Thursday, October 1, 2026
Ronald Raymond Wallace was born February 9, 1936 in Everett, WA to Martina Wallace (Tillottson) and Jesse Wallace.
The fourth of five siblings, Ron was a huge sports fan as a child, playing basketball and baseball, as well as distinguishing himself as an avid boxer. Ron graduated from Pateros High school in 1954, and subsequently enlisted in the Marine Corp. He honorably served our country as an MP in the Marine Corp from 1954-1957, while winning boxing championships and playing basketball for his unit.
Ron married Janice Ogden in 1957 while enlisted, and the young couple suffered the tragedy of delivering a son, David Wallace, of whom never drew breath this side of Heaven. In 1959, Ron and Janice were delighted to welcome the thriving baby, Karla Wallace (Hicks) into this world, followed 10 months later by Shelley Wallace. During this time, Ron was employed by the Goodyear tire factory in Auburn, WA, where he worked for 26 years. After Goodyear, Ron worked RST Recycling until he retired in 1997.
Upon dissolusion of Ron and Janice’s marriage, Ron remarried Cecelia Smith, becoming stepfather to Laurel , David, Tammy and Terry Bore. In 1965, Ron and Cecelia welcomed their son Ronald Raymond Wallace, Jr into the world. Loral would eventually offer Ron Jason and Lisa Engren as grandchildren, while David offered him Savannah and Hunter Bore.
Ron and Cecelia eventually disolved their marriage and Ron married Gloria Opshal. Gloria was already the mother of Billy Weise, born 1971. Billy would eventually marry Kimmy Hruden in 1999 and delight Ron with four more grandchildren; Ezra, Ethan, Evan and Elise. Ron and Gloria welcomed their son, Rodney, in 1974.
In 1985, Ron left Goodyear, to work for RST Recycling until he retired in 1993. Rodney became the proud father of Myriah in 1993, followed by Ian in 2002. Rodney’s life-partner, Kristina Dawson, was also blessed to raise her daughters, Kailani and Rainah’Jo Dawson calling Ron grandpa. Kailani would go on to provide Ron with great-grand-daughter Emersyn Dawson. Myriah was blessed to deliver Meliah, Aubrey and Avah, gifting Ron with three more great grandchildern.
In 2003, Ron committed his life to his childhood friend, Charlene Lenzy, leaving Auburn to live with her on her farm in Rochester, WA, where he remained until her passing in 2017.
Ron enjoyed the remainder of his days living with Rodney back home in Auburn. He was still humbling his sons and nephew on the golf course into his 80s.
Ron left us to walk with Jesus and reunite with Charlene on Saturday, July 19, 2025. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren, expressing their love and gratitude nonstop through his final hours, then honored with a veteran’s procession upon his passing. Ron made an enormous impact on so many and will forever be missed.
