Ronald 'Ron' Lewis Cummings

Born March 3, 1937, in Plains, Mont., to Lewis and Opal Cummings, Ronald (“Ron”) Lewis Cummings passed away Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones at home in Chelan, Wash.

The oldest son of eight children, Ron grew up in Kellogg, Idaho, and received his high school diploma from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon. After graduating from St. Edwards Major Seminary, in Kenmore, Wash., he joined the United States Navy, serving as a sonarman on the destroyer 725 USS O’Brien during the Vietnam War.

After his service he attended the University of Idaho, where his passion and devotion for learning and teaching began. Receiving his B.A. in Education, Ron taught in Anatone, Wash., for seven years. During this time he met the love of his life, Betty Jo, who also taught in Anatone for many years.

Ron continued building his professional credentials, receiving his Master’s and Doctorate of Education. He became the principal in both Pierce and Post Falls, Idaho, and then superintendent of schools in Harrison and Aberdeen, Idaho and Mansfield, Wash.

The love and devotion that Ron had for his family was evident in his everyday life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law and friend. An all-around family man, Ron went out of his way to help many people without hesitation. Ron’s love, spirit and philosophy of life will always be carried on through his family and friends.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Jo Cummings; two sons, Nathan (Crystal) Cummings and Marcus (Janine) Cummings; one daughter, Jessica (Juan) Mendoza; one brother, Albert; four sisters, Sandy, Lola, Cathy and Mary; eight grandchildren, Leticia, Nathan Jr., Ayana, Aisha, Riley, Dexter, Henry and Ashley and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Nancy and Martha, who passed away on the same day as Ron.

To leave condolences for the family, visit Ron’s tribute page at hennesseyvalley.com.