Ronald "Ron" Elijah Smith, 16, passed away on September 18, 2016.

Ron was born in Valdez, Alaska on May 7, 2000 to Ron and Malissa Henry. Through the foster care system Ron came to Scott and Glenda Smith at 3 1/2 months of age and was officially adopted in 2004 at the age of four. He lived in Valdez, Alaska until 2012, when his family relocated to Maryville, Missouri.

Ron was a student at Maryville Schools until two years ago, when he began homeschooling. He was currently enrolled in automotive classes at Northwest Technical School. He spent the last five summers working with his dad and brothers on the Tatyana Renee, a commercial fishing vessel in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Ron was the skiff man.

Ron was a member of Faith Harbor Fellowship while in Valdez, Alaska, and most recently Calvary Chapel in Maryville, Missouri. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding snow machines, motorbikes, and - most recently - tractors. He was mechanically minded, and loved to work with his dad in the shop. Ron was a Gentle Giant, and had a way of putting others at ease. He will be remembered for his easy smile and adventurous spirit.

Ron is survived by his parents, Scott and Glenda Smith of Maryville, Missouri; biological parents, Ron and Malissa Henry, of Fairbanks, Alaska; his six siblings: Ethan Smith, of Maryville, Missouri; Kristen Smith, of Valdez, Alaska; Carmen Breuer, of Merrill, Iowa; and Mikhail, Tatyana, and Jack Smith, of Maryville, Missouri, grandparents Rick Vargas of Valdez, Alaska; and Ann Smith of Maryville, Missouri; .

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel in Maryville, Missouri on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 4pm. Visitation will be held from 2-4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassion International Acct# Remembering Ron.