After all these years, still remember fondly the years spent with Mr. Stop,her in band. He wanted nothing but the best from us all and taught us to respect the process. As many of us graduated, years later we would reunite with  "Ron" in several band reunions. You and Jane will always be remembered, along with your children. Thank you for the 'noted' memories ❤️ 

Mr. Stopher your were my band teacher for 5 years.  During that time I heard you get exasperated, talk softly, tell a joke occasionally and say 'Take a Lap Pottinger':-) You were never, ever 'unfair'. I started out knowing nothing about the Clarinet and throughout the years you patiently sat and listened to us all as we grew ever better and better under your guidance. During my Junior and Senior our little band brought many trophies home.  We were little but we were proud and we had you to thank for that.  You were mentor to many, many of us and we will miss you greatly even after 30+ years since graduation we never forgot you.

Mr. Stopher,

 As we moved from Ohio to Okalona in 1971, you welcomed Clarice and I as new students to Southern High School and into the band. You have given us some precious memories that we will cherish forever: from getting up before sunrise at band camp, to trying not to move in formation as sweat bees swarmed around us in the heat of the afternoon, to rowdy bus rides on field trips, to feeling purple pride after a contest in marching band when we actually got our arches up to our knees and you complimented us for it.
I would never have met all the good friends in band if you had not decided to devote your musical talents to teaching others.
You put up with a lot from our rambunctious little group, but you did so with dignity and perseverance. And by golly, we all learned to play our instruments, march in straight lines, and to be quiet when you got that stern look on your face.
As hard as you worked with us, we all wanted to make you proud--and hopefully we did.
Your spirit lives on in each of us, as we reflect on those high school days and the special times in band, one of which is rather humorous--a moment that my sister Clarice and I have never forgotten. We lived on Sarah Drive  behind the school such that we just walked through the football practice field to get to school. One afternoon after marching band practice, it had started to pour. Clarice nor I had an umbrella, and we were outside Southern under shelter of the building, waiting for a break in the storm. Mr. Stopher came by and looked at us and said matter-of-factually, "just run between the raindrops", as if it was the most logical thing to do.  And as we tried to imagine how in the world one would accomplish this, we both went into hysterical fits of laughter as we ran all the way home through the field getting drenched---and we could hear Mr. Stopher laughing at us and with us! It was hilarious at the time, but I guess you just had to be there :0)
Mr. Stopher, may God speed you between the raindrops as he welcomes you into heaven!!!
With purple pride always,
Charlene "Charlie" Colombo and Clarice Colombo Boston. Southern High School Classes of 1974 and 1975.

Ron was a great musician and friend. He played drums with me at Derby Dinner Playhouse for over a decade. He also played many jobs with my group, The Rascals of Ragtyme, including years during the 80's playing for the Louisville Redbirds Baseball team at Fairgrounds Stadium. We have lost a great musician and teacher.  
Quentin Sharpenstein ( Louisville)

Jane, Angie, David & Daniel.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I remember coming to your house as a child because Your mom and my mom went to school together.
Mr. Stopher taught me band at Traditional Middle School.  He was tough in class but was such a kind and gentle man outside of school.
You will be missed.

Ron Stopher was my first percussion instructor when I started learning to play as a 7th grader in 1977 at Southern High School.  Because I had played piano for several years, and already knew how to read music and rhythms, I progressed faster than the other first time drummers.  When Ron left Southern at the end of the 77-78 school year, he offered to continue teaching me privately in his home.  I jumped at the opportunity and continued the lessons for another two years.  One memorable evening he let me tag along with him to Derby Dinner Playhouse where I was able to sit with him in the musician's pit and watch him perform for the play.

After four years of band at Southern, 3 more in the band at EKU, and many years playing after college, I cannot fathom how many hours of enjoyment I've had playing percussion with various people and groups.

Thank you, Ron, for all you taught me, for helping me develop my skills and talent.  Thank you for giving me one of the greatest gifts in my life.

So sorry for your loss Aunt Jane,Angie,David and Daniel; Wished I could be there for you but I'm out of town, I'll be sending prayers your way to help you thru this difficult time...love to all!!!

I am so sorry for your loss.  Ron will be remembered for many years as a fine musician and a gentle and generous friend, always willing to help in so many ways.  He was especially helpful to the School of Music at Campbellsville University in so faithfully and expertly recording our many concerts through the years.  It was a joy to know him and an honor to work with him.  May God bless you all and comfort you with the assurance of His final reward.

I am so terribly sad to hear this news.  I always enjoyed speaking with Ron at KMEA Concert Festivals.  God Bless you Ron, as well as your family!

Dave Webber, Boone County High School

From one of so many that he taught to strive for excellence in whatever you do ...forever grateful.

So sorry to hear of Your loss.. I've worked on Ron's computers for years now. He was one of My favorite Customers and an admirable Person. RIP Ron and Prayers to Your Family.

Jane. Angie. David and Daniel so sorry to hear of your loss. What a great man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

OBITUARY

Ronald Stopher

November 25, 1941 – October 13, 2013

Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery

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