Ronnie "Ron" Lee Waits

In Loving Memory of Ronnie Lee Waits Ronnie Lee Waits passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was 87 years old and will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him. Ron was born on June 1, 1937 in Wheatland, Wyoming to Ken and Faye Waits.  At the age of five, his family moved to Gering, Nebraska where he grew up. He became a big brother to his sister, Karen at the age of 7.  Summers  were spent at his grandfather’s home in Farnam, Nebraska where he helped deliver ice, rode horses with cousins and learned the value of extended family. A proud graduate of Gering High School in 1958, Ron was an all around athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball, and running track. He even played in the marching band during halftime of his football games. His early work ethic began at the local co-op grocery store, where he carried out groceries and stocked shelves. Ron continued his education at Scottsbluff Jr. College, where he met the love of his life, Carol Sue Mayborn. They married on March 10, 1960. They started their life together in Scottsbluff while Ron finished his time at the jr. college.  They lived in Kimball, NE for a short time before moving to Denver in 1963. Their first child Cheryl was born in November of 1965 and they then welcomed their son Greg in May of 1968. Ron served in the Army National Guard from 1962 to 1967, receiving an honorable discharge. His dedication to service was just one of the many ways he demonstrated his values of commitment and care for others. Ron’s professional career flourished in the food distribution business. After working with Red Seal Potato Chips, he co-founded Dykstra Sales in 1965, where he served as Vice President of Sales. Over 34 years, he helped build a multimillion-dollar enterprise, earning top distributor awards and traveling the U.S. and Europe with Carol Sue. Ron retired in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and integrity in his field. Ron loved spending time with his children He coached soccer, a sport he never played, and spent endless hours at fields, in gyms and auditoriums cheering his kids on. Summer family vacations were a year highlight for Ron because it meant uninterrupted time with his family. Adventures included national parks, California, Washington DC, New York, Seattle and Mexico. Family was Ron’s greatest pride and joy. Whether coaching his children’s soccer games, attending their activities, or planning unforgettable family vacations to national parks and cities across the U.S. and beyond, Ron cherished every moment with them. In retirement, he and Carol Sue embraced their love of travel, exploring North America in their RV and revisiting Europe with friends and family. The Columbine Caravan was another big part of Ron’s life. He and Carol joined this camping group.  Ron’s welcoming invitations helped the group to grow. The more the merrier. He was active in the group for 20 years and made many dear friends there. An active member of Arvada United Methodist Church for over 60 years, Ron served on numerous committees and supported outreach efforts like the Epworth Food Bank. His faith and dedication to his community were central to his life. The best gifts of Ron’s life starting coming in 2002 with the birth of his first grandson, Brenden. Over the next 7 years, Ron welcomed Emily, Ashly, Addison, Camden and Dominic. He loved attending their sports, concerts and just getting to spend time with them all. His grandchildren brought him immense joy in his later years. After the passing of his beloved Carol Sue, Ron moved to Springwood Senior living where he lived independently until this last October. Ron’s welcoming spirit lead to even more friends and he loved his community. Ron had a love for sports, music, and good company. He cheered passionately for Denver’s Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanche and enjoyed many symphony dates with Carol Sue. He found pleasure in the simple joys of golf, a good drink with friends, and the shared stories of those around him. Ron’s welcoming and generous spirit touched countless lives. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and a genuine interest in their story. Whether hosting his children’s friends, helping those in need, or sharing a laugh with new acquaintances, Ron’s kindness left a lasting impression. Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Sue Waits, and his sister, Karen Kronberg. Ron is survived by his daughter, Cheryl O’Haire (Rob), son Greg (Maria), his six grandchildren, Brenden, Addi, Camden O’Haire and Emily, Ashly and Dominic Waits and 8 nephews and nieces. A Celebration of Life will be held at Arvada United Methodist Church on  December 19, 2024 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow. He will be laid to rest at the Arvada Cemetery. In honor of Ron’s memory, donations may be made to The Action Center at 8755 W. 14th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215.