Ronald "Ronnie" Dennis

Ronald Lee “Ronnie” Dennis, 86, of Olton, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on April 6, 2026, of natural causes.

Ronnie was born on September 24, 1939, in Plainview, Texas, to Floyd Dennis and Ineta Wilkinson Dennis Nixon. At the age of nine, he moved to Olton following the passing of his father—a place he would proudly call home for the rest of his life.

He graduated from Olton High School in 1958 and continued his education on a track scholarship at Panhandle A&M. He later earned his degree in Agricultural Education from Texas Tech University in 1964 and went on to receive his Master of Agriculture degree from West Texas A&M University in 1977. On July 31, 1965, Ronnie married the love of his life, Bobbye Lynn Tollett. Together, they shared 60 years of devoted marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

Ronnie devoted over three decades to shaping young lives as a vocational agriculture teacher, first at Lockney ISD in 1964, then at Olton as a science teacher and football coach in 1965, then at Kress High School from 1966 to 1983, and finally back at Olton High School from 1983 until his retirement in 1998. Teaching was not just his profession—it was his calling. From welding and livestock judging to plant science, he poured his knowledge and heart into his students, many of whom carried his lessons far beyond the classroom.

Ronnie never met a stranger. He was a gifted conversationalist—social, friendly, and at times opinionated—but always kind, thoughtful, and deeply loyal. He was a man who showed up for others, whether through a conversation, a helping hand, or steady support. He was an active and faithful member of Olton Methodist Church, serving in many roles over the years. His commitment to his community extended through his work with the Sandcrawl Museum board and as a volunteer with the Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association.

Even in retirement, Ronnie remained closely connected to agriculture, judging stock shows across the tri-state area and continuing to support local students and programs. He was a devoted supporter of Olton athletics and rarely missed an opportunity to follow local football or livestock shows.

At home, Ronnie found joy in woodworking, gardening, landscaping, and creating beauty in his yard—often referring to his plants by their scientific names. He also had a unique artistic gift, sculpting show pigs, cattle, and sheep out of clay. He was known as a grill master, a croquet enthusiast, and someone who truly savored life’s simple pleasures. One of his favorite pastimes was driving through Olton, checking on the ducks at the pond, and reminiscing about the town he loved so dearly. He knew every road, every corner, and carried a deep pride for the place and its people.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Dennis and Ineta Wilkinson Dennis Nixon; his stepfather, Vernon Nixon; and his brothers, Jerry Dennis and Darryl Dennis.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbye Lynn Dennis of the home; his daughters, DeAndra Dennis Jarboe (Joe) of Fort Worth and Jill Dennis Davis (Gregg) of Olton; six grandchildren, Kelly Jarboe Swofford (Jared), Kendall Jarboe Laitala (Alex), Ben Jarboe, Brett Jarboe, Audree Cross (David), and Drake Davis; and five great-grandchildren, James and Daisy Swofford, Avalon Laitala, and Jared, Jaxson, and Jagger Phares. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne Nicholas, Maenette Shipley, and Sharron Hamby, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Ronnie’s legacy lives on in the countless students he mentored, the family he cherished, and the community he helped shape.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Olton Methodist Church in Olton, Texas, with graveside services to follow at Olton Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 9, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Ramage Funeral Directors, in Olton. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Olton Cemetery Association PO Box 1055 Olton, Texas 79064, Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association PO Box 1087 Olton, Texas 79064, or Olton Methodist Church PO Box 1081 Olton, Texas 79064.