Ronnie "Ron" Dean Modrow, 92, of Idaho Falls, summited his last mountain peak on Monday, December 23, 2024, at MorningStar Assisted Living. He was under the care of Eden Hospice.

Born in Kalama, WA on October 13, 1932, to Roy D. and Roberta March Taylor Modrow. Ron grew up living next to the Kalama River, and exploring his grandfather, David Modrow's dairy farm. He was his high school senior class president and college student body treasurer and was active in his professional organizations, even though he professed to not being a "joiner."

After receiving his degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington and fulfilling his stint in the Army, Ron married Ruth Walker. They had three children, Douglas, Constance, and David. The family eventually settled in Idaho Falls after Ron accepted a position with the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant. He enjoyed the challenge of the work and the opportunity of putting in a full day of work for an honest day of pay. He and Ruth divorced in 1973.

Ron remarried Sharon Hulverson Vivan in 1975 in Idaho Falls, combining his three children with her three, Teresa "Terri", Gregory, and Stephanie. He was very proud that all six children graduated with college degrees since he was the first in his family to go to college.

Ron enjoyed all the outdoor activities that Eastern Idaho offered. He loved skiing at Taylor Mountain, Kelly Canyon, and was on the ski patrol during the seventies at Grand Targhee. He enjoyed hiking through the Tetons, Sawtooths and other mountain ranges with friends and family. Ron instilled a love of the outdoors in all his children. In his retirement, besides planning hiking trips or reading, he continued his genealogy work by researching and writing the history of great grandparents and other family members.

Ron is preceded in death by his wife Sharon, who passed away in July of 2024. He is survived by his six children, Doug (Leslie), Billings, MT; Connie, Salt Lake City; David, Boise; Terri, San Diego; Greg, Idaho Falls; Stephanie, Salt Lake City; 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, half- brother, Roy Max, and half-sister, Judy Sager, plus numerous cousins.

A family memorial hike in the Tetons is being planned for this summer. If you wish, we are asking memorials to be made to the Idaho Conservation League (idahoconservation.org). Cremation is under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .