December 21, 2023 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, MT. He was born August 18, 1946 in Anaconda, MT to Carmen Hernandez Sr. and Margaret Daisy Matt Hernandez.

Ronnie was raised at the family home in Dixon, MT and attended Dixon school. He graduated High School from Dixon, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Salish Kootenai College in 2000. He worked numerous jobs with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in positions that were to help those in need.

Ronald was a proud Army veteran and served in Vietnam, and he was also a member of the Traveling Native American Boxing League. He enjoyed following his kids, grandkids, and other family members in sports. He spent weekends visiting, from one sister’s house to the next. He enjoyed a good Missoula breakfast, and loved the big thrill rides at the fair, which he rode well into his later 60’s. He loved watching old time Western movies and Law & Order.

Despite Ronald’s trials in life, he was a devoted Catholic and a firm believer in faith. For the better half of his life, he prayed the Rosary every night before bed.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Carmen Hernandez & Margaret Daisy Matt Hernandez; brothers” Mike, Carl, & Carmen Jr.; sisters: Adeline Marie, Shirley, Delores, Julia, Diane, Mary, Carol & Evelyn.

He is survived by his 2 children: Mary Sue Hewankorn and Rhonda Hernandezp; 6 grandchildren: Tristin Miller-Hewankorn, Taryn Miller-Hewankorn, Travin Hewankorn-Joseph, Tiegan Hewankorn, Korbyn Pierre, and Taylor Pierre; and his sisters: Agnes GunHammer and Patty Whidner.

Services to be held: Rosary Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 8 p.m. at St. Ignatius Long House, with Wake Closing at 10 a.m. December 27, 2023, and Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church with burial to follow.

Pallbearers: Shawn Matt, JR Flammond, Michael Michel, Isaiah GoodLuck, Loren “Poncho” Hernandez, and Joey Kipp. Honorary Pallbearers: Fred Tapia, Lloyd Michaelson, Lee Grant, and Levi “Jerry” Hewankorn.

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