Ronald Leroy Schneider

Ronald L. Schneider, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 28, 2025. He was 82 years old and lived a full and meaningful life marked by curiosity, love, and dedication to family and learning. 

Ron was born on July 19, 1943, in Billings, Montana, to Alex and Marie Schneider. His Montana upbringing nurtured a lifelong love of the outdoors. He went on to study at Rocky Mountain College, where he earned a degree in Biology and, more importantly, met the love of his life, Mila Espinosa. After marrying, Ron and Mila moved to Seattle to begin building a life together. 

Ron continued his education at the University of Washington, studying Marine Sciences, Fisheries, and Oceanography. He took part in two research cruises at Amchitka Island in Alaska in 1967 and 1968, experiences he fondly remembered and spoke of throughout his life. His intellectual curiosity extended well beyond the sciences. He was equally drawn to history, geography, and storytelling, and loved sharing this knowledge with others. He also had a lifelong passion for science fiction, eagerly collecting and reading books that sparked his imagination and sense of wonder. 

Their marriage spanned six decades, rooted in love, respect, and partnership. Together they raised four children, Mark, Tyson, Maria, and Tony, in a home filled with love, laughter, and the joy of family dinners. Ron’s deep and devoted love for Mila was evident to all who knew them, and together they shared a bond that inspired their family and friends. He loved writing her poetry and often expressed his affection through words that reflected his heart. 

Teaching was one of Ron’s great callings. His career began in high school science at St. Leo’s High School in Tacoma, Washington, and later included a position as a college science instructor at St. Martin’s University. He eventually returned to K–12 classrooms, where he also worked with special education students. In every setting, his teaching reflected patience, humor, and a belief in the potential of every learner. With gentle guidance, he nurtured curiosity and encouraged students to explore the world with open minds. 

Beyond education, Ron also built a career in business, working with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance and later founding his own real estate company. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic carried him through many professional chapters, including a long career in real estate, but he always returned to teaching, which gave him the most joy. 

Ron was a devoted family man. He loved sharing knowledge with his children and encouraged and supported their learning through college. He was deeply proud that all of his children graduated from the University of Washington, the same university where he earned his master’s degree in Marine Sciences, Fisheries, and Oceanography. 

He also loved attending his grandchildren’s events and hearing about their lives. Dimitri, Adrian, Helena, Taylor, Aiden, Mason, and Elenarose brought him great joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Each of them held a special place in his heart. He also found happiness in visits from family and friends, especially his devoted niece Faith, always looking forward to special greetings daily and meaningful conversations. 

Ron’s interests and hobbies painted the picture of a man who loved life in its details. He was an avid collector of books, stamps, coins, guns, and fishing poles. Above all, fly fishing was his favorite pastime, and he often dreamed of his time on the river casting for steelhead and rainbow trout. He also delighted in music, particularly Roy Orbison, and enjoyed listening to his songs often. Some of his happiest moments were spent listening to Mila play the piano, never shy about belting out the tunes while she played. He also enjoyed reading and watching documentaries about history and the natural world, always eager to learn something new. 

Ron is reunited with his beloved wife, Dr. Mila Espinosa Schneider, his parents, Alex and Marie, and many dear relatives and friends who went before him. He is lovingly remembered by his children, all of whom are now married: Mark (Monica), Tyson (Wendy), Maria (Gary), and Tony (Risa). His grandchildren, his devoted niece Faith, his extended family, and countless students and friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, generosity, and wisdom will forever cherish his memory. 

Ron’s life will be celebrated with the same love and gratitude he gave so freely to others. His family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the deep love he gave. 

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Nuclear Care Partners for their outstanding and compassionate care of Ron in the days before his passing. 

Memorial Service A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 1721 Central Ave., Billings, MT 59102.

 A Special Note of Remembrance from His Children
Dad lived a life full of curiosity, passion, and generosity. He taught us the value of learning, the importance of family, and the joy of simple moments spent together. His laughter, his stories, and his love will forever live in our hearts. 

By the River’s Song 
I have walked the mountain trails, 
and cast my line in quiet streams, 
chasing silver shadows in the current,
but finding peace in the dream.

I have listened to the laughter of children, 
their voices brighter than the sun, 
and watched with pride as they carried forward 
the lessons my own life had begun. 

I have sung along to music’s chorus, 
while the piano filled our home with light, 
and wrote my love in verses for Mila, 
my heart’s companion, my soul’s delight. 

Now I rest where waters wander, 
where sky and river meet as one. 
Carry me in your stories and songs, 
and know my journey is not done.