OBITUARY
Ronald Keith Shoemaker
November 16, 1938 – July 7, 2020
The Lord of Heaven and Earth came and wrapped his arms around his suffering saint, Ronald Keith Shoemaker, age 81, while he was sleeping and took him to Heaven on July 7, 2020.
Ronald was born on November 16, 1938 in Middletown, Ohio to James Allen Shoemaker and Rosamay (Wilson) Shoemaker.
Ronald graduated from Northwestern High School, Kokomo, IN and joined the United States Navy on July 9, 1958. He was assigned to the Communication Department aboard the USS Randolph CVS-15 stationed in Norfolk, VA. The highlight of his naval career was when his department received an award for "demonstrating excellence in all phases of communication" in 1962 as well as being privileged to meet John H. Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth, when Glenn came aboard the Randolph on February 20, 1962.
When Ron's service to this country ended on May 11, 1962, he came home and married the love of his life, Betty Joyce Adams, on Sept. 2, 1962, and she survives.
Ronald worked for Delco/Delphi for 30 years. When he retired in 2006, he had worked in skilled trades as a Tool and Die Maker, Mould Maker, and Model Maker as well as earning an Associate of Science Degree for his trade.
Ronald's greatest joy here on Earth was doing service for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As a Gideon, he enjoyed giving out Bibles at Ivy Tech and IU Kokomo, the Encampment in September, and the Howard County Jail.
His family also brought joy to his life. He is survived by his children, Terry Robert (Suzan) Shoemaker, Lori Ann (David) Denney, and Vicki Shoemaker, daughter-in-law. Grandchildren: Katrina Shoemaker, Kristen (John) Schafer, Jonathan Shoemaker, Alyssa Shoemaker, Eden Shoemaker, Emma Shoemaker, Hope Denny, Grace Denney. Step-grandchildren: Ashley and Amanda Moyer. Sister, Jo Lynn Collins, brother, James (Polly) Shoemaker. He is preceded in death by his son, Timothy Shoemaker, his parents, and sister, Judith Huse.
The family wishes to thank Deborah, Jeni, Molly, and Janelle, nurses for St. Vincent Hospice, Kokomo, for their loving care they gave Ronald during his final hours here on Earth.
Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S Webster St., Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral services will be held at the Mortuary at 1:00pm on Monday July 13, 2020 with Senior Pastor Keith Treadway, of Bible Baptist Church, Kokomo, IN, officiating. Following the service, Ronald will be laid to rest at Albright Cemetery, Kokomo, IN, with military honors provided by the VFW Military Rites Team.
Messages of condolence may be left online at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com
Services
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Time of Visitation
Sunday, July 12, 2020
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Funeral Service with Military Honors
Monday, July 13, 2020
Memories
Ronald Keith Shoemaker
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ADD A MEMORYAnonymous .
November 17, 2020
Looking back as to remembering life, I can remember when my parents pulled the blinds over the windows and turn out the lights when we heard a siren sounds so our enemy could not see our town for a target.
I could remember playing in our front yard throwing a ball to each other, riding my bicycle in the driveway and the street out front, jumping off the garage, running a nail my foot, raising rabbits, swinging on the swing, climbing a ladder that was left standing on the house, driving nails in a corner post at the gate at the end of the driveway, throwing a boomerang and would return back to me, rolling out of the top bunkbed with blankets and pillows to see what would happen and sleeping their till morning and it didn't hurt, and doing stunts on my bike. By the way, dad made my bicycle from a copy of an old wooden framed bicycle the neighbor made across the street.
I walked to school almost every morning, four blocks backwards, the neighbors would watch me every morning play Jacks and Marbles game and would win by share most of the time.
I walked to a small corner grocery store for candy, suckers, jumping beans, and go with mom for milk, bread, sugar, cereal, ad what we needed. There was an ice-cream truck that would stop and sell ice cream, popsicles, and more.
Nancy .
November 17, 2020
Dearest Betty,
My love and my thoughts and my prayers are with you. Keep listening to the uplifting music. It is so healing.
I think Ron really wanted to visit Tucson to see my "rock yard". No grass! Quote a change from green Indiana.
I could never leave Arizona's magnificent mountains. I lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.
When Ron and I were much younger, I was supposed to watch Ron, Judy, and Jimmy. This was in Middletown, Ohio before Jo Lynn was born. My mom, Josephine Wilcox, and Rose Shoemaker, her niece, whom they considered themselves sisters (they were so close) went shopping together. They left me in charge to supervise. Ron is the one who educated me. He proceeded to urinate in the front yard instead of going inside to the bathroom. I was shocked, he was amused.
Love you and all your wonderful family.
James Shoemaker
November 17, 2020
Ode to Ron-
When Ron and I were growing up, we had "fun" as kids. A lot of hard work on the farm, but also time for play! One thing I especially remember is playing in the creek that wasn't far from the house. One day, we were having fun in the water. The creek was rather high. I can't remember exactly how I needed help but I was in "deep" water, didn't knw how to swim, and afraid. Ronnie yelled, "Hang on! I'll get the Jeep and pull you out." What I hung on to I don't know. But he came flying with the Jeep & rope. He threw the rope to me and dragged me from the creek all the way as I was under water. Crazy kids! So I guess I would say he saved my life. But not my fear of "deep" water. We also liked going to the $0.25 outdoor monies. We would have money for treats afterwards and go to the local store and enjoy the rest of the evening. Imagine, $0.25 movie & $0.01 candy. Those were the days! There were many other good times to remember. I will grieve and be sad but I know he is with the Lord. The Lord will give us all the peace and comfort we need. Hold onto Him!! I know Ron's at the feet of Jesus. No better place to be.
Hope Denney
November 16, 2020
My memory of Grandpa is when I was in fifth grade during Christmas break when we went to see Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel in theaters. I rode in Grandma's car with Grace, Emma, and Alyssa and Grandpa, Emma and Alyssa kept saying, "Hey Grandma, Grandpa is a kid," and Grandpa said, "No, I'm not!" and Grace and I fed into it and we said, "Grandpa is a kid," and Grandpa said, "No I'm not a kid," and Alyssa, Grace, Emma and I laughed our heads off and Grandma said, "You're right girls. Grandpa is a kid," and Grandpa said, "No I'm not," and Alyssa, Grace and I laughed our heads off again. Grandpa wasn't angry, he was just messing around. I also remember Grandpa telling a bunch of jokes and I remember at Wabash City Park when Grandma, Grace and I would sit down on that big swing and Grandpa would push us on that big swing and when Grandpa pushed us higher, Grandma would say, "Ronnie, that's enough!" and Grandpa pushed us higher again and Grandma would say, "Ronnie, I said that's enough! You're gonna make me sick!" and Grandpa would say, "Betty, its fun going super high!" and Grandma said, "No, it is not! Now stop it, Ronnie!" and I was chuckling and laughing my head off because of Grandpa pushing us really high on the swing. Rest in peace, Grandpa.
Dave Denney
November 16, 2020
I will never forget the first time I met Ron. I was on a blind date with his daughter Lori, brother, cousin and their spouses. He answered the door when I knocked and there was that big grin. Little did I know that he had been praying for Lori to find the one she would marry and he saw the answer to his prayer. I do not say that egotistically but, rather that I realized later that he knew when he saw what God had given Lori. From that moment on, I had another father with me. When my Dad could not be there, I could count on Ron. Whether it was manual labor, advice, or just to help us with the kids, he did everything he could to help. More importantly, he taught me how to be a loyal husband and father. If there ever was a picture of loyalty it was Ron Shoemaker. He had a great sense of humor and always knew how to get out of a pickle from Betty. He most of all taught me what a man of God was to be. He not only talked the talk but he walked the walk. He made sure his kids and grandkids knew that God was to be first in the family and faith in Jesus Christ was to be at the forefront of that family. He loved us all unconditionally and never met a stranger. I would be more sad, but I know he is not hurting anymore. He had an attitude during his fight with cancer that it may take his life, but it would not take his loving soul. God speed, Ron. Until we meet again, "Well done my good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
Grace Denney
November 16, 2020
I have too many amazing memories of my grandpa to count. From the time we went fishing to the time when we went to the fall festival down at Long Lake. I have too many to choose from, buy my fondest memory was of the amazing man he was. He was a kind and caring soul. Someone who I looked up to. Someone who I felt safe around. The thing I admired most about him was his faith in Jesus and the respect and loyalty he showed for his savior. I remember he gave me a necklace that had a little sword on it. It's a reminder to me to be brave and I honestly have no idea why I have forgotten it for so long. He was an inspiration to me that I will never forget.
Alyssa Shoemaker
November 16, 2020
A couple of Christmases ago, I walked into my grandma and grandpa's house and was warmly welcomed by the aroma of dinner and the smiling faces of my grandparents. Grandpa walked over to me, and he showed that he made one of my favorite desserts: lemon cake. Grandpa would always make this special dish for us on our birthdays and Christmas for everyone to enjoy. After I ate the Christmas dinner, I got myself a hot cup of coffee and savored the sweet, fluffy lemon cake that was coated thoroughly in the best part: the lemon icing! Then, my mom, cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings and I listened to my grandpa read the Christmas story from the Bible. As he soothingly read the Bible, my siblings and I snuggled together. This special tradition that grandpa began helped us focus on the real reason why we celebrate Christmas: God sent His Son to earth to save us from our sins so that we can enjoy eternity with Him forever. Grandpa always emphasized to us that Jesus is who should be at the center of our hearts and how we should follow Him together as a family. This special memory is one that I will hold onto and be reminded of my grandpa's love for God and his family. One day, I look forward to seeing him again and celebrating Jesus together as a family for eternity.
Jonathan Shoemaker
November 16, 2020
Grandpa always enjoyed doing something special for each of us grandchildren, and one summer when I was a kid grandpa wanted to take me fishing. I always loved learning new things, and I was curious about the process. Before we went fishing, grandpa and I went shopping to buy night-crawlers. Night-crawlers are like bigger versions of earthworms, and we were going to use them to bait the fish. Then, very early in the morning, mom packed me and Grandpa a few gatorades in a cooler, along with some snacks, and Grandpa took me to his friend's private pond. He let us fish for free as long as we released our catches back into the water. After Grandpa and I found the spot where we wanted to fish, he showed me how to bait the fishing hooks with one third of a night-crawler. I still remember how slimy the night-crawlers were, but they were coarse enough to hold onto the hook well enough to lure the fish. As Grandpa and I worked together to catch more fish, we switched from a static bobber to a spinner lure, and this raised our level of success in catching the fish. In the time between catching fish, we talked about my schooling and the newest games that I enjoyed. It was fun learning and talking with Grandpa, and I liked how we used patience, problem-solving, and teamwork. As I look back and remember, I will always value these lessons that he passed down to me, and I look forward to seeing him again one day in heaven.
Kristen Shoemaker
November 16, 2020
When we were younger, my grandpa wanted to do something special for me and my older sister, Katie, while we were still on summer break. We were discussing places to go out to eat when he asked me if I had ever been to the Eagle's Nest in Indianapolis. After he told me about the Eagle's Nest, my sister and I instantly knew we had to go. On that day, we wore our pretty day dresses, and we felt like we were so grown-up going to such a nice place to eat. As we walked to the venue, we enjoyed looking around and seeing the skyscrapers and the monument circle. When we arrived, we were in awe by the incredible 360-degree view of the downtown area at sunset. At this age, I was normally afraid of heights, but because of the beautiful view and my fascination with the turning dining area, I was able to feel comfortable and at ease. As we enjoyed the savory meal that consisted of a steak, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies, we had discussed what we are looking forward to at school and listened to grandpa tell us about the different buildings that we could see from the Eagle's Nest. After we stuffed ourselves with the delicious meal, we leisurely walked back to the car together and drove home. Looking back to this special adventure with my grandpa, I know that my grandpa loved us very much, and I knew that he is right now enjoying being with Jesus and the beauty of heaven.
Katrina Shoemaker
November 16, 2020
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I loved horses, and I remember telling grandpa about my summer camp experience. I told him about galloping through the trails, learning to ride bareback, and learning both the Western and English riding styles. After hearing me rant and rave, grandpa got a glimmer of an idea in his eye and expressed his desire to take me to Turkey Run to go horseback riding with me. To make the day trip extra special, he took me shopping and got me an adorable straw cowgirl hat and a pair of cream embroidered, chestnut leather boots to wear. Grandpa signed us up for the 2-hour horseback riding session at the park on that warm summer day. As we sat waiting under the trees, we discussed which horse we hoped to get and drank some cold Gatorade. As the guide lead us to the horses, I remember being assigned to an older horse that walked at a slow, leisurely pace. I still vividly remember grandpa's laugh when I had to make the poor old horse trot to catch up with the others. Even so, we had fun talking to the guide about the horses, making jokes, and being on the trails together. When I close my eyes, I can still feel the warm, summer breeze rustling through the leaves, the horses' hooves snapping small twigs on the beaten dirt trail, and looking over my shoulder to see grandpa smiling back at me. His love for me, for my siblings, my cousins, my aunts and uncles has always been apparent through his effort in spending time with us and thus creating some special memories. In this particular memory, I am gratefully reminded of the hope Christ gives us when our journeys on this trail of life ends, and we get to see our loved ones again at the gates of heaven. Thus instead of saying goodbye to my grandpa today, I will say, "See you soon," and hold onto the precious memories, alike this one, until I see him again.
Cynde McQueary
November 16, 2020
Ron was like a grandpa to me, he was so kind and caring and just wonderful to have part of our Taylor family.
Ron always had a smile on his face when he walked through the doors at Taylor. He was very enjoyable to talk to and always showed in his actions that he truly cared about everyone.
Ron and I shared many stories at the bus barn before he would get started for the day. He truly was a grandpa figure in all his ways.
Ron would be on the mower and if I knew he was out mowing I would always look out for him and take him a water to give him a break. We would talk a few minutes and then back to work we both would go. He always was very grateful when I took him a water and told me that I was a special friend.
Ron made the BEST lemon cake that I will miss when we have a gathering.
Ron was a great witness to our Lord and Savior. His daily walk with the Lord was very important to him as well as I. We shared a lot in common and enjoyed the friendship we had.
My deepest sympathy to you and his family. As the days continue to pass, I hope you find comfort and support in the people that surround you and the wonderful memories you carry in your mind and in your heart.
Logan Sparling
October 18, 2020
Ron and I were brought together in late 1980 by one of his friends, Evangelist Jim Cline, who was also my associate in ministry. From the beginning of our friendship, I knew Ron was a man of integrity, a man who was committed to following the Lord Jesus Christ through all of life's circumstances.
Ron was unashamed of his faith in Jesus. He spoke of Jesus often with family and friends, restaurant waiters, workmates, and strangers. He spoke to me often about someone he was witnessing to or had a burden for their soul. We would pray for God to tender the heart of that person and then Ron would ask the Lord to create an opening for him to share the message and salvation in Christ.
One day, Ron asked Jim ad I to go with him to speak to one of his friends from work. It was a very cold, bitter day with light snow. The man was outside when we arrived, so standing in the cold, Ron shared the entire plan of salvation with him. The man acknowledged his need of Christ and allowed Ron to pray with him. A few days later, Ron confirmed to us the man had since genuinely repented of his sin and by faith, received the gift of eternal life. Within a year, this new Christian was received into heaven.
The greatest thing I can say about Ron Shoemaker is that he loved the Lord, he loved people, and he wanted all to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He was a tenacious personal evangelist.
Lori Denney
October 4, 2020
(Part 3) Not everyone has recognized or appreciated Dad's quiet and humble efforts, but for those who have, it has changed their lives. Some have developed a deep, long lasting friendship with my dad. Some have even met The One my dad loves most and so one day will be in heaven with Dad and Jesus. For me, Dad gave me a picture of God that I can understand, of how deep God' love is if he only receive it.
"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned." Song of Solomon 8:7
Lori Denney
October 4, 2020
(Part 2) When he was home, he was irritable and wanted to sleep. Sadly, all of us started to avoid him. What I didn't know then was that he would sometimes cry at work because he missed us so much. There were many times he did not feel well and was even quite ill, yet he worked to try to provide for us.
Dad might not have been able to be physically present at our events, but he was always encouraging our dreams. He made sure that all three of his children had musical instruments for band, shoes for track, and money for camp, youth group, or outings with friends. Dad and Mom, working together, sacrificed immensely and succeeded in putting my oldest brother through the college of his dreams. Dad also provided support for Terry and me, although we were academic late bloomers.
I moved back home in my early twenties. I didn't see any purpose in life, but my dad prayed for me and loved me. He listened and cared as I poured out my hurt and brokenness to him. He told me that no matter what, he was my dad an would be my dad and he would love me and be for me until his dying breath. He prayed for my needs, including asking God to send me a godly man. Most importantly, he helped me get my life right with God and was with me when I gave my heart to Christ.
Two of the characteristics of my dad that seem incompatible have been the most present, those of long suffering and joy. I have seen his willingness to love, even while being rejected. His willingness to ask for forgiveness and his readiness to forgive even the cruelest of actions. My dad loved Jesus with all of his heart and he loved his children and everyone around him as himself. Besides serving Jesus, his greatest desire was for his family to be united in love and unity. 1 John 4:7-21 is a perfect summary of what Dad tried to tell us.
Lori Denney
October 4, 2020
(Part 1) Only two other people besides me have had the opportunity to say what it was like to have Ron Shoemaker for a dad. Tim, my oldest brother, is in heaven, hanging out with Dad now. Terry, my other brother and the middle child, has either been heard from or will be heard from.
I'm Lori, his youngest child, and his only girl. My strongest, earliest memories of Dad starts when I was three or four years old. My parents had only one vehicle, so when it was time for Dad to go to work, I'd have to get in the car so Mom could drop him off at work, at Hewitt's Tool and Die. I didn't like getting up that early, especially when it was cold, so I'd pretend to be asleep. Dad would carry me out to the car wrapped in a blanket. I would be completely quiet the entire trip. As soon as Dad was at his destination, I would throw off the cover and announce loudly, "I'm awake!" completely convinced I had just made everyone's day. Sometimes when Mom and I arrived at dad's work in the afternoon, he would buy me a Coca-Cola from the vending machine. Occasionally we would drive to Cone Palace for lunch.
Dad tried to provide as many opportunities he could for his family. One time, he was able to arrange for us to ride in his boss's airplane just because we had never flown before. Another time he was able to borrow his employer's truck and camper to take us on a trip to "Santa Claus Land."
When I got older and was in elementary school, I couldn't visit him at work anymore. That didn't stop our relationship. Every afternoon, he would come find me. We would compare notes of how school went for me versus how work went for him. Looking back now, I realize that Dad was one of my first friends, even though he was fully my parent.
I'll never forget the day he came home to tell my mother he no longer worked for Hewitt's. Life drastically changed that day. Dad went from working days to working second and third shifts. He went from being available every day to hardly ever being there.
Terry Shoemaker
October 3, 2020
(Part 3) My dad was a true man of God. When he saw he did wrong, he would ask for forgiveness, even from us kids, and completely repented, never to do the wrong again. He also turned the other cheek when mistreated, and valued friendships and family above his personal need.
Dad witness to all everywhere he went. I suspect much of the criticism he received came from those who were convicted of their sin and decided to attack him rather than accept my dad's loving and kind witness about Christ, our loving savior.
Truthfully, when I started writing his tribute, I was angry at all of the unfair, untrue criticisms my dad received, but I am no longer angry, because for the first time I realize why...Dad received the persecution because he was one of the few that truly exhibited the nature of Christ. My dad was a true believer. When dad breathed his last breath, his savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, lovingly called my dad's spirit out of his broken, cancer-stricken body, and took him home to his joyous reward and eternal rest, where there is no more sorrow or pain.
I'll be there soon, dad.
I love you!
Terry Shoemaker
October 3, 2020
(Part 2) One was when one of his coworkers told him that he was lower than whale dung, the second was that he wasn't smart enough to pass a safety test. This never deterred dad from achieving greatness, and he was never resentful of the people who scorned him. He created some of the most intricately detailed molds I have ever seen and did work that most would never be able to accomplish. Some of the parts created from his molds were displayed at his viewing. The stories he told of his criticisms were never intended to draw attention to his maltreatment but were always intended to help me overcome the criticisms I faced in my life, and to spur me on the achieve great things despite harsh opposition.
My dad was the most loving, kind, hardworking and generous man that I have ever known. He was always very strong, both physically and emotionally. One story he told was when he was in high school. My dad was only 4'9" tall in high school and was picked on. One day, when dad was a freshman, a 6'4" senior came up to dad and grabbed dad's hands and played the game "Mercy" in which the loser had to cry out "mercy!" when his wrists were compromised and were in much pain. Little did that senior know how strong dad really was with all of his farm work and cow milking. Dad, only a 4'9" freshman, had the strength to slowly but firmly twist that Goliath of a senior's hands into submission and made HIM cry out for mercy.
I remember also when I was a little boy, and how he would wrap his strong loving arms around me and made me feel safe. He would fight for me when others would pick on me. He would cheer for me when I would overcome. He proudly told me of a time when the neighbor boy and his friend, both a year older than I, tried to pin me to the ground, and much to their surprise (and dismay), rejoiced when I pinned both of them to the ground, one in each arm.
Terry Shoemaker
October 3, 2020
(Part 1) How can one sum up the entirety of a person's existence in a short tribute? How can one convey the essence of a person's soul and spirit in just a few minutes in the medium we call time? I will do the best I can, starting from the beginning of his life...
My dad lived a life of hardship. His true story is only known by a few, the ones who were closest to him, and the ones who loved him the most. This is my tribute; therefore, his story will be told from my viewpoint.
Dad was born into a farm family. Stories have been told of his younger years when he would work on the farm after school until late at night. He would then have the responsibility to do his homework. This amounted to 16 to 20 hour days, consistently. As the oldest child, he carried the most responsibility of the siblings, and was the first to receive the harshest and strictest discipline. This would be difficult for anyone, but through raw determination and true grit, qualities he received from Grandma and Grandpa Shoemaker, he graduated from High School.
Dad enlisted in the military in 1958, at the age of nineteen. He was in the Navy during the first part of Vietnam, and during the Bay of Pigs. After honorably carrying out his responsibilities in the Navy, he married mom in 1962.
Dad married mom while he worked at Delco as a general laborer. He realized early on, however, that he wanted more for his family, so he acquired an education that helped him become a Tool and Die Maker. Dad then became a mold maker and did such a great job that he was handpicked to work in the new model shop where he spent the remainder of his career.
Dad did everything to the best of his ability. He never gave up on anything. He would ALWAYS finish what he started. At time and in conditions when anyone would have given up, dad never did.
My father had to face much criticism in his life. He would tell stories the depicted the criticisms he often received.
Tim Shoemaker
October 3, 2020
My dad is very nice. He does everything he can to help me. He loves me and I love him. Dad tells me to do some work and I do it. I ask him to do something for me and he tries to do it if he can.
Cash Hilliard
October 3, 2020
I met Ronnie at a family reunion in Winchester, Kentucky. I had married his sister-in-law Joan Adams in 2005, but hadn't met Ronnie until 2008. We were taking care of Joan's mother, who was living with us. We had gone to Winchester, KY to meet for a family gathering and traveled to Clay City, KY to meet Joan's side of her aunt, uncles, and cousins for dinner. Afterward, Ronnie and Betty went with us to an antique store. The girls went one way ad Ronnie and I went another. We talked about the "good old days" when old items were used in our grandparents' days. Ronnie was a good story teller. A gentle man, a kind of man anyone would admire. He was quiet but if you got to know him he had many stories to tell you. He was hard working, who supported his family. Most of all, he was a Christian man who loved Jesus Christ. He would even tell you chapter and verse of the Bible to share God's word on how to live. Most of all, he loved his family. He worked hard all his life to give his family the vision he had of the home and how to live. I really admired him.
Mick Owens
September 21, 2020
Betty, In thinking back of knowing you and Ron for the past 40+ years, many memories come to my mind...how proud he was of you, Tim, Terry, and Lori. When each of you achieved your education goals, he always wanted to make sure I was aware of your accomplishments...how he would light up talking about your grandkids and their lives. He always wanted you to be comfortable in your house, continually desiring to fix it up to meet your dreams as well as his. Tim's passing was hard for him, but he knew where Tim was. Which brings me to my most important memory of Ron, his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His home is finished and he is with Tim and his Lord. Betty, rest assured that he loved you very much ad you will be reunited.
Stew (friend)
September 21, 2020
From the time we met in the 70s serving our church, Ron and I were quiet friends. Our lifestyles were completely different but we both valued family and church as the most important part of our lives. Through the years, he and Betty saw me through many personal ups and downs, always patiently in the background, ready to lend support and understanding. Ron and I had a lot of laughs through the years as we worked together on house and yard projects, with Betty lending her input along side of us. Often after one of these projects, he would surprise and reward me with a lemon cake that he had made. Now it is time to rest in the arms of our savior, old friend, and know we will join you soon. I will miss you.
Joan Adams-Hilliard
September 21, 2020
I want to tell you about a time I first met Ronald Shoemaker. Our family lived in Wheeling, Indiana. Daddy had bought an old two story house in the middle of this little group of 16 houses, a church, and a gas station. The house had an upstairs with chimney holes in the floors where the pipe went through to the roof. But in our upstairs room we had only the hole because there wasn't a stove downstairs that went up through the room. My sisters and I would look through the hole when we were upstairs to see who was in our living room. Well, one night, a car turned in our driveway and a man got out of the car and knocked on our door. Daddy and Mother had gone to bed. He wanted to meet Betty. Well Betty had her hair up in rollers because we washed our hair on Saturdays to go to church the next day. I was upstairs looking through the chimney hole, listening to them flirting with each other. The only thing that impressed me was his shining black shoes. Through the years, their love grew stronger and you could see in their eyes the love they had for each other. But I will never forget the shining black shoes he wore the first night I met Ronnie Shoemaker.
Barney Shayne
September 21, 2020
Years ago, Ron and I carpooled with 4-5 other men of Christian Life Fellowship to attend a men's promise keeper's event-that was Ron, a promise keeper! We stopped on our way to carry out breakfast from McDonald's. After reach man got his order, we all returned to the van and were seated. After we all got seated and were opening our orders, we saw Ron FINALLY coming toward us with his bag too. But Ron went to the passenger side of another similar vehicle. We all watched him as he got in, closed the door, an began to unpack his breakfast bag-much to the consternation of the unknown lady driving that vehicle! After a few words were exchanged with that surprised lady, Ron got out, found our van and got in. I remember he only said a few words amid our laughter, something like, "I wonder what I was doing in that lady's car!" I shared many times with Ron in cars, on Taylor School's special needs bus, at Gideon's jail ministry, and at worship service and small groups at Christian Life Fellowship. Ron was very soft spoken with few words, often last in line...but was always in position to seek after God, and be busy about the Father's business. He represented Christ well as a worthy ambassador sharing love, serving others, and speaking words of testimony of our great God.
Jo Collins
August 24, 2020
My precious Brother Ron. He was a great brother. I remember going with my Mom & Dad to Norfolk. Va. to take a cruise on his ship the USS Randoff. A family day cruise. I got a little sea sick & spent some time in sick bay with his friend Fitsco. I was only 17 & was excited about spending time with a good looking man. A sailor. Love my brother & will miss him greatly. See you soon. Sissy Jo.
Joyce Lawrence
July 12, 2020
Dear Betty & Shoemaker Family, Ron was always friendly & kind to my family at my brother(Jim Snapp) & Linda Snapp's special family occasions that we were invited to. He had a great smile & I know he will be greatly missed. "In God's Hands" Joyce
Charley Werst
July 11, 2020
Ron,
Thanks for the friendship we had through the church. You always asked how I was doing and I felt that you really wanted to know. That forever Smile on your face will be missed but I know that someday I'll get to see it when we meet again.
Charley
Brent Osborne
July 11, 2020
Betty, JoLynn & Jim: So very sorry to hear about Ron. I will always remember the trips you made to our farm in Ohio and the trips we made to Indiana. Always a great time with our cousins.
Love, Brent & Vicki Osborne
Malcolm Sands
July 11, 2020
Dear Terry and Shoemaker Family. I’m sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Shoemaker giving me rides home from wrestling practice and he gave me nice encouragement also.
I enjoyed your Family video and pictures. I can relate to the thrill of white water rafting all of you did. Me Shoemaker will be missed but not forgotten.
Sincerely, Malcolm Samds
David Long
July 11, 2020
Ron is a good man. Ron is a good friend. Ron worked at Taylor Community School Corporation and mowed grass around all our facilities, sports fields, and large areas of grass in the north area as well as our solar field. His work was exceptional. He came to work each day with a plan in his head and would stay until he was done.
I especially enjoyed some time in conversation and he would pray for me sometimes as we took to the shade in the bus barn. Sometimes he would look me up during the day to see how I was doing. We would talk a bit and he would return to mowing to finish his day. I will miss him, but I will see him again in heaven.
David Long Jr.
David Denney
July 10, 2020
I will always think of Ron as my second father. He was willing to help and give advice when I needed it. My family and I will miss him dearly.
Conny Cain
July 10, 2020
Betty and Family,
Tim and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember Ron as the "well dressed man" at church who always snuck me a piece of chocolate! You both were a delight to me and Ron will be missed. - Tim & Conny Cain
Dan and Nancy Carney
July 10, 2020
Prayers for Ron's family.
I worked with Ron in the Model Technology Center at Delphi.
Nancy and Dan Carney
FROM THE FAMILY
Ron and Betty on Ferris Wheel July 17, 2015
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With love and deepest sympathy, Linda Snapp, Doug & Linda Rice & Family, and Jim & Maria Snapp & Family
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With Deepest Sympathy
Scott and Rosie Schafer and Family
FROM THE FAMILY
In loving memory of Ronald Keith Shoemaker.
- Your 'ECO Family
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Couldn't ask for a better Cousin.
Brent & Vicki Osborne
FROM THE FAMILY
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Praying for you
Your Friends at Baptist Church
FROM THE FAMILY
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Your Senior Helpers Family
For Betty and Lori
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With Deepest Sympathy
Taylor Community School Staff and School Board of Trustees
For Betty
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In loving memory of Ronnie Shoemaker.
From Coni & Bruce Bridenbaugh and Family
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Ron and Betty on Ferris Wheel July 17, 2015
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With love and deepest sympathy, Linda Snapp, Doug & Linda Rice & Family, and Jim & Maria Snapp & Family
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
With Deepest Sympathy
Scott and Rosie Schafer and Family
FROM THE FAMILY
In loving memory of Ronald Keith Shoemaker.
- Your 'ECO Family
FROM THE FAMILY
Couldn't ask for a better Cousin.
Brent & Vicki Osborne
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Praying for you
Your Friends at Baptist Church
FROM THE FAMILY
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Your Senior Helpers Family
For Betty and Lori
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
With Deepest Sympathy
Taylor Community School Staff and School Board of Trustees
For Betty
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
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FROM THE FAMILY
In loving memory of Ronnie Shoemaker.
From Coni & Bruce Bridenbaugh and Family