In Memory: Ronald Lee Hawkins Sr.

Ronald Lee Hawkins Sr. passed away March 28, 2023 in Placerville, CA at the age of 87. He was born on March 24, 1936 in Crockett, CA to Sam and Jennie Hawkins.

Ron moved to Amador County at the age of 10 years old. Ron attended Ione Elementary and graduated Ione High School Class of 1955. Ron furthered his education by continuing on to Sacramento City Junior College for one year before meeting Donna Spradling. Ron and Donna went on to create a life together and married in November of 1956. Ron and Donna were blessed with four children: Julie, Jill, Joanne and Ronald Jr.

Ron chose to follow his dreams and began employment with California State Division of Forestry. Ron quickly promoted in his career choice, which led to many new ventures for him and his family. They had all enjoyed life together moving from Ione to places such as Chino, Sonora, Loomis and Colfax. When in Colfax, Ron was promoted to the rank of Assistant Ranger in 1969. In 1976, Ron and Donna decided to get back to their down-home roots to live the simple life and returned to Ione. Ron continued his work with the CDF working in Jamestown Prison and eventually retired from CDF 35 years later in 1988.

After retirement Ron went to live the life he had worked so hard to enjoy. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing sports as well as watching them and drawing horses, amongst many other things that caught his eye and would always try to take your hand in cards. Ron thoroughly enjoyed judging the chili cook-off in Buena Vista and trying out what the locals had to cook up and being able to gift ribbons to the best tasting chili. One of Ron’s favorite past times from years gone by was herding cattle from the beautiful foothills of the Ione Valley up to the Sierra Mountains. He had looked forward to herding cattle since his early teens and it was always an enjoyable experience for him. Ron was an avid member of the Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve. He was also a member of the Jackson Elks Lodge #2426 for 50 Years. Ron had many friends in Amador County and was a member of the so called “Good ol’ Boys Club.” To hear the legendary and classic stories were always sure to leave everyone with a chuckle out of it, especially the stories about his huntsmanship.

In August of 1981, Ron went on to remarry Catherine Cronin of Ione. Ron gained three stepchildren he loved just as his own. Ron and Catherine went on to live a full life together in Jackson, CA. They often enjoyed spending their time traveling to places such as Alaska and Mexico and many more places Ron had aspired to see.

Ron had a heart for family, friends and especially animals. He was always surrounded by family, which came to include grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. He was a good grandpa and father and was all around loved by all.

Ron will be dearly missed by so many. Ronald is survived by his wife of 42 years Catherine of Jackson, CA; children Julie Hawkins of Ione, CA, Jill (Michael) Villa of Ione, CA, Joanne (Norman) Thayer of West Point, CA, Teryn (Wayne) Boitano of Ione, CA, Mitchell Garbarini of Jackson, CA and Matthew (Elgie) Garbarini of Ione, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Justin (Sasha) Kristoffersen, Cole (Mandie) Kristoffersen, Misty Sayle, Alexandria Sayle, Davis Sayle Jr., Claire Boitano, James Boitano, Tara Garbarini, Mark Garbarini, Ryan Garbarini, Aimee Garbarini, Sarah Garbarini, Angela Garbarini and Gracie Garbarini; great-grandchildren Vanessa, Adrianna, and Raegan Kristoffersen, Scott, Nickolas and William Kristoffersen, Dylan Slown and Kane Garbarini. Ron is also survived by brother Douglas (Wilma) Hawkins of Ione, CA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. He is proceeded in death by his son Ronnie Hawkins Jr.; his parents Sam and Jennie Hawkins; sister Donna Jean Hines; and nephew Robert Cooper.

His family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on Thursday, April 27, 2023 anytime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve located at 2951 Curran Road, Ione, CA 95640. The family request that any pictures and stories to be shared at the time of celebration as Ron made it very clear to “send him out with a big celebration with the ones he loved most.”

Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting danerimortuary.com and signing the guestbook.