William Cronoble Obituary

William Ralph Cronoble

William Ralph Cronoble, age 88, passed away on June 26, 2024. He was born on April 16, 1936, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. During the growing-up years, the family enjoyed fly-fishing, quail hunting and Oklahoma University football.

Emily Jean Richey moved to Bartlesville from Long Beach, California. Bill and Emily dated in high school and while attending the University of Oklahoma. On Aug. 25, 1956, they were married in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In February 1958, William Randal was born and, in November of 1961, Robert Ralph arrived.

In 1961, Bill graduated with a master's degree in Geology from the University of Oklahoma. In 1963, Balcon Oil Company was formed in a partnership with William Ballard and located to Billings, Montana, and developed numerous oil and gas properties in Montana. In 1970, he became an Assistant Professor of Geology at Rocky Mountain College, teaching numerous courses in Geology and had several professional affiliations and publications.

The Cronoble family enjoyed fishing for trout in Wyoming's Beartooth mountains and for bass in Oklahoma. Family trips included travel throughout the western U.S.

Bill is survived by sons, William Randal (Una) and Robert Ralph (Chris); and six grandchildren, Brian Cronoble, William Cronoble, Michelle McGill (Dougal) Amanda Trejo (Will), Crystal Cronoble and David Cronoble; and seven great-grandchildren.

His favorite charity was the Montana Rescue Mission. Those wishing to do so may send a remembrance of Bill to the Montana Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 3232, Billings, MT 59103-3232 or to a charity of choice.

Full obituary is available at www.michelottisawyers.com.