Ronald Scott Stoneburner passed away July 22, 2026, at the age of 62. Scott was born on Oct. 17, 1963, in Gunnison to Ron and Judy Stoneburner. He spent his childhood years in Grand Junction where both of his parents were teachers. His father, Ron, was a well-known winning football coach at Grand Junction High School. As a young boy growing up, Scott could frequently be found on the sidelines helping dad coach.
Scott graduated in 1981 from Grand Junction High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in geology and industrial arts from Western State College in Gunnison in 1987. A big day in his and his mother's life was when they graduated from Western State together, with Judy earning her master's degree.
After college, Scott returned to Grand Junction and in 1991 began his law enforcement career with the Grand Junction Police Department, rising to the rank of sergeant. During that 20-year career, Scott was a detective, a SWAT team member, a training officer and a polygraph examiner. Scott retired from the department in 2010.
In retirement, Scott continued in law enforcement, teaching classes in firearm safety in Gunnison and the surrounding area. He also managed the Rocky Mountain Gun Club for a couple of years in Grand Junction. In addition, Scott also did security consulting and firearm training for churches and schools. In recent years, he built a home in Hotchkiss and was employed by the city as a building inspector.
Scott was an intelligent, decent man—a loving father and a loyal friend. His life was too short, but a life well-lived.
Scott married SueAnn Martin in July 1991. They raised two children, Greg (Reiley) Stoneburner and Kayla (Dan Williams) Stoneburner. Scott is survived by his significant other, Bev Anderson; his son, Greg; his daughter, Kayla; his mother, Judy Buffington Sammons; his stepfather, Gien Sammons; and his stepmother, Nadine Stoneburner; cousins Richard Buffington, Dan Buffington, Joyce Frost, Matthew Buffington and Kerry Buffington Randle; and numerous aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Ron Stoneburner; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Betty Buffington; and his fraternal grandparents, Clarence and Clara Stoneburner.
Somewhere along the way, Scott found hope and faith in his Savior, Jesus. This faith carried him, knowing that when his life came to an end, he would have eternal life in heaven. Scott lived his life by these words: "The Lord is my Shepherd."
Scott's final resting place will be a favorite spot located near the former Buffington family ranch in the beautiful upper Ohio Creek valley. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction.
