Ronald K. Content

In his quiet, unassuming way, he impacted everyone he encountered in a powerful positive way. Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, the clerk at the grocery store, those he sat next to at church, the mechanic who worked on his car, the nurses who cared for him at life’s end – we all have a story to tell of how we are better people because of time spent with Ron.

Ronald Keith Content, was born on April 8, 1932 in Comstock Park, Michigan to Henry and Dorothy Content, their firstborn. Over the years, as the family moved to Lansing, Ron welcomed four siblings – Richard (Dick), Valerie (Toots), Robert (Bobby), and Helen (Helen). After graduating from Everett High School in 1951, Ron became a Michigan State Spartan, where he pursued a degree in Business, focused on Food Distribution.

During his freshman year, Ron met and fell in love with young Dorothy Yarbrough. They married on July 14,1956. Over the next few years, Ron and Dorothy welcomed Janine, Joni and Ronnie into their family. Ron was a devoted and adoring husband and father.

After graduating from MSU, Ron accepted a position with the Bond Pickle Company, and the family moved to Oconto, Wisconsin. After that, he was employed by La Choy and for a brief time, the family lived in Archbold, Ohio. It wasn’t long before Ron accepted a position with the U.S Department of Defense, as a Procurement Officer in Grand Rapids. Ron was diligent, conscientious, and known as a man of integrity. After over thirty years with the D.O.D., Ron retired in 1995, having attained the highest possible ranking for a civil servant.

Ron loved life.

He loved music. Whether it was attending concerts with Dorothy at DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids, or listening to his playlist which included Glenn Miller, the Beatles and everything in between with his headphones on, or crooning with Dick while strumming his ukulele, or teaching silly songs to his grandkids – His love for music was pervasive.

He loved his garden. Ron’s green thumb was widely known and admired. With tender care, he grew tomatoes from seed in his basement, he planted flowers everywhere, and when he came home from work, you could find him out in his garden, talking to his plants, pulling weeds, making sure everything was just right, and anticipating the harvest.

He loved the outdoors and nature. Ron was the definition of a “tree hugger” and it had nothing to do with politics. His belief in and appreciation of God stemmed in large part to his understanding of God as Creator. He delighted in the sound of waves crashing on Lake Superior during a storm, he stood awestruck at the majesty of the Swiss Alps, he stopped and stared at fields of wildflowers, he wondered at the vastness of the ocean, and he teared up as he viewed the red and orange and purple hues of a sunset over Lake Michigan.

He loved making people laugh. His corny jokes were favorites of the grandchildren, especially when he confused the punchline. Often, that would cause him to laugh at himself. His puns and wordplays were priceless. His smile was infectious. He just had a great, and sometimes naughty, sense of humor.

He loved traveling. With Dorothy by his side, and the kids in tow, often under protest, Sunday afternoon drives eventually developed into vacations to Florida, then trips to Mexico and Europe and Central America. Cruises with Dorothy to the Caribbean and Alaska became family trips, as they invited children and grandchildren to join them on their adventures.

He loved learning. He was a lifelong student, convinced there was always something more to know, something else to discover, another reason to be filled with wonder.

Most of all, Ron loved his family. The love that his parents instilled in him from the start, love that spilled over to his brothers and sisters and continues to this day, and ultimately to their spouses, nieces and nephews, in-laws and out-laws, aunts and uncles and cousins. Ron comes from a long line of love.

It was love that brought he and Dorothy together over seventy years ago. Love that kept them together and committed to each other. Love that made his children feel secure at home and even when away from home. It is a love that now extends to eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren Each one is valued and cherished and loved. We are a part of and will continue that long line of love.

Ron passed away on June 16, 2023, in Wake County Hospital, Cary, North Carolina, surrounded by many of those who love him dearly. His Memorial Service will be held at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in East Lansing, Michigan on July 13 at 12 noon. The family will receive visitors from 11-12. Memorial donations can be made to Predisan Medical Mission in Honduras. (Predisan.org)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for Ronald's family.