Ronald Cummings

Born March 3, 1937 in Plains, Montana to Lewis and Opal Cummings, Ronald (Ron) Lewis Cummings passed away Sunday, October 4, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones at home in Chelan, Washington.   The oldest son of eight children, Ron grew up in Kellog, Idaho and received his high school diploma from Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon.  After graduating from St. Edwards Major Seminary in Kenmore, Washington, 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, Washington 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 Masters and Doctorate of Education.  He became the principal in both Pierce and Post Falls, Idaho and then superintendent of schools in Harrison, Idaho, Aberdeen, Idaho and Mansfield, Washington. 

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 and 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 sister’s Nancy and Martha, who passed away on the same day as Ron.  To leave condolences for the family visit Ron’s Tribute Wall.