Russell H. Ronk, 82, of Spring Mills, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at his residence on Brush Mountain Road, Spring Mills, PA
He was born September 27, 1926 in Mattawana, Mifflin County, a son of the late Harvey Campbell and Elsie Clarissa Ranck Ronk.
Russell graduated from McVeytown-Oliver High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserves during World War II having been inducted into the service in January 18, 1945 and serving active duty until his honorable discharge on July 22, 1946. He earned the rank of Coxswain and was awarded an Al Navy 161-46 Citation, a Pacific Theater Ribbon, and American Theater Ribbon and a World War II Victory Medal. Immediately upon his discharge from active duty, he enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve serving until July 22, 1954.
On April 16, 1949, in Millheim, he married Grace Adeline Smith who preceded him in death December 12, 1983.
A person devoted to hard work, Mr. Ronk farmed in Brush Valley for many years while working full time at Cerro Metals and Brass, Bellefonte retiring from that job in 1991 after 34 years of service. After this retirement, Mr. Ronk became a part time antique dealer selling antiques at flea markets for ten years.
Mr. Ronk was a member of American Legion Post 779 at Old Fort and a member of the Bellefonte Chapter of the United Auto Workers Union.
Among the things he enjoyed most were studying unique coins, hunting, fishing, and using his expertise in raising all types of poultry.
He is survived by six daughters and their families, Linda S. Schreck and her husband James W. of Boalsburg, and their son Brian M. Schreck of Boalsburg, and their daughter Sara B. Power and her husband Adrian of Austrailia, and Sara's daughter Holly W. Power; daughter Kathryn M. Stoner and her husband John of Spring Mills, their daughter Tina A. Stimer and her husband Jerry A. along with their children, Jerry A. III, Samantha G. and Alex J. Stimer all of Julian, Kathryn's daughter Tracy L. Day and her husband Donald A. of Mifflinburg, and their children Shane M. Day and Christina M. Purves of Mifflinburg; Kathryn's son John R. Stoner and his wife Mary E. Woomer of Spring Mills, and their children Marshall T. and Dalton F. Stoner, their daughter Carrie M. Swartz and her husband Jason S. of Millheim, and children Curtis L. Sones, Wyatt E. and Lane C. Swartz; Kathryn's son Cory R. and his wife Caitlin L. Bumgardner Stoner and their son Nicholas R. Stoner; daughter Shirley I. Rider of Spring Mills, her son Brock A. Rider of Spring Mills, and Brock's son Tyler A. Annan of North Carolina; daughter Barbara J. Ronk and her companion Jerry E. Wance of Aaronsburg, Barbara's son Corby A. Ronk and Joshua L. Sunday, son of Corby A. Ronk and Katie M. Sunday; Barbara's daughters Jessica L. Ronk of Rebersburg, and Jennifer A. Ronk of Aaronsburg and Barbara's son Christopher L. Ronk of Aaronsburg and Barbara's daughter Carly G. Ronk of Spring Mills; daughter Sandra J. Butz and her husband Geoffrey N. of Spring Mills, her son Joshua A. Ronk of Boalsburg and his companion Casey Ghaner and their child, Jaylin A. Ronk of Boalsburg and Sandra's son Jeffrey A. Butz of Spring Mills; daughter Beverly A. Minerich and her husband Shawn P. of Spring Mills, and their children Kody A. Ronk, Dylan C. Ronk and Kyle D. Ronk and Braden L. Minerich all of Spring Mills; Three sons, Dale C. Ronk and his wife Tammy K. Barger Ronk of Spring Mills and their children Dale C. Ronk Jr,, Dakota H., Daytona C. Serenity A. and Tazer R. Ronk all of Spring Mills; son Russell F. Ronk and his wife Kelly L. Barger and children, Nicholas T. Strouse of Florida, Derik R. Strouse of Williamsport, Tyler J. Ronk of Spring Mills, Austin H. Ronk and Kryslynn G. Ronk both of Spring Mills; and son John H. Ronk of Bellefonte; and one brother, Raymond Ronk of Lewistown.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter Nancy L. in 1955; four sons, William R. in 1950, Kenneth E. in 2005, Keith A. in 1958, a infant son in 1963, and two brothers, John C. in 2005 and Robert P. in 1993.
Friends will be received from 6 - 8 p. m. Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a. m. Friday, September 18, 2009, at the funeral home with the Rev Michael Covalt officiating. Burial will be in the Heckman Cemetery, Spring Mills.
In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to The American Heart Association 777 Penn Center Blvd., Pittsburgh PA 15235 or to Centre Crossings Hospice, 2437 Commercial Blvd. State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.