Ronald D. Bates

Ronald Dale Bates, 84, of Amsterdam, Montana, went home to his Lord on June 25, 2024.

Ron was born in Bozeman to Avery and Grace Bates on December 26, 1939. He attended school at Amsterdam, Manhattan, and MSU. He was a veteran and served in the Army. 

Ron married Sherry (Van Arsdale) Johnston on July 3, 1974, in his parent’s home and soon adopted her children, Daniel and Deborah. His greatest earthly achievement was becoming a father to them.

He was a farmer and grew grain in the dry land hills west of Amsterdam. He also was a Lead Potato Inspector for Montana Department of Agriculture for over 25 years. After retiring, he drove taxi in Gallatin County and had many tales to tell. In fact, storytelling was his trademark and his great sense of humor was enjoyed by all. His mission in life was making people smile and he was almost always successful!

Ron served several years as a school board member for Amsterdam and Manhattan schools. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and a lifelong fisherman and hunter. He also was a wildlife and family photographer who enjoyed hiking and camping with his family. He served as the photographer for five years for Junior Church at Grace Bible Church where he attended. Ron played Charbonneau in the Lewis and Clark Pageant at the Headwaters State Park outside of Three Forks in 1975 and 1976. 

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Avery Bates. Ron is survived by his wife, Sherry Kay Bates; daughter, Deborah Finkbeiner; son Dan (Nancy) Bates; brothers, Virgil and Gary Bates; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28th, 2024, at Grace Bible Church, 3625 S. 19th Ave, Bozeman, with Pastor Bryan Hughes officiating. Memorial gifts in Ron’s honor are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.