Ronald Gale Rounds

Ronald Gale Rounds, 86, of Creede, Colo., passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2024, at Sundance Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ron was born on May 7, 1937, in Sturgis, S.D., to Phillip and Ollie Rounds. He was one of four children. Ron attended high school in Belle Fourche, S.D., graduating on May 22, 1956.

While living and working at a repair shop in Belle Fourche, Ron married Flora May Westland in April 1957. Of this marriage came their firstborn son Clint Jay Rounds, daughter ReNette Wray Rounds (Penning), and son Donald Dale Rounds.

In 1959, Ron and Flora May moved to Hulett, Wyo., so Ron could work at the Hauber Homestake Mine as a mechanic. While working at Homestake, he was a field artillery crewman in the Army National Guard from 1960 to 1962. Ron worked at the Homestake Mine until its closure in 1966, the family then moved to Creede, Colo., for Ron to work as a mechanic at Homestake Silver Mine.

Divorcing in 1967, Ron continued to work, and make a home in Creede, working at the Homestake mine until its closure and reclamation was completed in July of 1994.

Throughout his time in Creede, Ron was a proud volunteer firefighter which he later retired from. After his time at Homestake Silver Mine, he ran a tire and small engine repair shop out of his shop called Ron’s Repair. There wasn’t a job too big for Ron and he took great pride in his work. It was during this time that Ron began racing at Thunder Valley Speedway. He fixed up a 1972 Chevy pickup and had the time of his life racing around the track every Friday night.

In addition to his love of mechanics and racing, Ron loved to hunt and fish and took every opportunity he had to do so. In closing, we have to mention Ron’s love of walking. As many of us can attest to there was nothing Ron enjoyed more than taking his daily walks around town.

Ron is survived by his two brothers Harley (Colleen) Rounds of Belle Fourche, S.D., and Tom (Peg) Rounds of Sturgis, S.D., and three children Clint Rounds of Carlisle, Wyo., ReNette Penning of Hulett, Wyo., Donnie (Kindra) Rounds of Monte Vista, Colo., eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.