Ronald Stanley Smith, 84, passed away Sunday May 10th, 2026 in Minot, ND after a 20-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born on June 8th, 1941 in Bottineau, ND, the oldest son of Alfred and Blanche Audrey (Anderson) Smith.

Ronnie was raised on the family farm north of Dunseith, ND. He attended school through the 8th grade at Carpenter School #1 (Seim School). He graduated with the Dunseith Highschool class of 1961.

Ronnie worked for a short time in Western ND in pipeline construction and in Eastern ND constructing missile silos. But he spent most of his almost 85 years caring for his black angus cattle. Every day he fed, watered or made hay for his cows. He climbed onto his tractor to care for his cows for the last time only two weeks before his passing. His simple, meaningful, daily routine was a life well lived void of most modern-day stresses.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Audrey Smith and a great-niece, Kayla Sime.

Ronnie is survived by his youngest brother, Keith, of Dunseith and his middle brother, Wayne (Rosemary) of Lake Metigoshe, Wayne and Rosemary’s daughters: Laurali (Leon) Sime of Williston, Carisa (Eric) Upton of Mandan and Angela (Chris) Kleser of Bismarck, and eight great nieces and nephews.

Per Ronnie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Private services will be held at a later date.

He spent his life tending the herd and the land,

With a gentle spirit and a steady hand,

Now the cows are at rest in the evening’s soft glow,

While he walks the fields where the quiet winds blow.

Author Unknown