Obituary: Webster, Ronald Franklin
Age 75
He was 75.
Ron was born Nov. 1, 1939 in Okanogan, WA, the son of Frank and Mary (Schaller) Webster.
He grew up in Omak and Brewster, WA, where he attended K-8 grades.
As a youngster, Ron loved sports, was known affectionately as “Bongo” by his teammates, and was an avid reader of Sports Illustrated.
In 1955, Ron traveled to Columbus, OH to attend the Josephinum Pontifical College, where he graduated from high school and began his undergraduate studies, affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Spokane.
This began a long-term interest in becoming a Catholic priest.
During these years, Ron enjoyed reading Thomas Merton’s Seven Story Mountain, began journaling and writing poetry as a personal artistic expression and began observing a regular devotion to prayer.
In 1959, Bishop Bernard Topel granted permission for Ron to enter Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Monastery as a novice, but, a year later, Ron realized that he was not prepared for the rigor of this lifestyle (e.g., a vow of silence) and returned to Brewster where he worked in the apple orchards and built his personal resources to attend college.
Ron completed his BA (English) and earned his teaching certificate from Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, in 1964.
He first taught English literature at Simi Valley High School in Simi, CA and later at Davenport High School in Davenport, WA, where he also served as drama coach and long-distance running coach.
During his years in Davenport, he commuted to Gonzaga to complete his Master of Education (1969).
In 1971, Ron entered the Jesuit Novitiate in Sheridan, OR, and subsequently graduated from Gonzaga with an MA in philosophy.
During his Regency, he was assigned to the Jesuit Community in Arequipa, Peru, where he learned Spanish and taught English.
He began his theological training at Regis College, Toronto, ONT, but left the Jesuits to return to the Northwest and develop his vocation as a layman: writing, serving the poor and disenfranchised (through such volunteer organizations as Habitat for Humanity and the Pro-Life Movement).
He became active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Spokane and maintained correspondence with poets and writers across the country.
In 1980, he took a job working for a lumber company in Colville, WA, with which he supported his passion for study, writing & pastoral works of mercy.
Over the years, a few journals and anthologies accepted his poems for publication, including The Merton Journal.
He collaborated with graphic artists in the Northwest, creating art pieces that included his poetry.
His efforts to publish a book, Narrow Path to the Deep Power, reached galley proof stage, but then his book got sidelined during the company’s buy-out process.
In 1994, after experiencing a personal crisis, Ron made a pilgrimage from the Northwest to a series of monasteries and retreat houses in the Western U.S. Then Ron came to Our Lady’s Youth Center in July of 1994 and lived at The Lord’s Ranch, cheerfully doing what was asked of him.
Here, he found a spiritual home for his vision of life, advocating for and serving the poor (both personally and politically).
He eventually moved to Las Alas as the caretaker there.
He was a servant of the servants, generous with his time, and happy to be with our brothers and sisters in need across the border in Juarez, Mexico.
He loved helping others in their physical needs and also their spiritual needs.
Ron was a faithful witness to life and prayed outside the local abortion clinics, caring both for the babies and for their mothers in crises.
He also stood up for traditional marriage and worked hard to defend it.
Ron was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
We will miss this humble, gentle and compassionate friend and brother who died peacefully surrounded by family and friends.
Ron is survived by his four brothers and four sisters: Jim in Tacoma, WA; Wynn in Pateros, WA; Laura Lee (Brownton) in San Bernadino, CA; Kyle in Richland, WA; Mary Frances “Frani” (Obermeyer) in Spokane, WA; Dan in Brewster, WA; Patty (Cornett) in Albuquerque, NM; and Gen (Isensee) in Spokane, WA; as well as their spouses, children and grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation: 5-9 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2015 at Our Lady’s Youth Center at Las Alas with Rosary at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at Sacred Heart Church, El Paso, TX.
Burial will follow at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery.
We will be having a memorial Mass for Ron in the area at a latter date.
SAN JOSE FUNERAL HOME of El Paso, TX has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.