RONALD LEWIS SHIELDS
Ronald Lewis Shields was born southwest of Kellerton in Ringgold County, Iowa on the family farm September 13, 1934. Ronald was the first-born child of Kenneth Leo and Juanita Natalie Whisler Shields. He was later joined by sister Sheryol Lee and brother Edward Linn. He attended country schools and then high school in Mount Ayr. He joined the Marines in May of 1954 with three of his friends, Doyle Stuck, Bob Wheeler and Arvid Woollums. His basic training was at San Diego, California. He was later stationed in Japan, Hawaii, and 29 Palms California.
He was honorably discharged in May 1957 and returned to Iowa where he met Joan Kay “JoKaye” Huffman. They were married on September 22, 1957 at the First Christian Church. They were blessed with three children, Rodney Lynn, Roni Lorelle, and Roger Lewis (Pete). Later, JoKaye’s cousin, Allan Jeffrey (Jeff) Woody joined the family and was raised as one of their own.
Ronnie worked for Harvey Brothers, J.I. Case Company, and McCullough Motors and he and his dad drove a semi for John Ruan Company, Blockton Oil Company, Easterly Nelson and John Henry. He later bought a farm and started farming on his own. When he retired, he became an “over the road” truck driver for Boots Bedier and Stan Curtis which he enjoyed immensely. Later he bought his own rig. JoKaye was able to spend time with him during his trucking years, going with him on many trips.
When he re-retired, Ronnie spent many hours restoring four John Deere tractors and a Case tractor. He enjoyed the tractor rides when his health permitted. Many hours were also spent gardening and keeping the lawn and flowers tended. They spent 16 years wintering in Arizona, making many new friends.
Ronnie especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family time was very important to him. He, his mother, Roni and Roger were baptized into the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr by his brother, Ed Shields, where he remained a member.
He passed away July 10, 2018. He was preceded in death by great granddaughter Gracie Marie Waske.
He is survived by his wife JoKaye of 60 years, children; Rodney (Stacey) Shields, Roni “Cricket” Waske (Tim Nichols), Roger “Pete” (Amy) Shields, and Jeff (Brenda) Woody, grandchildren; Andy (Tara) Shields, Aleha Whittington, Aaron Shields, Joshua (Amanda) Waske, Jaycob (Karla) Waske, Joe (Amanda) Waske, Brandie (Bret) Ruggles, Brett (Melissa) Shields, Brennon (Bailey) Shields, Cameron and Allan Woody, 20 great-grandchildren, sister Sheryol (R.C.) Rush, brother Ed (Kathy) Shields, sister-in-law Karen (Mike) Clark, nephew Ken (Christine) Rush, nieces; Natalie (Barry) Phelps, Erika (Ryan) Welch, Emily (Richard) Shelley, and Kemmie Hebensperger (JoAnn Genewick), many cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services were at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Officiating was Pastor Ed Shields.
Pianist was Deb Cannon and musicians were Brenda Woody, Nancy Roe, Wendy Shaha and Marilyn Saville.
Songs were “Amazing Grace”, “Lead Me Home”, “Something You Get Through”, “Goin Home” and “The Other Side”.
Casketbearers were Josh Waske, Jay Waske, Joe Waske, Andy Shields, Aaron Shields, Aleha Whittington, Brett Shields, Brennon Shields, Brandie Ruggles, Cameron Woody and Allan Woody.
Honorary pallbearers were Robert Shields, William Shields, James Shields, John Shields, Tom Shields, Lee Brand, John Campbell, Jeff Bedier, Joe Board and Lawrence Bishop.
Military honors by Ringgold Post #172, American Legion and U.S. Marine Corp Honor Guard.
Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Memorials to the Ringgold Post #172, American Legion, and HCI Care Services of Mount Ayr.
