Ronald B. Small, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home in Monroe City, Indiana. He was 85 years old.
Ron was born on February 18, 1939, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Lawrence Boyd and Goldie Jewel Small. He grew up in a loving family and was known for his kind and generous spirit. Ron graduated from Monroe City High School in 1957, went on to both Purdue and Indiana State Universities where he graduated with a degree in math and physics that led him to teach at Vincennes Lincoln High School for five years. Because of his love of farming, he left the classroom to pursue a full-time career in farming where he dedicated himself for more than 60 years.
In 1962, Ron married his wife Carolyn, with whom he shared almost 62 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Ron was a devoted father to his three children, Jina, Tami, and Rona, and took great pride in supporting them in all their endeavors. His grandchildren, Anthony, Marissa, Drew Caroline, and Alex were the light of his life, and he enjoyed hearing from them from afar and spending time with them when they visited the farm.
Ron was known for his generosity and was always lending a helping hand to those in need. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Vincennes where for 35 years he enjoyed teaching a Sunday School class on Biblical prophecy and the end times. His desire was to expand God’s Kingdom here on earth through growing the church. His selflessness touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
His love of farming kept him busy 12 months out of the year, but he always found time for friends and family to meet for pizza or to camp and vacation with his family to various lakes, amusement parks, and exciting destinations. Ron’s welcoming smile and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a pillar of strength and wisdom, always ready with a listening ear and words of encouragement.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn “CJ”; his children, Jina Demeo (David) of Cleveland, OH, Tami Evans (Tom) of Indianapolis, IN and Rona Bobey (John) of Charleston, SC; his grandchildren, Anthony and Marissa Demeo, and Drew Caroline and Alex Bobey; his sister, Judy Sutton (Tim) and many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he cherished dearly.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home in Vincennes, Indiana on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit one hour prior to service time. Visitation will also be held on Friday, July 19 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church in Ron’s memory.
Ron’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Dear Ron, may you rest in peace knowing you were deeply loved and will be forever remembered. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ron.
