Ron was born November 30, 1950 to the late Edgar and Wilmetta (Hilliker) Shaffer. He went to be with his lord and savior on July 25, 2023. Ron’s mother introduced him to the love of his life, Ona (Murringer) Shaffer. They married on September 13, 1975 and together raised three children. Ron served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. When he returned to the states he worked for Forwards and then Consumer’s Energy. Ron was a very hard-working man whether it be in his job or at home making life better for his family. Ron and Ona loved to do home improvement projects together and passing these skills to their children. He also loved to garden, craft, read and play with his grandchildren, even if it meant hours on the floor playing Polly Pockets. Ron also loved to travel with his family. On one vacation he was dub’d Jolly Ron and we were his happy campers. He took his family on several epic vacations including Disney, the upper peninsula, exploring all of the western states while also seeing family and finally the vacation of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand. Ron loved people and he loved to learn everything about other cultures. One of his known phrases was, “I’m just here to learn.” He was a very kind and loving man. He had a great sense of humor. He loved to say silly things like, “I haven’t had this much fun since the hogs ate my baby sister” or promising his teen children leather goods for Christmas, “a belt in the mouth and a boot in the butt”. This was something that he never delivered on. He was also very sentimental buying sweet holiday cards for his wife and children for EVERY occasion. He played Santa for the foster children in Iosco County. He was also often recognized as Santa by random children he met in his travels. When asked if he was Santa, he would reply simply with, “shh, I’m on vacation” he loved the way it made kids smile.
Ron was an amazing, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin and friend. He taught us all so much about everything we needed to know to live a full and happy life and he is terribly missed already.
Ronald is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Ona. His children Brandy, Jeremy, and Margie. His grandchildren Dale (Emily Lee) Schmidt, Anna (Hampton Steelman) Schmidt, Vivian (Brandon) Shaffer- Hill, and Haley (Joe Ayotte) Shaffer. One great grandchild on the way. His brother Ervin (Caroline) Shaffer. Sisters Brinda (Robert) Devault, Joann Gingerich, and Roxanna (Mike) Horrie. Sisters in law June Greve, Gloria Foust and Maryann Moore. Many nieces, nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brothers Albert and Lon. Brothers in law Glen Haas, Daniel Gingerich, Ferd Greve, and James Wheeler. Sisters in law Christine Shaffer, Connie Devault and Susan Russell. Nephew Nicholas Shaffer and niece Mabel Payne
Per Ron’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Unbeknownst to Ron his family and friends will celebrate his life Sunday, August 20th, 2023 at the American Legion Hall in Standish, MI from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. and we will all continue to cherish his memory and use the wisdom he passed to us every day.
Obituary lovingly written by family.
