Ronald Franklin Ellis was born May 28, 1942 in Richmond, Indiana and departed this world peacefully and surrounded by love at age 81 on September 22, 2023.

Ron was born to Leroy and Effie Burdine Ellis.  He graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1960 then studied engineering at Laterneau College in Longview, TX.  He spent his life in Richmond except while stationed in Germany serving with the US Army during the Viet Nam War.

Ron had a strong love for God and attended church at St. John Lutheran and later First English Lutheran. He was kind and understanding and taught others to respect the smaller things in life.  Even during the most difficult of times he was always ready with a joke or funny story to lighten the mood for everyone around. Sharing that laughter is what kept him going and was one of his greatest gifts to the world.

Ron was a dedicated worker all his life and believed if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.  He enjoyed careers that allowed him to make his own schedule and visit businesses all over the area.  Many still remember him from his early days as a salesman with Lincoln-Kaler but he also spent 20 years with Prudential as an independent agent.  During his time with Prudential he was top agent of the year in 1988, won many other prestigious awards and earned trips to places like Hawaii and Italy.  He loved travel, architecture, history, classic cars and the Indiana Pacers.  Some of his favorite adventures were touring historical buildings in Germany and Italy and the James Dean car festival in Fairmount, IN.

Most of all, Ron loved his family.  He is survived by the love of his life, Sally Graham Ellis, who he married 50 years ago.  He was a loving father to his three daughters, Jennifer Ellis (Allen Lowe), Tonja Thompson (Tony) and Cindy Murray (Kyle) and is also survived by his brother Dr. Robert L. Ellis, four grandsons (Dustin Thompson, Cody Thompson, Christopher Murray and Corey & Alexa Murray), great grandchildren (Christopher Murray Jr. and Ian Murray) as well as nieces and nephews that he loved very dearly.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brother (Dr. James E. Ellis) and three sisters (Margaret Robbins, Janet Newman and Carolyn Ellis).

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday Oct 3, 2023 at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 PM and a service will begin at 3:00 PM followed by the Honor Guard.  Pastor Rick Alvey will officiate.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at stegallberheideorr.com/obits.