Ronald L. McElhaney

He is survived by his wife, Rantha M. McElhaney; a sister Luray (Eddie) Johnson; 2 brothers Gary (Moira) and Larry (Cathie) Romine; 4 Nieces and 4 nephews. He loved cats, and is survived by his most recent cat, Sedona.

Ronald was born to Robert Eugene and Adda May Hollobaugh McElhaeny, but lost his father, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, at an early age. His mother remarried, and Harry Earl Romine became Ronnie's stepfather. Ronnie moved to Westport, Indiana at a young age. Growing up, just outside of town, he learned the hard work and discipline of life on a dairy farm. Ronnie learned the lesson well and followed his stepfather's footseps, getting a job at Cummins Diesel, where he would work for nearly 25 years.

Growing up Ronnie enjoyed sports and played basketball; which turned out to be a little too hard on his knees; but he enjoyed other sports and would even make up his own games to play. He also enjoyed riding horses.

Eventually Ronnie traded riding horses for racing cars. He got into racing cars, shortly after high school with his friend Bob Cox. Something that would serve him well after he met Rantha M. Anders.

In 1968, Ronnie and Rantha were set up on a blind date. Rantha liked his smile and she liked his enthusiasm for race cars. She liked that he got her into the races. But most of all, she enjoyed his easygoing and patient attitude. He made her feel comfortable when they were together. The next year, they were married and remained so for 51 years.

Ronnie's interest in cars never faded. He was a car guy and his brother often sought his advise on buying and trading in cars. Ronnie had demonstrated his expertise when he negotiated the purchase of Gary's first car. Ronnie remained a car enthusiast and was always ready to trade in to upgrade his ride. Recently Rantha had to talk him out of trading for a new car.

When not looking for a new car, Ronnie could spend hours on the computer playing Warcraft and would patiently explain the creatures from the game to Rantha. He also loved his cats. Sedona is the sixth cat in their family and many of them lived to the ripe old age of 19. But most of all, Ronnie loved Rantha and was always listening for things that would catch her fancy, so that he could make a Christmas gift of it. Rantha will always remember Ronnie's patient and thoughtful demeanor and the Christmas Surprises they shared.

Ronald L. McElhaney's life was full of love for cars, cats and his family, especially his wife of 51 years. He will most be remembered as a man with a goodheart.

A visitation for Ronald will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042. A funeral service will occur the next day, Wednesday, at 9:00 AM also at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, where he will be laid to rest immediately following the chapel service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the McElhaney family.