BALLANTINE — Under the twinkling lights of Christmas, Ronald J. "Ron" Scherry passed away at his home in Ballantine, of cancer, surrounded by his family on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015.

Ron was born on Dec. 28, 1948 to Letitia and Edmund F. "Bill" Scherry in Sheridan, Wyo.

Ron married Barbara Lyon, the love of his life, in 1970 in Story, Wyo., and they went on to have two boys Arlo and Joe. Barb was his "Rock" and they navigated life together for 45 years. They spent the last 15 years traveling between Montana and Wyoming sharing their love of books.

Ron's education began at Holy Name School. "OH MY" those nuns! He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1967. He then went on to graduate from Sheridan College, and the University of Wyoming earning a BA of History in 1972 and a BA of Education in 1974. He graduated with honors from MSU-Billings with a Masters in Education in 1986. His career in education touched many lives. He began teaching 4th grade in Lodge Grass, in 1975, then moved to Custer, to teach 3rd and 4th grade where he also coached high school boys and girls basketball from 1975-1988. Ron and his family then moved to Ballantine, as Huntley Project's elementary principal from 1988-1997, and coached high school girls' basketball from 1988-1992 . He was an ambitious soul and has been the Director of Migrant Education since 1988. While still living in Ballantine, he made another move to the Billings Public Schools in 1997, where he became the principal of McKinley School for three years until he had a chance to retire and buy Great Northern Book Co., with his wife.

Ron, was very charismatic. He spoke out on behalf of children, learning, and the importance of equality of education for all. He received many awards and achievements for his efforts. His first award was the Milken Foundation National Educator Award in 1994. He was named President of the Montana State Reading Council from 1994-1995. In 1995, he received the Award of Excellence from MSU-B. Then in 2000, under his leadership McKinley School was designated a National Distinguished Title I School. After countless hours heading up the Migrant Program, he received the National Migrant Director of the Year Award in 2003. His final two awards came just before his death truly touching all those who knew him. Ron received the Montana Public Education Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Assoc. of Directors of Migrant Education Outstanding Service to Migrant Children Award. As you can see he dedicated his life to others.

With all his many accomplishments his greatest love was his wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and family. He loved music in all its forms, especially classic rock and the blues. He was a 35-year member of the Sheridan American Legion Drum and Bugle Corp, where he played the snare drum, dressing up over the years to march in many parades. He loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing with his family around Wyoming and Montana. However nothing could keep him away from following his favorite sports teams which included the Chicago Bears, Boston Celtics, Wyoming Cowboys and the Griz, "Go Griz." He was everyone's "Super Hero" and made a gallant effort to be present at his son, Joe's wedding on Saturday, Dec. 12.

"We love you Dad and Papa, and we know that God has a special place for you in heaven, pain free and telling stories."

Ron is survived by his wife Barb; two sons; Arlo (Rosza), and Joe (Stacey) of Billings; five grandchildren; Deisza, Leila, Myles, Rhiana, and Dylan; his mother Letitia Scherry of Sheridan, Wyo.; his mother-in-law Estelle Lyon of Billings; his siblings Bill Scherry (Jackie) of Ridgecrest, Calif.; Brad Scherry of Sheridan, Wyo.; Reni Hagen (Frank) of Otter Creek; and his sister-in-law Patty (Tony) Actisdano of Billings, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved father, Bill Scherry, and his eldest nephew, Shawn Scherry.

A celebration of Ron's life will be held on his birthday, Monday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m., at the Huntley Project High School Gym in Worden. A reception will be held at Homesteader Hall in Huntley immediately following the service. Donations may be made in Ron's name to Head Start in Billings, c/o Laura Zimmerman, Educational Director.

Arrangements are by Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heightsfamilyfuneralhome.com through "Our Families."

Billings Gazette - Dec. 19, 2015.