Ronald Leroy Holt

Article Last Updated; Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:01AM

Holt

La Plata, N.M., resident Ronald Leroy Holt died of a heart attack in Paradise, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. He was 68.

Mr. Holt was born to Floyd and Lorraine Holt in Pitcher, Okla., on March 14, 1941.

He enlisted in the Army on Sept. 11, 1962, and served in the artillery in Vietnam. He was "a true American who served his country and served the good Lord," his family wrote.

Mr. Holt held a number of diverse jobs, working in mining and construction. He made dentures, raised and showed Shih Tzu dogs and was a storekeeper at the Breen Mercantile. He had lived in the area since 1987. He loved history.

"He always wore a smile and wanted others to be happy as well," his family wrote. "He was a wonderful son, brother and friend."

Mr. Holt is survived by his brothers Robert Holt of La Plata, Randy Klock of Farmington and Floyd R. Holt of Paradise; sister, Linda Klock, of La Plata; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at Hood Mortuary. A graveside funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.