Ronald Lee Chesser

December 4, 1946 - May 17, 2025

On May 17th, 2025, an amazing husband, dad, and Papa passed away at his home at the age of 78.
Ronald Lee Chesser was born on December 4th, 1946 to Raymond and Betty Chesser in Winnemucca, NV.
He met his future wife Joan Howard, who at the time was 3 months old when their dads co-owned one of the service stations on Main St.
He was raised in Winnemucca and attended the Grammar School, and Humboldt County High School, graduating in 1964.
During his high school years, you would find him working at the Shell Station owned by his dad on Winnemucca Blvd.
He attended UNR and worked for Sierra Pacific Power in Reno until he was drafted into the US Army in 1966.
From 1966 to 1968 he served proudly in the US Army stationed in Germany, then Vietnam.
He returned home in January 1968, and married the love of his life, Joan Howard in May 1968.
Ron & Joan moved to Reno while he was working for Sierra Pacific Power for about a year, then returned home to Winnemucca to continue working for his dad at the Shell Station.
They then, proudly welcomed their daughter Carrie Rae in June 1969.
Ronnie worked for Tallman Lumber for several years, followed by the Insurance business as a Farm Bureau agent, then an agent for Insurance Management Services.
From Insurance, he transitioned to the Mining Industry working for a couple different mines in the area, retiring from Newmont in 2009.
Ronnie was active with the Winnemucca Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter for several years. City League basketball was a favorite, as was coaching for the Kiwanis boxing events.
He was very active, and very present with his daughter’s events as well…whether it was little league basketball or a dance recital, he was there supporting Carrie.
Ronnie loved to hunt and fish, and sometimes, he would even take his fishing pole out of the pickup while on a fishing trIp with his buddies.
You could also find Ron helping many ranchers in the area whether it was riding & gathering, or branding…..he was there smack dab in the middle of it.
In later years, the grandkids were a huge focus in his life. Josh, Daniel, and Jake were always at the top of his priority list.
He was there for them at all their events and loved to cheer them on, most of the time very loudly. Hunting, Fishing, Rodeoing, and life in general was always better with Papa there.
He is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Sybil Iturri, his father Raymond Chesser, his brother David Chesser, and his grandson Jacob “Jakey” Eary.
He is survived by his Wife of 57 years Joan Howard Chesser, Daughter and Son-in-law Carrie & Jess Eary, Grandsons Josh Mansanares (Misty & Waylon), and Daniel (Ashlyn) Eary, and Cousin Joann Moffat.
He is also survived by seven (7) Godchildren – Scott, Kyle, and Jana (Schellin), Damon (Booth), Noel (Bidart), Christopher and Chad (McKinnon).
Ronnie didn’t wish to have a Service, but a Gathering is planned for Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 in Winnemucca, NV at the East Hall of the Convention Center from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please join us to have a final drink on Ron. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ron’s/Papa’s favorite “charity” in his memory – the Jake Eary Memorial Fund (PO Box 8358 Spring Creek, NV 89815 -or- c/o 4590 Aurora Ave. Winnemucca, NV 89445).
Our Youth is our future, and Ron was always actively involved with his favorite Youth…..Carrie, Josh, Daniel, & Jake.
Rest easy Papa, we will miss you always.