Ronald H. ‘Ron’ Smith

Ronald Smith

MARQUETTE, MI – Ronald H. “Ron” Smith, 76, of Marquette, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 6, with his loving wife by his side, and in the presence of his family. Ron was born on July 22, 1943 in Dearborn, Michigan to Robert and Edith Smith. On June 4, 1947 he moved to Eben Junction where the family established a dairy farm. He worked on the farm from a very young age, was involved in 4-H, and eventually took over the responsibility of running the family farm. Ron attended Eben High School and graduated in 1961. He was very active on the track and field team, setting the school record of 3:50.3 in the 1600 meter relay his senior year, which was proudly held for 24 years. In the early 60’s, Ron worked under the supervision of Jack Little at the Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Station in Chatham. On August 27, 1966 Ron married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Mary Alice Mahalic. Together they had three daughters and resided in Eben for 40 years. In 1999 he retired from Kimberly Clark paper mill in Munising after 35 years of loyal employment. Ron was a very engaged member of his community. He was whole-heartedly involved in the building of the Rock River Township park. He was active with the Chatham Lions Club for many years, including serving as President. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Wayne Burkhart, sister and brother-in-law Roberta and Allen Laakso, sister-in-law Betty Mahalic, and son-in-law Dan Mackey. Survivors include his wife of 53 years Mary Alice Smith of Marquette, daughters: Ronda (Todd) Barr of Skandia, Debbie Smith of Marquette and Patty (Tim) Blemberg of Marquette; grandchildren: Nichole Mackey of Canton, Michigan, Jacob Mackey of Marquette, Hannah Blemberg of Marquette and Tommy Blemberg of Marquette. Ron is also survived by four sisters: Marjorie Marinovic of El Paso, Texas, Janice (Norbert) Schroepfer of Antigo, Wisconsin, Linda (Don) Joel of Colgate, Wisconsin and Betty (Cecil) Martin of Eben and one brother Bobby Smith of Crossville, Alabama. He is also survived by brother-in-law Tom (Lei) Mahalic of Marquette and Arlene Mahalic of San Jose, California, several nieces and nephews, along with countless close friends and neighbors. Ron was an avid fan of any Michigan sports team, especially the Detroit Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and Lions. He, however, converted to become a Green Bay Packers fan later in life! He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting deer, geese and partridge. His most precious and treasured gems are his grandchildren. Ron never missed a sporting event, dance recital, awards ceremony, band and orchestra concert, or graduation of his grandchildren, if he could help it. Ron did anything and everything he could to help his children right to the end.