Ronald "Ronnie" Simpson

Strong willed, focused, and an early bird were just a few words to describe Ronnie Simpson. He was also very handy and great at trouble shooting. Nothing could stop him from getting the job done. In 1932, Ford produced the Model Y automobile, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo and on October 23, Rex and Daisy (Magg) Simpson welcomed their son Ronald G. in Prairie City, Iowa. Growing up in central Iowa, Ronnie attended Newton High School. He told stories of waking up early to do morning chores, walking or occasionally riding his horse miles to school and home again to do afternoon chores, then back to school for football practice, which he played throughout high school. Ronnie then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army. While in basic training Ronnie was thrilled to wake up at 5 am instead of the usual 4 am. He also played football and loved to boast about playing in Germany. He was known for his ornery attitude and strong work ethic. It was in Iowa where he met Elizabeth "Bette" Meade, a young (equally ornery) local girl. He swept her off of her feet and the two fell in love. Eager to begin life together, they were married, Saturday, May...[more]

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, 1956 in Newton, Iowa. As a young family, they moved to the area in 1962. And by 1972, they had saved enough money to buy a good-sized property in rural Allen County, just outside of Churubusco. It was here that they built the family farm and raised their three children, Ronda, Mark and Scott, and where they too would eventually build homes and raise families. Ronnie was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW in Churubusco. He enjoyed nature, spending time with his family for holidays and events, relaxing by his pond, riding his John Deere tractor mowing, and working on his seemingly endless projects. Ronnie loved telling the story of having to pick up Corey in his "Brand Truck" and that Corey "filled up his brand new truck with all his stuff". Ronnie also loved taking the grandkids to hole in the wall restaurants and giving the great grandkids golf cart rides. Always in our hearts, the love and care shown by Ronnie to others will always be remembered. Ronald "Ronnie" Simpson age 85, of the Churubusco area, passed away surrounded by his family, at 12:45 pm on Friday, March 9, 2018 at his residence. Survivors include his daughter, Ronda (Joe) Bauer of Churubusco; sons, Mark Simpson of Fort Wayne, Scott Simpson of Churubusco; grandchildren, Julie (Kevin) Foster, Joseph (Kasey) Bauer, Joe Richards, Corey (Marie) Simpson and Jason Simpson; great-grandchildren Cruz Richards, Kale Simpson, Cameron Simpson, Parker Simpson, Rex Bauer, Maxwell Bauer, Elizabeth Foster, Layla Foster, Aliyah Foster, Nyla Beck, and Myah Beck; sister Rita (Jim) Miller; sister-in-laws, Cathie (Neal) Cannady and Mick Simpson; brother-in-law Edwin (Karen) Meade. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of nearly 60 years Bette Simpson, great-grandson, Joseph Bauer III, and brother Marvin Simpson. A memorial service for Ronnie will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday March 15, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr. Columbia City, with calling two hours prior to service. Certified Funeral Celebrant, Sharon Brockhaus, will officiate. Private burial in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Memorial contributions in memory of Ronnie may be made to Dementia Society of America. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.