Ronald J. Smith, 89, of rural Bluffton, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 23, 2025, at his residence.
Ron was born in Monroeville on March 9, 1936, to Lloyd and Viola (LaMont) Smith. He married Marcella “Sally” Gillig at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Decatur on Aug. 30, 1958; she survives.
A 1954 graduate of Ossian High School, at the age of 18 Ron entered the Air National Guard, and later served in the United States Air Force; serving for a total of eight years. He worked at Corning Glass in Bluffton and later retired from Dana in Fort Wayne after many years of service. In addition to being a lifelong farmer, Ron was an avid woodworker and also enjoyed spending time at the lake and fishing.
In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by four daughters, Rhonda (Dennis) Lepper of Ossian, Marcia (Fred) Ilnicki of Fishers, Kathy (Dewayne) Macon of Bluffton and Judy (James) Smith of Fort Wayne; a son, Eric (Heather) Smith of Kansas City, Kansas; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; a sister, LaDonna (Lee) Burke of Fort Wayne; and a brother, Jean (E.J.) Smith of Fort Wayne.
A rosary service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bluffton, followed immediately by public visitation until 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., at the church, officiated by Fr. David Violi and Fr. Steve Colchin. Military honors will follow the mass, conducted by the American Legion Post 111 in conjunction with the United States Air Force honor guard. Private burial will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Decatur.
Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions in memory of Ron may be directed for masses, to St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.goodwincaleharnish.com.