Ronald Shepherd

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Ronald Arthur Shepherd, a resilient soul whose life was a testament to the human spirit. Born on August 16, 1942, in Berwyn, IL, and passed away on June 18, 2024. Ronald's life was filled with the richness of experiences, wisdom, and love that he generously shared with all who knew him. His journey on earth may have ended, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Ronald, a loyal and dedicated factory worker in the heavy equipment manufacturing industry for many years, was a pillar of strength and dependability. His journey wasn't always easy; he weathered many storms but always came out stronger, teaching us that "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." His resilience was inspirational, and it was his unwavering spirit that guided him through life's challenges with grace and dignity. Ronald was a beloved father to his children, Janelle Siebert and Joshua Shepherd, who were the apple of his eye. He devoted his life to their happiness, always leading by example and instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Shepherd and Phyllis Olson, who instilled in him the strength and fortitude that defined his life. In the words of Kahlil Gibran, "For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one." While we mourn the physical loss of Ronald, we celebrate the vibrant life he lived and the indelible imprint he left on all of us. His spirit lives on, not only in his children but in every life he touched, every hand he held, and every heart he warmed. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and photos of Ronald on his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a comforting reminder of Ronald's impactful life and the love he shared with us all. Per Ronald's wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Shepherd, please visit our flower store.