Ronald "Ron" R. Sperline

Ronald Remon Sperline – husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, educator — passed away peacefully at home in Waterville, Washington, on August 13, 2015. Ronney was born to Pauline Heer and Clarence A. Sperline in East Wenatchee, Washington, on May 29, 1928, the youngest of four brothers. His father died in a farm accident before Ronney’s first birthday, and Ronney grew up in the East Wenatchee area with his mother and brothers surrounded by his father’s large family; his father was the oldest of 13 children. In 1938 Ronney’s mother married Harry Erkenbrack and the family moved to Selah, Washington. An excellent athlete, Ronney played football, basketball, and baseball at Selah High School. In addition to athletics, he served as student body president his senior year. Ronney was a member of the Class of 1946. Ronney attended Eastern Washington State College in Cheney, Washington, where he played on the college basketball team. Two years into his studies, Ronney trained to fly airplanes as a cadet in the U.S. Air Force Aviation Cadet Training Program at Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. After his military training, he returned to EWC to complete his education. He married his sweetheart Lola Ammerman and earned a degree in education. Ron taught and coached in small school districts in Washington and Idaho before moving his family to the Washington coast to become principal of the Ocosta School District, elementary through high school. Ron and Lola eventually bought their first home in Westport very near the high school. Mr. Sperline served as principal in Westport for seventeen years leaving a legacy of learning and respect for the students and community through his example of living his life grounded in common sense and honesty combined with his ever-present sense of humor. Once Ron earned his U.S. Coast Guard license to operate passenger vessels, summers found him skippering salmon fishing charter boats in Westport, running many boats and owning two. For as many salmon as Ron helped his passengers catch, it was well known that he loved to fish but disliked eating the fish--steak and potatoes for him. After six years as principal of a larger high school in Montesano, Washington, Ron and Lola settled in Waterville, Washington, in 1978 where Ron served as superintendent of the Waterville School District. When he retired from education, Ron pursued a brief financial career selling bonds, but he soon decided to enjoy retirement full time. He was a busy man tending his garden where the raspberries flourished and became the prime ingredient in Lola’s raspberry jam. Year to year, he varied his vegetables, each well-tended and delicious. Along with zucchini, he grew a “Best of Show” pumpkin that was entered in the fair by a neighbor without his knowledge. To the delight of his family and friends, Ron built wooden bird houses, planters, and benches. Retirement for Ron proved to be a fulfilling occupation. Whether spoofing with his grandchildren or sending someone to buy striped paint, Ron loved a funny story and would joke with a straight face before the laughter broke out. He was a generous friend always willing to stop and chat, help with a project, or merely lend his tools. He enjoyed watching old westerns, rodeo bull riding, and the Mariners on TV. When asked what he felt was his most important achievement in his life, Ron responded, “helping hundreds of young people with their education and raising five wonderful children.” Ron is survived by the love of his life, Lola Ammerman Sperline; his children, Ronda Hull, Marlys (Sylvester) Jaime, Larry (Mari) Sperline, Jerry (Mindy) Sperline, and Celia (Gary) Gilger; two brothers, Les Sperline and Keith Erkenbrack; eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and Rob Duncan, cherished friend and caretaker. He was predeceased by his father Clarence A. Sperline in 1929, his mother Pauline Erkenbrack in 1991, his step-father Harry Erkenbrack in 1968, his mother-in-law Ida Ammerman in 1978, his father-in-law Arthur Ammerman in 1984, two brothers, John in 2009 and Clarence (Bus) in 2014, and one grandson Adam Sperline in 2002. Ron has requested that there be no service. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Waterville Funeral Home.

Tributes

Ronald "Ron" R. Sperline

May 29, 1928 - August 13, 2015