Ronald D. “Ron” Smith

Ronald D. "Ron" Smith

Ronald D. “Ron” Smith, 71, of Tama, passed away April 7, 2015, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids under the care of Unity Point Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 10, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Pastor Bobby Shomo and Pastor Greg Boyle officiating. A Private Interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery in rural Tama. A Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home.

Ronald was born on October 1, 1943, in Tama, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Kathleen (Bidwell) Smith.

He attended Tama High School.

On June 24, 1966, he was united in marriage to Janice Blackledge in Omaha, Neb. Ron was a machinist at Fisher Controls for 38 years. After retiring in 2004, he worked at the Meskwaki Bingo & Casino. Ron was a member of the Grace Community Church in Toledo. He enjoyed hunting and trap shooting for many years. He took hunting trips to many states including Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona and New Mexico. Ron liked traveling especially in the Western United States. He also liked fishing and restoring antique cars. He enjoyed watching baseball, football, wrestling and NASCAR. Ron enjoyed country music with the Statler Brothers being one of his favorite groups. His greatest joy was attending his children’s and grandchildren’s games and school activities.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Jan of Tama; his children, Rodney (Elizabeth) Smith of El Paso, Texas, Rhonda (Joe) Unruh of Tipton, Angie (Rich) Branan of Tama and Missy Smith of Tama; seven grandchildren, Angel, Treye, Chase, Jesse, Brett (Tonya Jo), Erica and Laci; seven great-grandchildren, Steven, Vincent, Haydin, Eligh, Evan, Elena and Elexza; two brothers, Vernon (Brenda) Smith of Tama and Lloyd (Toni Ann) Smith of Tama; one sister, Wanda (Dean) Arp of Enumclaw, WA; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Valarie Johnson; one son-in-law, Steve Heibreder; one brother, Wendel Smith; and other relatives.

A memorial fund has been established.