Ron Kendall

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Ronald Howell Kendall, 85, of Jasper, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. He was born in Anaconda, Montana, to Delbert and Lucille (Howell) Kendall.

Ron (as he liked to be called) earned his bachelor's degree from the Montana School of Mines in Butte, Montana. He lived in Anaconda until accepting his first teaching contract in Oregon. After completing his contract in Oregon and marrying Louise Elizabeth Cullen on July 29, 1966, the couple moved to Kalispell, Montana, and later to Townsend, Montana, where they spent many years together.

Ron devoted 30 years of his life to education, teaching grade school and junior high students before retiring. He also served in the National Guard.

For many years in Montana and also in Missouri, he was a lay minister in the church and was always willing to preach, teach, or pray for the sick. He had a deep love for God and for people.

Ron and Louise shared a love of building a life together. In Townsend, they purchased a lot and began making plans for their dream home on Canyon Ferry Lake. They first built a garage, moved their possessions into it, and then designed, drew the plans for, and built the perfect house for themselves. Their home on the lake reflected their vision and the life they had created together.

Upon retiring from teaching, Ron declared that he intended to spend his time fishing and hunting, and he did just that. He especially enjoyed ice fishing and treasured his time outdoors. He also enjoyed visiting with people and was known for being quite a talker. Once Ron got into a conversation, he always had plenty more to say!

In 2019, Ron and Louise moved to Jasper, Missouri, to be closer to their family. Ron faced health challenges over the years, including cancer, which he was healed from which he and his loved ones attributed to God, and the power of prayer. Later, he developed congestive heart failure, which progressively worsened.

Ron cherished his family and the life he and Louise built together over six decades. Their marriage began with a memorable meeting that brought them together through a series of letters and an unexpected trip to Colorado, setting the stage for a lifetime of love and companionship.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Louise Elizabeth Kendall, of Jasper, Missouri; his son, Steven Kendall and his wife, Raven, of Jasper, Missouri; and his daughter, Amy Kendall, of Salt Lake City, Utah.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher Pearson and Michael Simonson, both of Salt Lake City, Utah; Kelsey Wilkins and her husband, Callan, of Oronogo, Missouri; Emily Anderson and her husband, Everett, of Jasper, Missouri; and Ethan Kendall and his wife, Madeleine, of Joplin, Missouri; along with 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Lucille Kendall, and his siblings, Linda Garett and Dennis Kendall.

Ron will be remembered for his dedication to teaching, his love of fishing and hunting, his gift for conversation, his love for Jesus, and the lasting legacy of love and family he leaves behind.

The family plans to share a meal and memories with friends and family at the Jasper Event Center. Date and time TBD.

They will also make a trip to Montana in early summer for a service and inurnment with family and friends from that area. Information will be updated once available.