Ronald N. and Laurene M. "Laurie" Chaney

Ronald Chaney, 72, and Laurene “Laurie” Chaney, 71, of Hamilton, died together on December 29, 2016, of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Ron was born on October 21, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of Robert “Elmo” and Norma Marcia “Narcy” Chaney. His father died shortly before Ron’s birth, at the end of World War II. His mother later married John Ainsworth, who became his stepfather. Ron grew up in Altadena, California, the middle of three children, in a classic post-war household. Ron was a talented and competitive athlete, and spent his teenage years playing guitars, and searching for the big waves along the California coast with his surfboard in hand. Ron graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena, California, and the University of Oregon.

Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 as an intelligence officer. He served honorably in Vietnam. In 1972, his son Ryan was born, while Ron was married to Kay Impey. Ron later married Pattie Phillips, while living in Encinitas, California, and soon after their two children, Colin and Jenna, were born. Pattie and Ron were happy partners and active parents, busy with their family, coaching soccer teams and enjoying the beach. Sadly, Pattie preceded Ron in death in 1988, leaving Ron as a capable and loving single father. While raising his children, Ron worked as a contractor. He also was employed as a juvenile corrections officer, part of his life-long commitment to helping kids in need.

Laurie was born on Christmas Eve in 1945 to Harry and Mildred Moliter. She was their second daughter, and was later joined by a younger brother and another sister. She grew up in Spokane, graduating from North Central High School. Her childhood was filled with friends, tennis, and weekends and summers spent at the family cabin at Diamond Lake.

Laurie began her college studies at Eastern Washington University. During her freshman year, George Greener, a lanky blond in her French class, asked for her help with his translations. That request led to a joyful, loving and devoted marriage that was full of adventure. While George was in medical school, they resided in Guadalajara, Mexico, and welcomed their children Joel and Mindy. They later lived in Toledo, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana, where their second son, Jonathan, was born. Their shared commitment to providing healthcare to underserved areas led them first to Superior, Montana, and then to Toppenish, Washington. After George’s sudden and unexpected death, Laurie completed studies for a nursing degree at Yakima Valley Community College. She then returned with her children to the supportive community they loved in Superior.

While in Superior, Laurie expanded her family to include Gerry Geske and his daughters Rachel and Becky. While they were married, their home brimmed with the energy that comes from a full house of lively kids. Laurie returned to college, capitalizing on her gift for languages and received a linguistics degree at the University of Montana.

Laurie was a gifted writer, fluent in Spanish, a talented photographer, an avid gardener, and extremely generous with her time, talent and treasure. She documented family events through extensive photo albums and detailed letters. She never arrived empty-handed at an event, usually carrying homemade food, and always bringing her smile and gentle nature. In 1999, through a Christian singles website, Ron and Laurie connected. After a few months, they understood that they had a special bond to each other, and shared values and faith in God. Laurie decided to move to Nevada, and they were married on Ron’s birthday in 2000.

In 2004, Ron and Laurie semi-retired and moved to Hamilton to be closer to the mountains and their family. They became active in their church and with organizations that supported children in need. While in Hamilton, Laurie also worked as an English language instructor and home health nurse. Ron owned a post and pole business, and later drove a school bus, worked in maintenance for Faith Lutheran Church and the Ravalli County fairgrounds, and at the time of his death was employed as a paraprofessional in a kindergarten class at the Darby School District.

Ron and Laurie had complementary personalities. Laurie radiated gentleness, was reflective and put everyone at ease, while Ron exuded energy, was fun-loving and had a great sense of humor. They each made room for the other to shine. They both enjoyed cooking, camping, hiking, traveling, socializing and serving others. They were committed to their children and grandchildren, and logged countless hours sitting on the bleachers, cheering them on in sports and other endeavors. They exhibited warmth and love, laughed easily and often, and displayed grit, determination and perseverance. They were jointly admired and loved by those who knew them.

Throughout their lives, they both drew strength from their faith. Their love of God was at the center of both of their lives and their marriage. Their decisions were all guided by their unwavering belief in God’s plan for them. They shared their faith through active participation in their church, bible studies, as Sunday School teachers and by serving as missionaries domestically and abroad. They recently returned from a six-month trip serving as teachers in a Christian school in Mexico, a mission that brought them more friends, closer to each other, and great joy.

Ron and Laurie were preceded in death by their dear spouses Dr. George Greener and Pattie Chaney, their parents, Harry and Mildred Moliter and Robert and Norma Marcia Chaney; their in-laws Walt and Eunice Greener and Netta and Russel Phillips.

Survivors include their six children and their spouses: Joel & Jodie Greener of Redmond, Oregon; Mindy & Zane Warnken of Corvallis; Jonathan & Tina Greener of Seoul, South Korea; Ryan Benson of Spokane, Washington; Colin and Teriza Chaney of Morro Bay, California, and Jenna Chaney of Gardnerville, Nevada. They are also survived by their grandchildren, Brittany and Maddie Greener; Tristan, Emme and Caleb Warnken; Eva and Nate Greener; Tao and Kobe Kelsey; and Miles Chaney. They are also survived by their siblings and their spouses: Kathy & Pat Vaughan of Hamilton; Ray and Cindy Moliter of Chandler, Arizona; Kris and Mike Franklin of West Richland, Washington; Robert and Barb Chaney of Riverside, California; Susan Ann Darley of Santa Barbara, California. They are also survived by their brothers and sisters-in-law: John and Karen Greener of San Rafael, California; Lydia & Steve Griffith of Cheney, Washington; Lynn and Philip Nereo of Windsor, California; Alyce and Stan Davis of Olympia, Washington; Connie and Dave Sanchez of Seattle, Washington; and Gail and Ron Rosidini of Los Angeles, California. They will be missed by their dear cousins Bruce Stoltenberg of Hamilton; Earl & Floy Ann Montee of Anacortes, Washington; and special friends Mike and Aggie Lapinski of Superior. Also left behind are numerous heartbroken nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held for Laurie and Ron on Sunday, January 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church, 601 West Main Street in Hamilton, with Pastor Matt Leopold of the Corvallis Community Church officiating. A reception will follow the services at the church hall. Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the missionary fund at Corvallis Community Church, 310 2nd St. Corvallis, MT 59828 or the charity of your choice.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4