Ronald R. Ward

Ronald Ray Ward, 72, of Traverse City passed away Sunday, September 23, 2012 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Ronald was born on Sunday, October 01, 1939 to Cecil and Myrtle I. (Gross) Ward in Ridgeway, IL. Following high school, Ron earned his Bachelors Degree in Engineering from GM Institute, now Kettering. On October 18, 1958, Ron married Judith June VanSickle in Flint.

A resident of Traverse City for the last 12 years, Ron and Judy moved here from Grand Blanc. He enjoyed sailing, tennis and playing cards with friends. He and Judy wintered in Venice, FL where Ron served for several years as the chairperson on the recreation board of the Harbor Lights Retirement Community . He dearly loved his grandchildren, Jayson and Tyler Ward, Ashley and Emily Ward, Ellie and Ben Ward.

In addition to his wife and grandchildren, Ron is survived by his sons, Jeff (Sandy) of Cadillac, Bryan (Patti) of Whitehall, Greg (Anne) of Whitehall and Chris of Spring Lake. He is also survived by his mother, Myrtle Seeley of Cadillac, 4 nieces, 3 nephews and 1 cousin. He was preceded in death by his father and cousins Betty Hobbs and Carolyn Smith.

The memorial service celebrating Ron's life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday. Oct. 6 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with Dr. Gary Hogue officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The American Cancer Society or to a charity of one's own choosing.

Please share your memories of Ron with his family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Traverse City.