Ronald "Ron" W Gibbens

A live stream of Ron's service, provided by Sharon Lutheran Church may be watched at:

https://youtu.be/_6Vv2jkuoAs 

It is with great sadness that the family of Ron Gibbens announce his death on May 2, 2021. Ron died in the loving arms of his wife Pamela at the home of his son, Mike under hospice care after a brief illness.

Ronald Willard Gibbens was born in Cando, ND to Willard and Pearl (Schoonover) Gibbens on September 12, 1940. He graduated from Cando High School and went on to attend many colleges and universities in North Dakota. He married Faye Lysne who bore his only son, Mike. Ron and Faye were married 49 years.

Inspired by Mike, who has cerebral palsy, Ron’s entire life was dedicated to helping those with disabilities.  Ron and Faye co-founded the charitable nonprofit North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) in the 1970’s. Ron relinquished his role as NDAD’s chief operating officer in 2015. Ron loved to visit, play poker, and take trips by motorcycle. He could also be seen cheering at University of North Dakota (Go Sioux) football, basketball, or hockey games.

After Faye’s death, Ron married Pamela Cramer on November 1, 2014. They continued to make their home in Grand Forks. Ron welcomed Pamela’s 3 sons into the family as his own along with 3 grandchildren who loved him dearly.

Survived by his son, Mike, Ron’s other survivors include his wife Pamela, step-son Josh Yale, Broady and Scott Cramer, grandchildren Kiersten and Lincoln Yale, and Raiden Cramer, in-laws Phil and Marilyn Yale, brother Doug (Teresa) Gibbens, sister-in-laws Adele (Clayton) Wood, Joan Gilbertson, Gail (Wendell) Grondahl, Roxi (Jeff) Gowan, Kim (Bill) Solem, Michelle Yale, Lori Marvin, brother-in-laws Mark Lysne, Steve Yale, and nieces Michelle, Rochelle, Janelle, Heather, Darcie, Robin, Alisha, Brittany, Brianna, Carly, Alexis, Jena, Tara, and nephews Brent, Brian, Jeremy, Troy, Ryan, Tommy, Casey, Lee, Craig, Erik, Brian,  and great nieces, great nephews, friends and dogs Sassy and Prince.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Pearl, wife Faye, brother Robert (Bob) Gibbens, brother-in-law Phil Yale Jr and nephew Wes Gibbens.

Special thanks to Dr Rabadi, Altru Hospital staff, Hospice of the Red River Valley and Amundson Funeral Home for their care and support.

More information about Ron’s life will be provided by NDAD.org and in NDAD’s social media pages.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to NDAD.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service.

 Due to COVID-19 face masks are required at Sharon Lutheran Church.

Burial will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviour Lutheran Church Cemetery, Harlow, ND.