Ronald James Schroeder

Ron was a man who made choices and worked hard. He was fiercely loyal in the relationships he held. He loved to see others laugh, and in his best moments was pulling a silly face at a small child or blaming a fart on a dog in another state.

He leaves behind his wife, Janice Lee Schroeder (nee Meegan). He loved her deeply, sometimes ferociously. She was the fuel to the fire of his soul.

They met by chance one interesting evening in 1978, and soon after they combined their lives. Ron and Jan married 'on paper' 30 years ago, in May 1987. Like all the great, enduring loves, theirs was often tumultuous, but ultimately they brought love, light, and laughter into each others' lives. The marriage defined this man, and he was made whole by his woman.

Ronald was also a father - that too began when he met the love of his life. He immediately gained 3 beautiful daughters: Laura Carmen Inman (nee Farjeat), Monica Michelle Vazquez (nee Farjeat), and Marlana Ann Garcia (nee Farjeat). They later had a son, Michael Joseph Schroeder.

His children bore him 14 grandchildren: Kayla, Jacqueline, Felicia, Matthew, Mario, Daniel, Bryan, Joshua, Sebastian, Maria, Emmaleigh, Emma, Carlton, and Samantha Quinn. They gave him 5 great-grandchildren: Amelia, Noah, Sophia, Augustine, and Desmond.

Ronnie was also a son and a brother. He is the first child of Betty (Elizabeth) and Jerry (Gerald) to join them in passing. His siblings all mourn their brother: Susan, Gerald, Russell, Alan, Jeffrey, Robert, and William. Ronald was fourth born and boisterous from the start.

Ron was born wound tightly and he often took risks. An entrepreneurial spirit, he lived wildly at times, thriftily at others. Impassioned by intellect and riled by limitations, he often reacted quickly and abruptly. As he grew older, he grew calmer and took more time to relax and appreciate each day's moments.

Around family and friends in good spirits, Ron was a joker, a silly old man, and the life of the party. Especially with those wonderful grandchildren and grandchildren of his. Even though he loved all the titles and roles he had in life, Grampa was his favorite.

Throughout his life, he was a leader. He imparted lessons of hard work, dedication to a task, problem-solving. He knew how to work with his hands. Ron also knew how to establish trust in other people, and he always tried to do what he said he would do. The greatest pains he shared with anyone was not living up to his own high expectations for himself.

A favorite piece of wisdom and guidance that he provided was, "Just do what's right for you", and it's a memorial. Do what's right for you. And blame the dog, when you can.

Services are as follows: Saturday, March 25, East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery. Visitation from 11 – 2 PM. Funeral Service 2:00. Committal 3:00 PM.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.