Ron passed away quietly at his home in Winston, Oregon, on June 19, 2025. He was born June 23, 1939, in Ogalla, Nebraska. The family moved from Nebraska to Oklahoma to California and then on to Oregon, where he received his formal education at Tenmile and Douglas High School.

He enlisted in the US Navy, which was a huge turning point in his life. Ron was proud of being in the Navy; he would always say he grew up in the Navy. His job in the Navy was as a mechanic, and he continued that profession for the rest of his life. After returning home from the Navy, Ron moved around some to California, Oregon, and then to Washington.

In 1962, Ron married Carol Walczack, and 25 years and three children (Tony, Angie, and John) later, he lost Carol to cancer. In the spring of 1990, Ron married Carla Johnson and helped her raise her children, Travis, Julie, and Cesilia.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, H.E. and Cornelia Hardenbrook, sister Patsy Ashburn, and son Tony Hardenbrook. He is survived by his daughter Angie Ashburn (Brian), Julie Deuel (Cesilia Montgomery), son John Hardenbrook (Charrette), Travis Johnson, sister Judy Osborn (Mitch), brother Gary Hardenbrook (Jane), daughter-in-law Rita Hardenbrook, grandchildren Gavin, Gracie, Garek, Tammy, Jordan, Aurianna Jr., Andy, Aric, Ali, Shealyn, Najenda, Alexia, Xander, Kaira, Zuriah, Kazamira, and many nieces and nephews.

Ron loved to travel, fish, go camping, Graffiti Nights, and family reunions. He loved to get together with old friends and talk about old times, the best.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the Tenmile Historic Community Church, 2119 Tenmile Valley Rd. Tenmile, Oregon.