Ronald Leroy Arterburn

Services will take place at 2 p.m. Monday at Fellowship Church.

He was a construction mechanic.

Survivors include his wife, Sherilan; two daughters, Gabrielle Arterburn of Grand Junction and Tara Arterburn of Centennial; one brother, Duane Arterburn of Ayr, Nebraska; and one sister, Lynnette Arterburn of Blue Hill, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions to Fellowship Church, 765 24 Road, Grand Junction 81505.

Ronald Arterburn

July 15, 1946 - March 24, 2016

Ronald Arterburn, 69, passed away suddenly on March 24, 2016, in Whitewater, Colorado.

In July of 1946, he was born in Denver to Clarence Arterburn and Loretta Toepfer. He spent the greater part of his life in Colorado, and graduated from Golden High School in the Class of '64. On December 22, 1968, he married Sherilan Stinnette. He served in the Colorado National Guard, and, following his service, graduated from Metropolitan State College in 1974, with degrees in Geology and Psychology. Shortly after graduation, he worked for the USGS at the National Earthquake Information Center in Golden. He subsequently became a Construction Mechanic and Locksmith for Public Service Company of Colorado, now Xcel Energy, and retired in 2011.

A combination of agile intellect, vibrant curiosity and intuitive appreciation led Ron to explore myriad interests throughout his life. Among these were photography, leatherwork, skiing, stained glass, fishing, music, jewelry making, electrical work and carving. He took advantage of coupons for skydiving, and researched topics ranging from American History to Biochemistry. He enjoyed woodworking, and constructed fine furniture, wooden boxes and small buildings. He was particularly fond of picnicking in the mountains. A student of design and mechanics, he had the ability to build and fix anything.

Ron's family was the most important aspect of his life. As a son, brother, husband and father, he was loving, proud, compassionate and dedicated. He loved his family deeply. Whether a 2AM phone call, moving a couch or saying a prayer, he was always there: a counselor, troubleshooter, and advocate.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his wife, Sherilan; daughters, Gabrielle and Tara; sister, Lynnette; brother, Duane (Carolyn), and his nephews, Heath (Pam), and Nevin.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 4, 2016, 2:00 p.m., at Fellowship Church in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Please send memorial contributions to Fellowship Church.

Special thanks to the Land's End Fire Department, the Mesa County Coroner's Office and Pastor Dan Hooper, Jr.

Ronald Arterburn was a man of strong faith, and maintained a positive attitude even in difficult circumstances. We seek to carry on his legacy, and carry him with us as we continue to move forward, as he would, with patient understanding, deep courage and profound love.