Ronald D. Tolley Sr., age 65, of Marion, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning, October 28, 2011, at his residence following a brief illness.
On August 26, 1946, Ron was born in Charleston, West Virginia, one of four children of the late Howard and Ellie (Jividen) Tolley. He was a lifelong resident of Marion County, and had attended the New Bloomington and Elgin High Schools.
Wanting to join the military, Ron left school early to enlist in the U. S. Navy. He served for five years in many capacities, and had been stationed at Patuxent River in Maryland.
While in grade school, Ron met Shirley Mae Simpson, and they became high school sweethearts. Then while on leave from the military, Ron and Shirley were married on November 16, 1964. Together they shared nearly 46 wonderful years of marriage and lovingly raised two children.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ron returned to Marion to work at the Marion Power Shovel for over 20 years. He then went to work for the Honda Corporation in Marysville and East Liberty, retiring in 2003.
Taking pride in his home, Ron always worked diligently on whatever project he felt needed done next. In 2000, he got the home of his and Shirley’s dreams, with a beautiful lawn and room for their garden.
Having a heart of gold, Ron always wanted to make sure everyone in his family was well and taken care of. Very generously, he would help them in any way he could. He especially loved spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ron will be dearly missed by his wife, Shirley Tolley; two sons: Ron Tolley Jr. and Roy (Rita) Tolley; two grandchildren: Tabatha (Justin) Andrick, and Brenda (William) Boganwright; two great-grandchildren: Sophia and Wyatt Boganwright; two step great-grandchildren; a brother, Don (Selma) Tolley; a sister, Gena (William) Chiles, all of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Ernie Tolley.
The Tolley family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2011, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St,. Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. David Carlyle officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Ron’s family, and condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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