Ronnie Oaks

Ronnie Oaks died on April 20, 2016 after a long and fiercely fought battle with brain cancer. Ronnie was born December 16, 1961 to Owen Lee and Dorothy Atwood Oaks in Vernal, Utah. Quick to make friends Ronnie enjoyed a wonderful childhood full of fun and adventure. As a young man he went to work for his Dad and Uncle Salty in the oilfield. That is where he learned to "git 'er done!" An ethic he embraced for the rest of his life. A highlight came when he went to work as a river guide for Don Hatch River Expeditions; where he was a favorite among the guests. His love for the river never left him. Later he was frequently hired by the U S Fish and Wildlife Service as a boatman on various projects on the river. He often spoke happily of the time he worked for Jack Collier in California. Ronnie ran a successful Hot Shot business and later moved Oil Rigs for WestRock. He was working there as a Pusher when his brain tumor was discovered. Everywhere he lived and worked he made more and more good friends. Ronnie married DeeAnn Hendricks Oaks (now deceased) and became Step Father to three children and several grandchildren that he dearly loves. He and DeeAnn later divorced. In 2011, he married Kristi Anne Weber. They made a wonderful life together and enjoyed lots of adventure including a trip to Costa Rica. Ronnie was gifted with his hands and completely remodeled their home in Glines. Together, they stood against challenge after challenge, each drawing strength from and giving credit to the other. When Ronnie got sick, a bunch of his buddies gathered up his old 1946 GMC pickup that had languished in the back yard for years. They fixed it up with pin striping, new tires, lights and upholstery and got it running again. It was his pride and joy and a big encouragement and motivation for him. What a kind and generous gift. His family will be forever grateful for that generosity and for the many gifts of money, love, time and labor that kept him going through his difficult ordeal. There are so many great people in the world; and his family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude for all the many kindnesses shown in Ronnie and Kristi's behalf. Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marie, and his brother Gary. He is survived by his wife Kristi Oaks, his In-Laws Michael and Cheya Weber; siblings, Willie (Terri) McCurdy, Debbie (Johnny) Boren, and Kenny (Julie) Oaks; Children, Rory Pierce, Brandon Pierce and Misty Pierce (Clayton) Scott and Grandchildren; Ember Pemberton, Alley Reynolds, Zophiel Ronni DeeAnn Pemberton, and Marshall, Bryce and Lindsay Pierce. Funeral Services will be held at the Western Park at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 25, 2016. A viewing will be held at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary on Sunday evening from six to eight and at the Western Park one hour prior to services. Burial will be at the Vernal Memorial Park.