Ronald Dean Hilborn

WHITE PINE, Mich. - Ronald Dean Hilborn, 80, of White Pine, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 10, 2018 in his home.

Ronald Dean Hilborn was born Feb. 10, 1938, in Ironwood, son of the late Howard Hilborn and the late Lila (Moore) Hilborn. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School. He was awarded an Honorable Discharge from the Army Reserves on Nov. 30, 1963.

He was employed for many years in the maintenance department for White Pine Copper, Co. until his retirement.

Ronald was a member of the White Pine Community United Methodist Church. He was an avid hunter and trapper and fished Lake Superior for many years. He also enjoyed working in his wood shop with his six granddaughters sharing his love of woodworking with each of them. They all proudly own furniture and decorations handmade by their grandfather. His greatest pride was his family and his most treasured memories were spent with them at the family camp and cabins. While "at camp" he also spent time tending to an abundant garden and working in his personal sawmill.

He was married to the late Mary Jo Hilborn on April 11, 1959, at Holy Trinity Catholic Chruch in Ironwood by the late Rev. Ambrose Matejik. Ronald and Mary Jo enjoyed 48 years of marriage with one another before Mary Jo lost her courageous battle with cancer in 2007 with Ronald lovingly by her side. Together Ronald and Mary Jo raised six children, had six granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

Ronald is survived by his sons John of Los Angeles, Calif., Jim and wife Barb of Okemos, Joe and wife Cory of White Pine, Mark of Ishpeming, and Ron "Pickle" and wife Donna of Negaunee; a daughter Mary Lynn and husband Mark Rhodes of Waskom, Texas; six grand-daughters, Jocelyn (Rhodes) and husband Ryan Shane of Vivian, La., Loni (Hilborn) and husband Michael Kost of Webberville, Jami Hilborn of Eaton Rapids, Stephanie Rhodes of Duluth, Minn., Joey Hilborn of Savage, Minn., and Danielle Rhodes of Waskom, Texas; great-grandchildren, Addison Rhodes Shane, Kendall Renee Kost, Briana Rylee Hilborn, Rylen Landon Shane, and Michael James Kost.

At the family's request, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. EDT, at the White Pine Community United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Rosemary DeHut, pastor, officiating. To carry on Ronald's legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the church's general fund.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Arrangements are with Cane Funeral Home of Ontonagon, Michigan.