ELLENBURG – Ronnie Rollie LaBarge, 88, always of Forest, New York, passed away November 21, 2020 at the home of his daughter under the care of Hospice of the North Country.

Ronnie was born June 27, 1932 the oldest child of Rollie and Margaret LaBarge.  He attended the one room school house in Forest, walking there before breakfast to start the fire, before graduating from Altona Central School.  Though accepted into the Department of Corrections and Plattsburgh State as a physical education major, Ronnie chose to work in his family's store, LaBarge's Western Auto, a decision he never regretted.  His well-known love of "the store" and the people he helped there were a bedrock of his well-lived life.

After "retiring" in 1999, Ronnie worked at LeClair's Store, Durocher Auto Sales, Finley's Hardware and then became a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels.  He also served on the Altona Town Council.  He enjoyed college basketball, gardening, and gathering with friends for a few hands of cards and a good meal.

In 1956 he met Yvonne Malark at King's Grove, a local dancehall, and their life together began.  Three years after their first date at Nitzis and Airborne Speedway they married on September 19, 1959 at St. Edmund's Church in Ellenburg Depot.  They shared their fair share of Saturday nights at Airborne and many happy years together before Yvonne's passing on August 14, 2014.  Ronnie was a devoted husband and caregiver, and while we here mourn his passing, Yvonne is the happiest girl in heaven.

Ronnie's dedication to family extended to his parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews, but particularly to his only child, Roxanne, who was blessed to have him as a father and honored to be by his side as he passed from this life.

Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Roxanne; sister Linda LaBarge and husband Walter Fraiser; sister-in-law times two and friend, Mary LaBarge; brother-in-law Vernon Malark and wife Beverly; sister-in-law Bernadette Mercer and husband Mark; and several nieces and nephews including, Judy Suddaby, Patricia Young, and Karen Bedard, who were like second daughters to their "Uncle Ron", and their families.

Along with his parents and wife, Yvonne, he was preceded by his brother and best friend, Harold "Pete" LaBarge; sister Lola Bedard; and several brother and sisters-in-law.

Ronnie's family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Pine Harbour where Ronnie lived for almost two years and to his caregivers and the staff of Hospice for their help and support these past two months.

Due to Covid-19, services will be private for the family.  A public celebration of Ronnie's life will take place in the summer.

Donations in Ronnie's memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country, 358 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, New York 12901.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg.