Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ronald Edward Stronach

Ronald Edward Stronach, 89, of Santa Barbara, CA passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023 with his loving family by his side.  Ron was born on June 25, 1934 to Thelma and Lewis Stronach, and raised in Santa Barbara where, but for a 35-year slice out of the middle, he spent his life.  

Ron grew up in a loving family, the second oldest of four brothers. Their father was a fireman who rose to the rank of Fire Chief, and their mother was a homemaker.  Ron graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1952.  Soon after high school he joined the Army and worked his way through the ranks to become an officer. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science in 1971 while balancing his Army career and raising a family. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1968 and the Bronze Star in 1969. Ron retired in 1975 as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years in the service.  

Ron’s post-military years were filled with experiences in vastly different fields, until he made the decision to pursue a law degree.  He received his Juris Doctor in 1992 from The Santa Barbara School of Law.  He opened a practice and enjoyed 22 years working in the field of family law until he closed up shop when he reached the age of 80.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years Roxana Araya Stronach, children Katherine Jimenez and Anthony Jimenez, of Santa Barbara; daughters Rhonda Adams of Columbus, GA and Cheri Stronach of Winchester, VA, grandchildren Melanie Charania (Sal) of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Zachary Adams of San Diego, CA, sister-in-law Kathy Stronach of Hermosa Beach, CA, and niece Carine Stronach Cooper (Kevin) of Redondo Beach, CA, niece Natalie Campbell of  Rapid City,  SD, cousins Rod Snyder (Natalia) and Randy Snyder (Olga) of Los Angeles, CA, three great-grandchildren, plus many extended family members and friends in Costa Rica.  

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Lewis (Buddy) Stronach, Gary Stronach and James (Butch) Stronach, former wife Barbara Silva Stronach, his precious middle daughter Ramona Stronach, and beloved grandson Aaron Brown. 

In remembrance of Ron’s life and, given his life-long love of animals, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Santa Barbara Humane Society, Santa Barbara, CA.  

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, CA on Saturday, December 16 at 1:00.