Ronald P. Smith, a man of remarkable talent and an unyielding curiosity, passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on November 4, 1937, in Rome, NY, Ron was the son of the late Howard and Nettie (Sampson) Smith. His childhood in Westerville, NY helped shape his lifelong passion for building, fixing, and problem-solving, qualities that would define him throughout his life.

His formative years, as the youngest of seven children, was spent on his family's small farm. Influenced by his older brothers, he attended and graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Agriculture in 1959. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army, and after the completion of basic training, he served in the Army Reserve for almost six years. In 1961 he married Mona Charles and they began their family shortly thereafter.

Ron began his thirty-three year career with John Deere in Field Service positions, first in Syracuse, NY and then in Mansfield, PA, before moving to Waterloo, Iowa in 1963 to join the Product Engineering Division for Farm Equipment. Ronald became known for his ingenuity and problem solving skills and he was sorely missed after he took advantage of John Deere's Special Early Retirement Plan (SERP) offered to him in 1993 at the age of 55.

In the fall of 1993, Ron and Mona traveled to Florida, to join several of their retired siblings for the winter, and they quickly fell in love with the option of escaping harsh Iowa winters. Their enjoyment of Florida's warmth led them to become snowbirds, splitting their time between Iowa and Florida for several years. In 1995, they purchased a second home in Sun Ray, a community in Frostproof, FL to be close to their extended family. Then, in 2010, they sold their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and moved permanently to the Highland Lakes community in Leesburg, Florida, becoming full-time residents of the Sunshine State.

One of Ron's most extraordinary feats was his cycling across Iowa, visiting every city in the state—an endeavor that demonstrated not only his physical endurance but his unwavering determination. His interest in cycling began in 1983 when he participated in RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Ride Across Iowa) for the first time, eventually completing 23 week-long tours and logging 13,911 miles. His passion for cycling influenced his whole family and many family gatherings were centered around bicycle touring.

A skilled craftsman and mechanic, he could fix anything and was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. It was said that if something could be fixed, Ron could fix it. His ability to build and maintain anything, whether it was a mechanical device or a makeshift tool, earned him a reputation as a beloved problem solver in his community. His workshop was a testament to his resourcefulness, filled with tools, gadgets, and parts that he had created or repaired over the years.

In his personal life, Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mona (Charles) Smith in 2017, with whom he shared over 55 years of love and companionship. Together, they raised a family that has carried forward his legacy of hard work, fiscal responsibility, and care for others.

He is survived by his children, Peter Smith (Leslie Nyhus Smith), Kimberly Porter (Gerald Porter), and Heather Smith (Ashley Yelds). Ron was also a proud grandfather to Hannah Smith and Madeline Smith. His family will always remember him for his innate curiosity, his willingness to help, and his deep commitment to organization and analysis.

In his final years, Ron found comfort and companionship in his life with Paula Fry, who stood by his side as his partner and helpmate. Together, they shared a life of mutual respect, love, and support, enriching each other's lives with their companionship.

Ron's passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy is one of inquisitiveness, innovation, and a deep commitment to helping others. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of Ron's life will be held at a later date, where his family will gather to share memories, reflect on his many contributions, and honor the life of a man who could always be counted on to make things work.