Ronald T. Vanderbeek

Lincoln, CA- Ronald Thomas Vanderbeek went to be home with our Heavenly Father on May 15, 2024, at 94 years old. He was surrounded by his family and went peacefully. Survived by his wife, Billie June Belle, their two children, Susan Drake and Ronald Scott Vanderbeek, four grandkids, Scott Drake, Candice Andrews, Jared Vanderbeek and Corey Vanderbeek, six great-grandkids and two great-great-granddaughters. To his friends, he was known as Ron, but to his family, he was known as Poppi.

Ron was born on October 12,1929, in the small town of Gerber in Northern California. Born to Roy and Lorraine Vanderbeek, he was one of four brothers. In 1947, he started dating the love of his life, Billie June, after meeting her at Grant Union High School. They were married on October 16, 1948 at the ages of 19 and 16. Ron enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Oceanside, CA until 1953. Ronald would go on to become a successful businessman, owning several businesses. In 1969, Ron opened his first senior living facility in Sacramento, CA. After many successful years, he ventured on to purchase Roseville BMW Subaru, and later he would help start the Roseville Automall. Along with his son and two of his grandsons, you will still find his handprints in the cement foundation of what was originally the Roseville GMC Dealership in the Automall. Ron grew up with the love of many things: cars, golf, and travel were among his top hobbies. With a pretty good handicap, he spent countless hours on the golf course. He also traveled the world with family and friends, including going on over 30+ cruises. He enjoyed spending time at his home in Lincoln, CA, cabin on Lake Tahoe, and home in La Quinta, CA on PGA West right on the 9th hole of the Weiskopf Course. Ron loved being out on the lake in his 1929 Chris-Craft, Billie Belle. He played a mean game of croquet as well.   

While Ron had a deep love for his hobbies, he had an even deeper love for God and his ever-growing family. Ron was a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He could always be seen attending church services, taking his family to events and on trips, supporting them from the stands, taking them out on his boat and out on the golf course, and over-all being a loving and supportive patriarch of his family. Above all else, Ron’s love for God was at the top. Ron put God at the center of everything he did and preached having a good relationship with Him to his family. He was always up reading his Bible early in the mornings while everyone else was sleeping.   

Ron had a great life, and had many years with family and friends. He and Billie celebrated 75 years of marriage in October of 2023. Ron will be truly missed by everyone who knew him, but we all know he is up in the clouds golfing with all those who have left us before him. We will miss his love for donuts and coffee, his booming laugh, and his infectious smile.   

Ronald’s viewing will be held at East Lawn Mortuary on May 29th at 12pm, followed by a service at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow at Destiny Christian Church. The viewing, service, and reception will be open for anyone who would like to share in remembering Ron’s life.