Ronald Dean Paulson (1932-2013)
Lifetime resident of the San Luis Valley Ronald Dean Paulson, 80, died at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 28, 2013. Ronald was the oldest son born to Oscar and Arabelle (Etherton) Paulson. He graduated from Del Norte High School where he met and married the love of his life, Wanda Dunnington Paulson on February 3, 1951.
The couple made their home in Del Norte, where Ronnie worked for the Del Norte Ford Motor Company and farmed, while Wanda worked as a telephone operator. Leslie, Randy, Roy and Rodney were all born on land they farmed in Del Norte.
In January of 1958, they purchased the family farm outside of Monte Vista. There, they were blessed with two more children Kimberly and Rock.
Ronnie was a hard-working farmer who grew various agricultural crops and also raised cows, sheep, chickens, pigs and horses. Ronnie worked various other jobs such as driving a mail route to help support his family.
Ronnie loved farming, taking his family on camping adventures in the mountains, playing card and board games, reading, singing, playing the organ, storytelling, watching western movies and horses. He lived for family get-togethers and any opportunity to give his grandchildren a teasing.
Ronnie believed in strong family values, honesty, commitment, and hard work. He took pride and joy in his children including: Leslie (Dick) Bennet of Montrose, CO, Randy (Aleece) Paulson and Roy (Joy) Paulson all of Monte Vista, CO, Rodney (Betty) of Center, CO, Kim (John) Brown of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Rock (Terri) Paulson of Monte Vista, CO.
Ronnie was loved and admired by 14 grandchildren: Chris (Tisha) Bennet, Cindy Bennet, Cari (Cameron) Dillon, Boe (Heather) Paulson, Amy Paulson, Noah (Lindsey) Paulson, Adam (Stacey) Paulson, Bryan (Lacie) Paulson, Aubrey (Jake) Pargin, Brandon Paulson, Chad and Chase Brown, Ryan and Rafe Paulson, 21 great-grandchildren, 3 sister-in-laws, 2 brother-in-laws, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous lifetime friends and neighbors.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Dunnington Paulson, his parents Oscar and Arabelle Paulson, brothers Jim and Hank (Betty) Paulson.
Ronnie’s family was honored to have been loved and cherished by him. His legacy of integrity, honesty, loyalty and hard work and love he had for his family will live on with us forever.
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista. Donations can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans Association.

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