Ronald Murray Upham, 94, passed away March 26, 2017 due to natural causes. Ron's services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 as follows: viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Community Bible Church; his burial at 1:00 p.m., at the Big Sandy Cemetery, and his funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m., at the Community Bible Church with Pastors Joe Jordan and Graham Nicolson officiating. Memorials in Ron's name may be made to Community Bible Church, 1600 Main Street, Fort Benton, MT 59442, Gideon's International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Ron's online memorial page at http://www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.
Ronald was born to Charles and Thelda (Johnson) Upham on September 26, 1922 in the homestead house. He moved the room that he was born in to the house he built on the farm. That room served as his and Floyce's kitchen for over 60 years.
He went to elementary school in a one room school house that was 1 ½ miles away from home. He preferred to walk to school, but rode his pony when necessary. He then went to Big Sandy High School and boarded in town during the school year. He graduated in 1940 and went to what is now MSU Northern where he enlisted for pilot training in the Army Aircorp. He left school early when he was called up for duty.
He trained in Texas and New Mexico in B24's and B29's and received his wings and commission on May 23, 1944.
Ron met Floyce in Fort Worth, Texas and they were married in 1945. She agreed to move with him to the family farm and drive up to Montana in the fall of '45. Floyce drove the car while Ron followed her in his newly acquired PT19 airplane. He put a white cross on the top of the car so he could follow her from the air.
Their first child Tamara came along, followed by their two sons, Kerry and Kevin. Ron and Floyce eventually took over the operation of the family farm. They raised their family there and it was their home for over 50 years.
Ron cared very much for his neighbors and community and he served for many years on the school board and elevator board in Big Sandy, and later was one of the founders of the Community Bible Church in Fort Benton, and served on their board.
In 2007, Ron and Floyce moved to Fort Benton and later to Great Falls as Floyce's health began to decline. In 2009, she suffered a stroke and went to be with the Lord. Ron moved back to Fort Benton to be near family and his church.
Ron was an engineer and inventor at heart. He created many machines and tools that made the farm work a little easier and more efficient. Ron thoroughly enjoyed farming. Even in his later years he would drive truck for harvest and help with whatever needed to be done.
Ron's faith in Jesus Christ has played a pivotal role in his life. His family is so grateful for the faith and example he has handed down to his children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren.
Ron is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Floyce; his parents; his son, Kevin; and his brothers, Raymond and Russell.
He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Cochran of Santa Barbara, CA; son Kerry (Donna) Upham of Loma, MT; grandchildren, Kacy (Brian) Yardley, Dianna (Nathan) Keane, Sherri (Nick) Marudas, Scott Cochran, Kristy (Tim) Miller; 7 great-grandchildren (with one on the way); and three nieces.
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