Ronald Craig Meiners

Ronald Craig Meiners, age 78, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, February 16, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Ron was born on July 11, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Richard Meiners, Sr. and Helen (Joergens) Meiners. He was the youngest of three children. His sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Griebat, preceded him in death in 2021. His brother, Richard Meiners Jr., survives him.

In 1968, Ron married the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) June Meiners (Hochstetler). Shortly after, he was deployed to Vietnam as a member of the Army National Guard. Stationed in a bunker that had previously been attacked, Ron sent cassette tape recordings home to Sandy, his voice filled with love and longing, even as bombs echoed in the background. His service in Vietnam was cut short when he received the heartbreaking news that his father was on his deathbed. The Army flew him home on a nearly empty cargo plane, accompanied only by the pilot.

After his military service, Ron and Sandy moved to Auburn, Nebraska, where he began working at Hinky Dinky, a small grocery chain. Through dedication and perseverance, he worked his way up to owning the Auburn store, expanding and relocating it to a larger space within a small strip mall, which they also purchased. Under his leadership, the store thrived until the chain was eventually sold to SunMart, at which point Ron retired and moved to Montrose, Colorado.

Never one to sit still, Ron embarked on a new venture with his son Chris, founding You Sell Auto, a successful used car dealership in Montrose that continues to operate today. A tireless worker and a dedicated businessman, Ron took pride in every endeavor he pursued.

Above all else, Ron was a devoted husband, father, and family man. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his loved ones. He grew up in the Roman Catholic faith but later attended the First Baptist Church with Sandy, ensuring that faith and family remained at the center of their lives.

Ron also had a passion for traveling, and he and his family made many wonderful memories on vacations together every year. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed riding 4-wheelers and jeeping in the mountains, always seeking new trails and adventure. Whether it was a road trip, exploring nature, or simply spending time with family, those moments were cherished and will be remembered forever. His love and guidance shaped the lives of his children, and they couldn't have asked for a better dad. He will be missed every single day.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sandy; his four sons and their wives:

• Ronald Meiners Jr. (Ronnie)

• Chris Meiners and his wife, Valerie

• Kevin Meiners and his wife, Jessica

• Mark Meiners and his wife, Eunice

He was a proud grandfather to Ethan, Desiree, Ashley, A.J., Derek, Kadin, Jilly, Jorja, and Evelyn. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Meiners Jr., and many cherished friends and extended family members.

Ron’s legacy of love, perseverance, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.