Ronald Francis Wertz, 85, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on February 21, 1940, in Lebanon, a son to the late Josephine (Wolfe) and Franklin (Frank) Wertz. On October 5, 1958, he married his true love, Anna Mary (Lerch) Wertz. They celebrated 66 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in November of last year.
Ronald was self-employed as a painter and paper hanger, and after closing the painting business he worked as a general maintenance technician for the Lebanon Housing Authority. After he retired, he would go on to work as a crossing guard for the city of Lebanon, which he enjoyed immensely and so loved seeing the countless children that he helped every school day. In his spare time, he enjoyed working with his hands, either tending the garden, growing vegetables for his wife to can for the winter or on a woodworking project to decorate the house. However, his greatest passion was fishing in the local lakes and streams, especially when joined by family members. Ronald loved spending time with his family and would often take his grandchildren fishing or to Hershey Park or Knoebels Grove. In his youth, Ronald loved to head out with his cousins or friends to any of the regional roller-skating rinks to skate the time away and was an accomplished two-step dancer on his roller skates. Ronald had a strong faith, attended church regularly helping with church services and activities whenever possible.
He is survived by his children, often called his “Little Monkeys”, Bruce (Laura) Wertz of Silver Spring, MD., Bonita (Lee) Stover of Gaines, PA., Barry (Jen) Wertz of Martinsburg, WV. and Bradley (Mary Mottin) Wertz of Lebanon, PA.; grandchildren, Abagail, Megan, Shannon, Elisabeth, Peter, Jeremy, Brian, Dale, Ezekiel, Gabriel, Nathanael, Dustin, Kyle; great-grandchildren, Alexander, Olivia, Aurora, Kinsley, Sean, Gideon, MaryAnn, Desirre, Edward, Matthias, Elian and Montana; his siblings, Connie Coggins of Myerstown, Cecilia White of Lebanon, Fran Smestuen of Menomonie, WI, and Scott (Deb) Wertz of Annville.
Ronald is preceded in death by his wife, Anna; parents, Franklin (Frank) and Josephine; his stepfather, Daniel Sattazahn; his brothers, Dennis and Dale Wertz; and a half-brother, Robert Bordener. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s name can be sent to Calvary Church of Lebanon. He will be tenderly remembered and greatly missed by his many loved ones. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 in Rohland Funeral Home, 508 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA 17042.
