Ronald Dennis Sarvela

On March 5, 1941, in Portland, Oregon, Ronald Dennis Sarvela was welcomed into the world by his parents, Eino and Edna Sarvela. He was their 2nd child of four. Ron grew up on Kelly Street in Portland until 1946, when the family moved to Hockinson, Washington. Ron spent his early years at Hockinson Grade School and began high school in Battle Ground, Washington. In 1956, his family relocated to the Arco Desert area of Idaho, where his father worked as a machinist on the first nuclear submarine. Ron returned to Hockinson for his final year of high school at Battle Ground High, class of 1959. After high school, Ron did an additional year of school at Clark College before deciding to work at the International Paper Mill in Chelatchie Prairie.

In the fall of 1962, at 21 years old, Ron met Lucille Mills, who quickly became the love of his life. He joined the United States Air Force in January of 1963. That summer, on June 22nd, Ron and Lucille were married at St. Edward Catholic Church in North Plains, Oregon. Two days later, they headed to Amarillo, Texas, where Ron was stationed, ready to begin their new life together. During this time, he finished his associates degree through the military.

Between 1964 and 1979, Ron and Lucille’s family grew to include five beautiful children- one daughter and four sons: Heidi, David, Jason, Tim, and Mark.

In October 1967, they returned to the Pacific Northwest with their first two children and settled in the Hockinson area to be near Ron’s family and built their first home. Ron went back to the International Paper Mill and worked there until its closing in 1978. At that time, with the addition of 2 more kids and a 5th on the way, they planned on building a larger family home at their current location a mile from Ron’s folks. Unfortunately, with the closing of the mill, a trailer was moved in until they were able to build in 1993. Ron attended ITT Technical Institute in 1979 and graduated top of his class. He worked at Door Craft and FiberWeb as an operator/mechanic until retirement in 2003 at the age of 62.

In 1988, Ron joined the Catholic Church, embracing a faith that would guide and sustain him throughout his life. In 1998, he survived a major heart attack and had a profound near-death experience. This experience deeply affirmed his belief in God and brought him a lasting sense of peace knowing that when it was his time, he would be ready to go home to the Lord.

Ron cherished his retirement years, spending treasured time with his children and grandchildren and creating countless memories. He enjoyed working around the family property, staying active in his church community, attending family gatherings, and traveling to new places. His love of nature was reflected in his passion for exploring, fishing, and hunting, which brought him joy and a deep sense of fulfillment.

From 2007 to 2009, Ron faced additional health challenges, and in 2009, his daughter Heidi lovingly donated a kidney to him, a gift that gave him 16 additional years of life.

On June 22nd of this year, Ron and Lucille celebrated 62 years of marriage. His marriage and family were the greatest joys of his life. In his final weeks, he often reflected on the richness of his life, especially the deep love he shared with his wife and children.

Ron passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, surrounded by his family and an immense amount of love.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Lucille Sarvela; his five children and their significant others: Heidi (Sarvela) and Rob Reynolds, David Sarvela and Lisa Campbell, Jason and Triny (Babauta) Sarvela, Tim and Melissa (Castro) Sarvela, and Mark and Megan (Gish) Sarvela; his siblings, Bob Sarvela and Marion Bower (Sarvela); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought joy and pride to his life.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Eino and Edna Sarvela; along with his sister, Roxene Woods.

Ron leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, and kindness. Ron’s gentle spirit and genuine warmth made people feel seen, welcomed and valued. His unwavering devotion to his family and the goodness he shared so freely will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A funeral Mass will be held on December 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Battle Ground, Washington, followed by the interment of ashes at the cemetery. A meal and time of fellowship will be held afterward in the church hall.

In Ron’s honor, please consider a donation to St. Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in lieu of flowers.

https://pushpay.com/g/sacredheart

Sacred Heart church

1603 N Parkway Ave, Battle Ground, WA 98604

https://sacredheartbg.org