August 12, 1939 ~ August 13, 2026
Ronnie Vanderslice, 87, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026. He was born August 12, 1939, to Gene and Sylvia (Hall) Vanderslice and was raised in Woodward, Oklahoma.
Ronnie proudly served his country as a medic in the United States Army, including during the Vietnam War. After his service, he spent much of his career in the automotive business, working at Ford dealerships in Shattuck and Woodward before owning and operating Northwest Truck and Auto in Woodward. His car lot became a gathering place where friends could come to drink their McDonalds coffee and share stories. He had a lifelong passion for automobiles and racing and loved spending time at racetracks throughout Oklahoma and Texas. He was equally at home on the farm, taking great pride in farming, raising cattle, and teaching his grandchildren how to count cattle and drive a stick shift.
Ronnie rarely met a stranger and could talk to anyone. His humor, stories, and genuine interest in people made him unforgettable. He reminded everyone of who bought what car when (especially when it was, or wasn't, a Ford), opined on the best burger in town, and retold the many accomplishments of his grandchildren. But his greatest pride was his family. On August 18, 1957, he married the love of his life, Norma Semmel, and their 69 years together were built around family, hard work, farming, and love.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his beloved son, Norman Vanderslice; son-in-law, John Malone; parents, Gene and Sylvia; and siblings, Larry Vanderslice, Gary Vanderslice, and Patsy Scovel. He is survived by his wife, Norma Vanderslice; daughter, Ronna Vanderslice; grandchildren, Jonna Vanderslice Malone and Colton Vanderslice; great-grandchild, Pacey Vanderslice; and brother, Roger Vanderslice of Pueblo, Colorado.
Ronnie leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, hard work, and stories that will be told for generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, August 15, 2026 in the Billings Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Donnetta Hunter officiating. Burial will follow in the Fargo Cemetery.