Ronnie was born on August 21, 1941 in San Bernadino, California, to Elaine Price Olbert and Clark Olbert. He grew up in San Bernardino and East Highland, and went to Redlands High School, graduating in 1959. He attended San Bernadino Valley College for 2 years.
After graduating, he worked at a variety of local jobs including Sages, Patton State Hospital and 7 UP bottling company.
He always worked hard, saved his money and was very entrepreneurial. He acquired several rental properties as a young adult and had several businesses over the years, including Ronnie’s Coffee Shop at Baseline and Palm in Highland, The Inyo Café in Lone Pine, The Sunrise Café and Donut Shop in San Clemente and Ronnie’s Diner in Highland.
After working very hard and dealing with all the stresses of running his own businesses, Ronnie retired early, in his mid-fifties. From then on, he led a simple life. He moved back to his Reedy Avenue property in Highland and enjoyed spending time in his large beautiful garden, filled with Hibiscus, fruit and pine trees. He loved his property and his dogs. He was a good friend and neighbor to many.
Ronnie was a born again Christian and attended the Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland. For many years he enjoyed the Bible Study class and the strong connections he made there.
He also liked to help out with his Redlands Class of 1959 annual reunions and monthly get togethers.
He passed away at his property on Reedy Street on Friday, August 4, 2023. Cause of passing: Pulmonary emphesyma.
Ronnie is survived by his loving daughter and son in law, Melissa and Simon Gregson, granddaughters Makenna and Ava Gregson, sister and brother in law Connie and Darrell McKibban and his nephew James McKibban.
