Ronald Martin Denniston

Ron was born on October 9, 1942, in Des Moines, IA, to Otha Charles and Evaline Esther (Martin) Denniston. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in Indiana in 1960 before earning a B.A. from Anderson College in Anderson, IN, in 1966. From 1966 to 1968, he served at Fort Knox, KY, as a trumpeter and audio engineer with the 113th Army Band, achieving the rank of E-5.

During his time at Anderson College, Ron met the love of his life, Ruth Ann (Shackleton). They married on August 1, 1964, in Cornell, WI, and built a beautiful life together, blessed with two daughters, Cynthia Lou and Lynda Jo, and three grandchildren: Trevor, Noah, and Ryleigh. Over the years, they made their home in several cities across three states, including Indianapolis, Kalamazoo, Fort Knox, Grand Rapids, Jenison, Owosso, and Hudsonville.

Ron had a rewarding career, beginning as a claims adjuster for Aetna Insurance Company before serving as both a manager and vice president of James S. Kemper Agency, Inc. From 1980 to 2000, he owned and operated Computer Personnel Service, and later during semi-retirement worked as a courier for Chemical Bank until his retirement in 2007.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and beloved "Uncle Duck," Ron will be deeply missed. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of Owosso First Church of God and, in retirement, attended Faith United Church of God, Jenison Christian Church, and Orchard View Church of God. Ron loved the Lord and served in many leadership roles, including choir director, worship leader, trumpeter, and vocalist. He also served as a Christian school board member, Sunday School teacher, church council chairman, and small group leader.

Ron had a lifelong love for sports, playing softball, golf, and tennis. He was also widely known for his bread-baking skills, delighting family and friends with his homemade loaves. He had a keen interest in traveling, electronics, and audio engineering. His passion for music led him to perform with Sonrise Ensemble, SAMs Swing Band, and Celebration Brass, bringing joy to many in senior facilities and other venues. A highlight for Ron was regularly gathering around the piano following supper to sing with his family.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ruth Ann; daughters Cynthia Lou Sopko and Lynda Jo (Christian) Horner; grandchildren Trevor Martin Sopko, Noah Tyler Horner, and Ryleigh Jo Horner; sister-in-law Janet Leatherman; brother-in-law Virgil Leatherman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otha Charles and Evaline Esther Denniston; in-laws Benjamin Lee and Margaret (Burnett) Shackleton; brothers George Franklin Denniston and Charles David Denniston; brother-in-law Benjamin Alan Shackleton; sisters-in-law Patricia Denniston, Thelma Denniston, and Jan Shackleton; nephew Michael Denniston; and niece-in-law Barbara Denniston.

Ron’s legacy of love, kindness, gift of service, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Ron’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Orchard View Church of God, 2777 Leffingwell, Grand Rapids, MI, on March 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM.

In honor of Ron’s love for music and outreach service, donations in his memory may be made to Celebration Brass as the trumpeters honor and glorify Jesus Christ by sharing His Good News in both word and music.