I grew up with Ron Bartlett on farms just north of Sac City IA. We spent many social evenings with the Bartletts growing up. Ron was four years older than I. My mother cut Ron’s hair. When I went to Iowa State Ron cut my hair for 4 years. Many, many wonderful memories with Ron. Did I mention that when Ron graduated from high school he gave me a pair of his Levi jeans that were too big for me at the time. I wore those work jeans for almost 40 years and thought of Ron every time I wore them!
Craig Mandernach

I am so sorry for your loss. I first met Ron back in the 70’s when Kay was at Welch Junior High where I went to school, but fate had it we would meet again in life as my husband came home one day and said we were getting sheep and he had a partner and a new barber, Ron. He helped us get started and was very active in teaching and watching our daughter show those sheep. We have since moved but had the pleasure of visiting him for several hours this past summer to catch up and hear those special stories only Ron could tell! He and Kay were wonderful people and will be greatly missed.

Ron cut my son’s hair when he was 7 years old. We were gone for 10 years. Ron cut his hair again when he was an Iowa State student. He lives in Rhode Island now and sent these comments when he heard about Ron.

“The sound of the clippers behind my ears, and my back shivering when they came near.
Finding out that the ISU coaches got haircuts there. And then realizing that everyone gets their hair cut too.
The golf putter machine he had in the back of the shop.
A drawer full of tootsie rolls.
The way he answered the phone and held it to his ear while he held his pen to the paper and said “SsssssssssYclone BARber!”
The curved metal trim between the carpet and the linoleum.
When we surprised him by having me come in for a hair cut several years ago. Right before he retired. I think he liked that.
I always thought he had found the perfect job for his personality. Everyone who came in there loved that guy.”
Ron cut my hair when I was an Iowa State student in 1961! And, between times that we left Ames for several years. He was a special friend!

Ron was my cousin and was always full of fun and laughter. Thank you for posting the video slide show, I love all the pictures. Rest in peace Ron, until we meet again, give everyone a hug for me.
Love you, Bev and Denis Wolff

Ron was a good friend to my late husband. They enjoyed playing Pitch at the CountryClub. I always enjoyed golfing with Ron and Kay and Ron was always such a nice, warm friendly guy to be around. He will be missed.
Pat Stephenson

Ron will be missed by all who had the fun of having Ron cut their hair.
From his barber chair he was the man who talked Cyclone Sports.Politics,and Ames Community news while giving you a great hair cut.After leaving Ron's Barber Shop you knew what was happening in the Ames area and also had a few laughs.
Ron will be missed but Heaven will gain a great guy-so long old friend of 53 years.
Ron Rubek

Ron and my Dad were great friends for over 55 years. Ron started cutting my hair 53 years ago! I always learned something from Ron, and shared many laughs in the shop. Truly one of a kind!

Ron starting cutting my hair when I was 14. He also cut my Dad's (Bill Houk) hair. I learned a lot about life while sitting in his Barber shop. I had the privelge of playing golf with both Ron and Kay when my parents were members of Ames Golf. He was a fixture on main street. He will be missed. RIP Ron .Dan Houk

Great memories visiting with Ron while in his Shop or seeing him out. Always had a warm greeting and good advice for life!

Dear Kay and family,
Ron was my father Jim's barber on Main Street for many years. He, ISU Coach Johnny Orr, and Ron became fast friends at the barber shop. I really enjoyed stopping in to chat with him whenever I was back in Ames. So sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow. Ron was a wonderful guy and we'll all miss him.
Curt and Mary Clare Cobb
ISU '76
Rio Rancho, NM

30 years of haircuts from Ron were full of laughs and his wit and wisdom. When asked if he was going raise his price he’d say nope, just lowering the quality. Finally, he did raise his price stating quality just couldn’t get any lower….RIP Cyclone Barber.

We, his friends and family, as well as the entire Ames/ISU community, have lost an icon. Ron's personality and sense of humor made him bigger than life. We have lost a cherished individual, but Kay has won him back!