Ronald L. "Ron" Utz, 70, of Olney died at 8:50 a.m.Tuesday August 20, 2013 at Kindred Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.  Funeral services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney  with Pastor Steve Wingert officiating. Cremation rites to be accorded after the service.

Ronald was born on October 30, 1942 in Danville, Illinois, the son of Gerald and Burneta (Rash) Utz. He married the love of his life, Rita May (Ruhr) on April 19, 1969 in Atlantic, Iowa. They met as the result of a chance encounter in a coffee shop in Des Moines.

Ron loved his kids and family, especially the grandkids. Ron worked at First National Bank in Olney for 30+ years, retiring at the age of 59 as Assistant Vice President. Ron enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, fishing, and being a member of the East Fork Bassmasters Club.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Rita May Utz; Son, Zane Utz and wife Cheryl of Olney; Daughter, Christy Shoulders and husband Dave of Olney; Grandchildren, Jerry Jacob Riggs, Makita Marie Utz, Ian Quincy Utz, Zachary David Shoulders, Joshua Ryan Shoulders, and Alex Michael Shoulders; Step Grandchildren, Matthew Shoulders and Christopher Shoulders; Honorary Grandson, Ben "Sam" Lynch; Mother and Father-in-law, Johnie and Nelda Ruhr of Atlantic, IA; Brothers-in-law, Paul Ruhr and wife Janet, Kevin Ruhr and wife Joann; Sister-in-law, Lori Paulsen and husband Dallas; Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jill Utz Neff.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)