Ronald Adams

Funeral services Thursday January 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery.

Ronald Earl Adams, 83, passed away at the Big Horn County Hospital on January 23, 2022. He was born in Aurora, Illinois to Donald and Melva (Wedemaier) Adams on January 28, 1938.

Ron graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1956 and enrolled at Eastern Montana College (MSU-B). While at EMC Ron played football for the Yellowjackets and lettered all four years. He graduated from EMC in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Physical Education. Ron married Shirley Lewis Ouellette on August 10, 1963 in Idaho Falls and became the proud father of Shirley’s children Terry, Lori, Leslie and LInda. Ron and Shirley moved to Hardin in 1970. They couple completed their family with the birth of son Donny and daughter Nikki.

Ron was a Hardin business man, a Hardin Bulldog supporter and a public servant. He owned and operated the Wagon Wheel Bar for many years. After selling the bar, he assumed the duties of Activity Director for Hardin High School. He was a constant presence at athletic events, school functions and events. Ron received the Montana High School Service Citation in 1998, was named the Montana Class A Activity Director of the Year 2001-2002, received the NIAAA Award of Merit in 2003. He retired as Activities Director in 2003. While employed as the activities director, Ron also took on community responsibilities when he was elected Mayor of Hardin in 1994. He held this position for fifteen years retiring in 2009. Ron was honored by the Hardin Chamber of Commerce in 1998 with the Man of the Year Award and in 2002 was named Community Leader of the Year. Ron gave so much of his life to the Hardin School District and the Hardin community. He will truly be missed by the community.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth (Jim) Thompson and son-in- law Rich Wynkoop.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley, his children Terry (Robin) Ouellette, Lori (Ed) Ryan, Leslie Wynkoop, Linda (Tracy) Barta, Donny Adams and Nikki (Steve) Hopes, 17 grand children, 21 great grandchildren with on the way.

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