Ronnie Merrill Allen

Ronnie’s older siblings are Sharon Ruth (Warren Williams), Linda Cheryl (Harold Card), Sandra Lee (Eric Armstrong), Cathy Lynne (Mikel Dover-Chubin), Lorna Jean (Donald Lehnhof) and Lonnie Reas (Sandy) Allen.

Ronnie is proceeded in death by his parents, and sisters Sharon and Linda.

Ronnie was born with Cerebral Palsy and spent his entire life in a wheelchair. He never let his limitations interfere with his happy spirit and sense of humor. He would often laugh so hard, his body would stiffen and he would slide right out of his chair.

He endured many painful surgeries on his legs with the hope that there would be success in him having more use and control. None were truly successful, but Ron was never discouraged. He adapted to each limitation.

He attended Easter Seals camps for the disabled where he made friends and learned to enjoy the great outdoors with other children just like him.

Ronnie spent many years attending painful, strenuous physical therapy sessions at OHSU and taking swimming lessons at the David Douglas swimming pool which he loved! At the age of 5 years old, he made headlines in the Oregonian newspaper, as he swam daily with some of the high school swim team members who encouraged and mentored him.

In early years, Ron could walk with braces between bars or with a special walker. When he was placed on the floor, he’d straddle his legs to the sides and hop like a bunny rabbit all over the house or acre yard.

Ronnie attended Gilbert Heights Elementary, Holiday Park school, Alice Ott Middle school and David Douglas High School.

He spent many years taking oil painting lessons. He really enjoyed life with a paint brush in his one good hand and created many treasures for his family and friends.

At the age of about 42 years old, Ron decided to strike out on his own and contacted his case- manager to help him find an apartment of his very own. He moved into a very nice facility with others with disabilities. It was at Pinepoint that a caregiver named Pam came into his life. They fell in love and soon she became his wife and life partner. Ron was not blessed with children of his own, but he proudly claimed the title of Step Dad to Pam’s son Ian.

Ron, Pam and Ian lived in Portland, Gresham, Lebanon, Klamath Falls, then were able to finally purchase a home in Chiliquin OR. Ron lived out his final years as a very proud home owner.

In his final years, even though his eyes, ears and body failed him, his huge personality and humor remained. He could still find something to laugh at.

Ronnie will be greatly missed. He shared his love and humor with everyone he came in contact with and lived life to the fullest!