Ronald Lee Vanasdale

Ronald L Vanasdale, 75, passed away in Zanesville, Ohio on April 25, 2022, surrounded by his children.
Ron was born on June 6, 1946, in Shelby, Ohio, to Willis (Bill) and Kathleen (Cole) Vanasdale.  He graduated from Shelby in 1965 and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Fritz, on April 10, 1966, at Tiro United Methodist Church.  Together they spent the next 52 years on their farm on the west side of Shelby where they raised their five children.    
At the age of 14, Ron knew that he wanted to be a farmer.  Free time was spent helping his uncles and grandpa on the family farm.   At the age of 23, he started his own farm and bought his first tractor, an International Harvester 930. Ron’s favorite place was in the field sitting in a tractor seat. He loved farming and said the only part he didn’t like was the desk work.  After he married Mary Ellen, they worked together on their farm and raising their family.  They made a great team. If anyone could put a smile on his face, it was his Mary Ellen. 
Ron and Mary Ellen spent many years in the off-season traveling around the country visiting family, friends, and sight-seeing.  He loved four-wheeling in the mountains of Utah, bringing loved ones to his favorite vacation spots, and sharing in his adventures. He could never pass up a good game of cards or playing Mexican Train.
Ronnie is survived by his children:  Gail (Kurt) Dreier of Zanesville; daughter, Rhonda (Brian) van Ooyen of Hilton Head, SC; son, Jason (Jessica Adkins) Vanasdale of Zanesville; daughter, Sara (Jose) Bazan of Worthington; and Heidi (Benjamin) Brubach of Shelby.  He was richly blessed with 15 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Linda (Vanasdale) Colwell.
Ron is now eternally reunited with his long-time love, Mary Ellen, both of his parents, and younger brother, Michael Vanasdale.  
Friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory, 33 N Gamble St, Shelby.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, from the funeral home.  Burial will follow services at Myers Cemetery.
Memorial expressions may be made in honor of Ron to St. Jude’s Medical Center.

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