Ronald Edward Kendrick

Ronald Edward Kendrick passed away peacefully in Columbus, Ohio on May 10, 2026, at the age of 90 after a long illness. He was born in Charleroi, PA to Thomas B.E. Kendrick and Agnes V. Kendrick. He was the oldest of 5 siblings. His family moved to Lancaster, OH where he was a natural athlete, excelled in football, basketball and baseball, served as a class president and was recognized his senior year as “The Scholar Athlete of the Year” at Lancaster High School. He continued his academic and athletic success at Kenyon College, who awarded him a Baker Scholarship. There he lettered in three sports, served as President of his senior class and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He graduated cum laude in 1957 with a B.S. degree in a pre-medical curriculum. During his senior year, he married the love the of his life, Suzanne (Spangler) Kendrick.

After his graduation from medical school at Case Western Reserve University, he interned at Riverside Methodist Hospital the year it opened in 1961. He then served three years in the service of his country as a captain of the U.S. Air Force. After completion of his tour of duty, he returned to Case Western Reserve University Hospitals for residency training in orthopedic surgery. Thereafter, from 1969 he served the greater Columbus community as an orthopedic surgeon until his retirement from active practice in 2006.

Whenever a young person asked him advice about pursuing a career in medicine, he never hesitated to say “go for it if you can; there is no better way to spend your life.” While in retirement, he still volunteered at the “Physicians Care Connection.”

During his professional career, he served as President of the Columbus Medical Association (1990-1991) and took part in the creation of its multi-million-dollar foundation. He was on the Board of Councilors of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Columbus Orthopedic Society and the Ohio Orthopedic Society. He served as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Riverside Methodist Hospital and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the OSU School of Medicine. He took an active role in the training of young surgeons.

He was an avid tennis player and golfer. He and his wife Suzanne enjoyed both sports together. Traveling extensively with family and friends was their favorite treat. He was a long-standing member of the Brookside Golf & Country Club and the Worthington United Methodist Church. Ron’s greatest joy in life was his family with three beautiful daughters and his grandchildren, all of whom he was so proud.

His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by Suzanne, his devoted wife of 69 years, three loving daughters, Holly Kendrick, Beth (Chris) Gregory, Krissy Dobies, 2 brothers, Thomas B.E. (Mary) Kendrick, Paul (Libby) Kendrick, 2 sisters, Barbara (Rick) Ramsey and Kathy Kendrick. He was Poppy to his 6 treasured grandchildren, Lauren (Brent) Swander, Paige (Nick) Schneider, Megan Gregory, Jack (Alexia) Dobies, Anna and Connor Dobies, five precious great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 29 2:30 PM at Worthington United Methodist Church followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 PM. A celebration of life will take place at Brookside Golf & Country Club at 5:30 PM for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to the OhioHealth Foundation or to the Worthington United Methodist Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared through Schoedinger Worthington at Schoedinger.com.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, integrity and the example he set for others.