Ronald "Ron" W. Smith Sr.

Ron was born December 14, 1943 in East St. Louis, IL to Ardell Sr. and Anna Elizabeth (Cook) Smith. They preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Henry Ernest “Bubby” Ardell Smith Jr. and his sister, Judy Atkinson.

Ron married Sandra J. Rollberg on September 1, 1962 in Waterloo, IL. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years. Sandy survives and resides in Collinsville, IL.

Also surviving are their children, Jeanne Smith Pysz (husband, Kevin) of Maryville, IL and Ronald W. Smith Jr. (wife, Jennifer) of Collinsville, IL; grandchildren, Bennett Pysz (fiancée Olivia Moore) of St. Louis, MO, Spencer Pysz of Maryville, IL, Ronald W. Smith III of Collinsville, IL and Johnna Smith of Collinsville, IL; siblings, Terry Smith of Fairview Heights, IL, Gary Smith (wife, Joyce) of Belleville, IL and Sharon Robinson of Belleville, IL; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was a member of the Laborer's Local # 100 of East St. Louis, IL for 43 years, working alongside his twin brothers, Terry and Gary. He spent his life building things—both with his hands and his mind. A lifelong construction worker, he took great pride in creating homes, structures, and projects that stood strong and true. His craftsmanship and dedication could be seen in everything he touched. Beyond construction, he had a passion for technology and loved working on computers, always eager to learn and tinker with something new.

Ron was a member of Winstanley Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL. Years ago, Ron would referee the women’s volleyball league and he also mentored the youth in the church, guiding them with patience, kindness, wisdom.

Ron was a St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. He always enjoyed his time traveling with his wife, Sandy. Their travels brought them endless memories over the years.

Above all else, Ron loved his family and cherished the time they spent together. Whether it was his children’s successes in life, or his grandchildren’s activities that he attended, he was always their biggest supporter and fan. Ron will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in their hearts forever.

A memorial visitation for Ron will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A memorial service will follow at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Lay Pastor Sue Busler will officiate.

Final interment will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL. Committal service will be officiated by Reverend Mark Burgdorf.

Memorial donations may be made to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Collinsville Junior Service Club or Hospice of Southern Illinois.