Ronald Stith passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at his home on Beaver Island, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Karen Whitecraft Stith, a son, David Stith, a daughter, Melissa (Stith) Wells and son-in-law, Patrick Wells; four grandchildren, Michaela Stith, Braden Wells, Laney Stith, and Sadie Stith; two brothers, Reginald Stith and Thomas Stith, and one sister, Kay (Stith) Paff.
He was born on Wednesday, January 17, 1945, in Cheltenham, England, to Lesslie K. Stith and Olive M. (Attwood) Stith. He grew up in Portland, Indiana, and graduated from Portland High School. Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea; after his discharge, he served with the National Guard. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University and taught social studies at East Jay Junior High School for most of his career. After his retirement from teaching, he moved to Beaver Island and was active in AmVets Post 46.
Ron had a life-long interest in sports – he was a member of the charter team of the Portland Rockets in 1959, played high school basketball and baseball, and, when he put his playing shoes up, he loved to coach, both at school and for his two favorite players, his son and daughter. He was a devoted fan of old Westerns, able to recite the filmographies of major stars and bit players alike, and he amassed hundreds of movies on film and videotape; many of them are now in a collection of Ball State.
A graveside service was held at Hogan Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jay Community Center, 115 East Water St., Portland, IN 47371. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, (812) 654-2141. You may go to www. lawscarrmoore.com to leave an online condolence message for the family.