Ron Curtiss passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, due to a long battle with pulmonary hypertension. He has had this disease for several years. Ron was born to Mortimer and Gladys Marie (Welch) Curtiss on May 12, 1942 in between Basin and Butte, Montana, on a cold stormy night, and the nickname of "Stormy" was given to him. He attended schools in Anaconda, Alberton, Helena, Drummond, Philipsburg and graduated from Drummond High School. Ron left home at the age of 12 and went to work for a local rancher in Hall. He lived with his sister, Darlene, and her family until he graduated from high school. After high school he worked in Missoula and Garrison, then joined the Army. He returned to Deer Lodge and opened his own mechanic business in Deer Lodge. While working in Deer Lodge he met his wife, Judith Mero. They lived in Butte until Judy finished Business College and their son; Ken was born. They moved to Helena so Ron could attend airplane mechanic's school. He wanted to work in Montana, but the opportunities were all out-of-state. He worked for Northwest Paramount, St. Peter's Hospital, and Big Sky Ready Mix. In 1975 their second son, Glen, was born. He started his own ready-mix business until the late 70's when he got hurt. He worked in the construction industry most of his life until several blood clots forced him to retire. Ron was a mentor to both his sons. He had a fascination for classic cars, gold mining and hunting. In the 1960's he found a car he wanted but the bank would not finance it. So, he started looking and in 2005 he found his dream car, a 1959 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible. Ron and Judy showed the car at car shows for about 5 years and on one of their trips home they hit a deer. The search was on to find parts to repair the convertible. He did find a 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury, same color, red and white, and decided it was in too good a condition to use for parts. He decided to have both 1959's restored, by his sons, which he called the "sisters". He and Judy enjoyed going to various car shows and talking about their cars and of course, winning trophies. Ron and Judy also did some traveling, two trips to Ireland; Florida to see Key West and the Curtiss adobe in Miami Springs; Hammondsport, New York to see the Glenn Curtiss Museum of flying, who was a distant cousin. They also traveled a portion of Route 66 (California, Arizona, and New Mexico). As well as numerous trips to Washington state to see family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Judy, sons Ken Curtiss and Glen (Q) Curtiss; Granddaughter Hemi, the apple of his eye; his sister Darlene Conn of Hall; half-brothers Mort (Cindi) of Libby; Tony (Candi) Curtiss, of Thermopolis, Wyoming; half-sisters Ida (Paul) Nerdrum; Birdie Marcell; Juanita Adames of Seattle; Mandy Curtiss Rossland of Libby; step-sisters Ina Martin of Libby; Carol Zedo and Eva Montes Adsitt of Idaho; Joan Reed of Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Mortimer and Gladys, sister and brother-in-law Eva and Larry Duncan; brother Bird Curtiss; Grandson Sierra Curtiss; brother-in-law John Conn; half-brother and spouse Clifton and Sue Gottbreht; and half-brother Clifford Gottbreht; sister-in-law Mary Ann Curtiss; brother-in-law Jim Martin.

Cremation has taken place. Per Ron's request, no funeral services are planned. Memorials can be made to the donor's choice. We would like to send a special thank you to our family and friends, to our Home Health Care team: Lisa, Cindy, and other team member for all their help and support these past few months. To the Hospice nurse, Jessica, and the rest of the Hospice Team for their support during the past couple of days.