Ronald Charles Stebner, 84, of Laramie passed away on December 11, 2024. 

Ron was born in Laramie on April 30^th, 1940 to Charlie and Mary Conwell Stebner. He lived his entire life in Laramie, a life defined by deep connection to family, enduring friendships, and rich experiences. He shared many adventures with his younger brother, Ken Stebner, his younger sister, Marilyn Stebner Kite, and many close friends. At a very young age, Ron began his love affair with horses, and they (and, later, mules) were always a large part of his life.  At a young age, he met John Gorman, a UW professor of animal science, who owned and trained horses and was willing to take Ron under his wing.  Ron became a proud horse owner at about 12 years old. A horse (or mule) was part of his family until the end of his life. His friends and family joked that Ron was born 100 years too late and should have been trailing cattle to Wyoming in the old days.

After graduating from Laramie High School in 1958, he went on to earn a B.A. in History from the University of Wyoming.  While there he, enjoyed his time as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  Always looking for an opportunity, he operated a hayride business for students with his team of ostensibly trained draft horses – passengers had the ride of their lives.

Ron never shied away from hard work, including ranch jobs and construction. He worked on several ranches, including the famous Ben Roberts Ranch in northern Albany County where  he learned to rope and throw the Houlihan loop and the Murdock Ranch in  Pinedale.  For many years, he ran his own firewood and post and poles operation, and he worked at the University of Wyoming in the physical plant maintenance for 19 years. 

Ron’s life was filled with countless long-lasting friendships with people from all walks of life. (And they all have the tales to prove it.)  He was compassionate and caring—he never forgot a name and was quick to help those in need. He volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters  and served on the organization’s board of directors. In 1986, he was recognized as Big Brother of the Year.

Throughout his life, Ron enjoyed hunting with his family and friends all over Wyoming, including in the Snowy Range, the Red Desert, and Sublette County near the family ranch on Horse Creek where his mother was born. Regardless of whether he got a shot, he especially loved hunting horseback. He believed strongly in remaining physically fit and took full advantage of UW’s Half Acre Gym.  He enjoyed learning to box, fence, and play handball. He also found joy in music and particularly loved to dance often performing his own style, “the proud elk step.”

His family survives him and will honor his memory by continuing to spend time in Wyoming’s great outdoors and, when possible, on a horse.  Instead of saying goodbye, we’ll send him over the divide with his own favorite saying: “See you sooner.”

A celebration of his life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family, if so inclined, donations can be made to Hospice of Laramie, Eppson Center for Seniors, Big Brothers\Big Sisters or any charity of choice.