Ronald H Wanless , June 14, 1937 — April 22, 2018

Ronald H. Wanless Standish, Michigan Ronald Henry Wanless, age 80, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2018 after a long period of illness. He was born to the union of Henry and Alzena Wanless on June 14, 1937. In his younger years he excelled as both a hockey and fastpitch softball player.

Growing up he attended Handy High School where he met his wife of 59 years Charlotte Gillespie, whom he married on November 8, 1958. Ronald and Charlotte went on to have seven children. Ronald… Read More » started working at Mercy Hospital, before pursuing a career in building- he built several homes in the Bay City area.

Over the years, he owned and operated numerous businesses including Northern Oil and Propane and Standish Sporting Goods. In 1991 he and his wife Charlotte opened the Pumpkin Farm in Standish where every year they greeted thousands of guests with a smile, story, and a wagon ride. The farm brought great happiness to the couple, as they loved to give back to their community and visit with the children.

Unfortunately, in 2012 deteriorating health forced them to close the business. Ron was very involved with youth in the community and founded the Standish American Legion baseball team in 1979, leading the team to the championship in his first year of being the coach, For many years he coached girls softball and Pony League baseball, earning several more championship titles. Ron’s grandchildren were his pride and joy- he loved talking about them whenever he got the chance.

He was a well known man in the community and always had plenty of stories to tell. Ronald is survived by his children Carol (David) Wright, David (Lisa) Wanless, Ronald James (Jeanne) Wanless, Mike (Bridget) Wanless, Cathy (Todd) Switala, Jennifer (Jeff) Goodman and Andrew (Kristy) Wanless, seventeen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings Beverly Shelburg, Susan (Dan) Darland, Kathy (Mike) Fisher, Patti (David) Karp and sister-in-law Dolores Wanless.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Clarence (Tom) Wanless and Michael Wanless, as well as one brother-in-law William Shelberg. Funeral Services for Ronald H. Wanless will be Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 11 am at the Lee Ramsay Funeral Home – STANDISH CHAPEL, Standish, Michigan with the Rev. Steven Karp officiating.

Interment will be in Pine River Cemetery. The family will greet family and friends 4pm till 8 pm Wednesday, April 25 at the Lee Ramsay Funeral Home – STANDISH CHAPEL.

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