Ronald Prentiss DeBerry, a devout Christian, loving husband and nurturing father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away Tuesday morning, January 1, 2019.
Lifelong resident of Bruceton Mills, Ronald is survived by Ruth, his wife of 65 years; sons, Patrick and Michael and their wives, Carol and Jean; grandson, Robert DeBerry and wife, Heather and great-grandchildren, Maisy, Greta and Lincoln.
Ronald was the son of the late Gilbert Preston and Villetta Pearl (Loraw) DeBerry. He was born in September 29, 1932, in Cuzzart.
Ronald graduated from Bruceton High School in 1950, and entered the Air Force in 1952, serving at Scott Field, in Illinois, where he was an airborne radio instructor. While serving in the Air Force, Ronald married the love of his life, Ruth Kelly, prior to his honorable discharge in 1953. The class of 1950, which included both Ronald and Ruth, is unique in that the classmates have remained devoted to each other ever since graduating with annual reunions occurring without exception. These classmates were among Ronald’s most cherished friends. Traveling with many of these friends was a favorite activity for many years after they had entered retirement.
Ronald returned to Bruceton Mills after being discharged, and began working for Monongahela Power Company in a variety of capacities concluding his career as an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor after 35 years. Ronald worked as a lineman, in construction and as an electrician during his career. Lasting friendships with many coworkers were built and have continued through retirement. It was after retiring from the power company that Ronald began his favorite job of devoted husband and conscientious citizen.
Summers were filled with a favorite pastime of gardening that he and Ruth shared and they shared their abundant harvest throughout the community, especially with the North Preston Senior Citizen Center attendees, where they had many, many close friends. Their garden bounty was widely shared as their organic gardening yielded rich harvests. Ron and Ruth regularly attended fellowship lunches at the Center, seldom missing the weekly events. Fall was filled with a passion for time outdoors hunting, especially turkey hunting, and especially with family and friends. The passion that was shared with his sons from the time that they were young included, many annual trips to the Rocky Mountains for hunting trips with Patrick and Michael.
In addition to Ron’s electrical skills, he was an accomplished woodworker, who delighted in spending winter days in his woodworking shop. His craftsmanship for creating fine pieces of woodcraft was shared widely as gifts and is prominent in his home. Creating artistic works with salvaged antique wood was a favorite activity.
Another close circle of friends for Ronald was within the Suncrest United Methodist Church, where Ronald and Ruth have been members since 1984. Through the years, Ron devoted much time to the church working on church projects, especially when his electrician and carpenter skills were needed. Church service trips to a variety of locations were a means of giving back as well. Ronald always cherished the many friendships within the church family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mon Health Medical Center in the ER and the 4th floor for their kind and compassionate care of Ron in his final days. We thank Drs. Edward, Barclay and Blatt and also Dawn, John, Lindy, Ashley, Anika, Keri and many others for the comfort and exceptional care they gave our husband and father. We would also like to thank Dr. Bharti and the staff at Health South. They all made this part of the journey so much easier.
Family and friends may call at the Carl R. Spear Funeral Home, in Brandonville-Bruceton Mills, from 2 -4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, and from 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, until the 11 a.m. service with the Rev. Michael Estep officiating. Burial will follow in the Centenary Cemetery, Bruceton Mills.
Condolences: spearfuneralhome.net
