Ronald E. Stevenson

We are saddened to announce that we have lost our wonderful husband and father, Ron Stevenson, who passed away on March 24, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with numerous health issues. He was born and raised in Billings, but, after graduating from college, began the next chapter in his life as an English teacher in White Sulphur Springs. With his wife Kaye and young family by his side, he spent many years exploring, fishing, hunting and enjoying the outdoors. He truly loved the mountains, rivers and history of the area and worked many summers with the Forest Service. Ron decided that teaching wasn’t for him and, with his wife, purchased the local theater and added a video store. Ron and Kaye then started Stageline Pizza in 1982, working together to build this business. There are 14 franchisees in Montana, which is certainly a tribute to his work ethic, determination and tenacity.

Ron was known for his hard work and strong back, never turning from a challenge, no matter how large or complicated. Always with a project at hand, he was a jack of all trades. There was nothing Ron couldn’t fix and he was always ready to lend a hand. He put his skills to work when he and Kaye remodeled and resold numerous houses. He loved spending time with his family, especially his wife and dogs. He enjoyed surprising his family with unexpected gifts and looked forward to holiday meals. He was generous to a fault, never passing up a child’s lemonade stand or cookie sale. He had a keen knowledge of antiques, could tie flies, build fishing poles, work with wood, lay tile, rebuild a motor and was always looking for the next project. He loved a good deal and enjoyed garage sales during the summer. He never met a stranger and could visit with anyone for hours. He had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and enjoyed listening to all kinds of music. He had a wonderful sense of humor as well.

He will be forever missed by Kaye, his wife of 60 years; his children, Kimberly and Scott of Billings; and daughter Keri and granddaughter Julia of Bozeman. He was very loved by and was an important part of Kaye’s family. He became a second son to his mother-in-law and would do anything for her. Many special times were spent at the Harrison house.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held early this summer.

Ron loved animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed feeding birds and other critters who visited their yard. Memorials may be made to B.A.R.K. or any animal rescue group, or to the First United Methodist Church in Billings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, E.R. and Evelyn; and is survived by his wife, children, brothers Robert and Melvin, and several cousins.