Ronald Whiting

Ronald "Ron" Garrison Whiting, age 102, of Portage, Michigan Ronald was welcomed into the loving arms of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 29, 2017. During his long life, Ronald was a torch-bearer for Christ and let his light shine brightly before all. (Matt. 5:16) Ronald was born to Ross Whiting and Edna Marie (Hurst) on April 3, 1915 in Frankfort, Ohio. Ronald was an avid storyteller and would relate countless stories of growing up on the farm. Ronald graduated in 1934 from Frankfort High School in Frankfort, OH. As the years of the Great Depression ravaged family farms, Ronald faithfully honored his parents. He relocated his parents and two brothers (Harold and Melvin) to Michigan, so he could support the family. Ronald moved from Detroit, to Marshall, MI to work on his sister, Rosalyn (Reed) Vincent's uncle's dairy farm, and then to Battle Creek. While attending the Battle Creek Gospel Center, God led him to his future wife, Mabel Martha Harmon. They were married on May 29, 1941. Ronald and Mabel settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan where Ronald worked for the UpJohn Co. Ronald and Mabel were blessed with five children, Janet (Robert) Lynn, Ronald C. (Patricia), Douglas, Thomas (Sandra) and Patricia (L. Russell) Rohr. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family while vacationing at Drummond Island and Piatt Lake. Ronald enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to fish. He built ice skating rinks in the winter and boasted of skating the length of Gull Lake. He was a devoted Tiger's fan and rarely missed an Ohio State game. Ronald was also actively involved in youth and college ministries in all the churches he attended. Ronald Garrison was preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Mabel Martha and his son Ronald C. Whiting. Ronald is survived by 4 children, 21 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Ronald left a cherished legacy on all who were blessed to call him father, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend. May we all be inspired to live boldly for Christ as Ronald did - Well done!! (Hebrews 12:1-2) A Celebration of Ronald's Life was held Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Haven Church of Kalamazoo with Pastor Tim Gunderson from New Hope Fellowship Church and Pastor Lin Batts from Haven Church, officiating. Memorials may be made to: Haven Church of Kalamazoo, 5350 N. Sprinkle, Kalamazoo, MI 49004 and/or Hospice of Southwest Michigan, 222 N Kalamazoo Mall #100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.