Ronald Ruybal, age 68, of Helena

Ronald Ruybal Obituary

Ronald “Papa” Ruybal, 68, of Helena, passed away suddenly at his home on March 31, 2026, where he lived with his son Donavan and his family.

Ronald was born on March 29, 1958, in Alamosa to Ruben and Theresa Ruybal, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in Lasauses and attended Sanford High School in Colorado, where he met his high school sweetheart Eileen Algra (Ewing). He married Eileen on December 16^th,1976 and they went on to have three children before divorcing later. Ronald went on to have two more children with Jessica Haddix (Slates), and after separating from Jessica he later gained a stepdaughter.

Throughout his life, Ronald worked various jobs, including ranching in the valley, time in the mines in Leadville, CO at Asarco, and Walmart, Head Start, Ocean Beauty, Irby Construction anShopko in Montana. He believed in doing whatever it took to provide for his family and worked hard to make sure that they were cared for.

Ronald was known for being loving, kind, and always willing to help others. He could be stubborn at times, but only when it truly mattered most regarding his family. In his free time, Ronald enjoyed woodworking, arrowhead hunting, and spending time with his children and their families. He also loved collecting pens and could often be found working on crossword puzzles, enjoying the quiet challenge they brought, or taking his pup Paws for a ride.

Ronald is preceded in death by his previously mentioned parents, his infant son, Ronald Matthew Ruybal; his sister, Dolores Chaves (Ruybal); and his brother, David Ruybal.

Ronald is survived by his children Cathy Bachmeier (Michael), Ronald Ruybal Jr., his twin sons  Donavan Ruybal (Araceli), and Jonathan Haddix (Leighann), as well as his stepdaughter April Kortz; all of Helena MT. By his siblings: Lorraine Montoya (Ruybal) of La Jara, Colorado; Danny Ruybal of Westminster, Colorado; Joey Ruybal of Alamosa, Colorado; Donald Ruybal, his twin brother, of Helena, Montana; Rueben Ruybal of Alamosa, Colorado; and Henry Ruybal of Alamosa, Colorado.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jay Churchwell (Savanna), Tiffany Bachmeier, Chelbie Olson (Cory), Kolten Bachmeier, Jackson Etherington, Evan Etherington, Bridgette Bachmeier, Kaname Bachmeier, Izabelle Etherington, Brooklynn Bachmeier, Ryatt Ruybal, Ripp Ruybal, and Sadie Ruybal. Great-grandchildren: Clayton Olson, Lizzy Olson, Neveah Churchwell, Kimber Churchwell, Rylend Churchwell, Karter Oliphant, Colt Olson, Paeton Olson, Haezli Churchwell, and Xavion Bachmeier. As well numerous other friends and family.

His greatest pride was his family, and his love will live on through the generations he leaves behind. Ronald “Papa” Ruybal will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and all who knew him.

Funeral Services will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home located at 3750 N Montana Av, Helena, MT 59602. A viewing will be held on Thursday April 9^th,2026 from 4:00pm-7:00pm, with the service the following day on April 10^th,2026 at 11:00 am. Burial to follow  service at Forestvale Cemetery located at 490 Forestvale Rd, Helena Mt 59602

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday April 9, 2026

Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday April 10, 2026

Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial

Following the service

Friday April 10, 2026

Forestvale Cemetery

690 Forestvale Rd.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the burial

Friday April 10, 2026

TBD

Helena, Montana 59602

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