Ronald Ray “Ron” Lyness
November 30th, 1952 - February 6th, 2025
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Ron's Obituary
Ronald “Ron” Ray Lyness, 72, passed away, Thursday, February 6, 2025, at his residence.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11AM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until 11 AM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. To livestream Ron's Celebration, please visit the following YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=starks+chapel+a. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ron was born on November 30, 1952 to Richard & Lois (Kreps) Lyness in Lawrence, Kansas. Ron graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. In college, Ron met the love of his life, Velda Rae Roddy. They married in Orlando, Florida, April 1, 1989.
Ron retired from the Benton Harbor Area Schools in 2010 after 30 years, as an administrator and facilitator of the Kuschel Performing Arts Center at Benton Harbor High School. He shared his passion for drama and theater by hiring students to work in the performing arts center to put together set designs, lighting, and props. He has always been a champion of various youth programs including BHHS Key Club, in which held the position of club advisor and West Zone advisor for the Michigan District. Passionately involved with Kiwanis, Ron worked to combine the St. Joe and Benton Harbor clubs and has held most positions from President to Lt. Governor of Division 17 in the Ohio District. His favorite moments were camping with his wife and daughter, at many of the National Parks in 49 of the 50 states, and spending time with family.
Ron is survived by his wife, Velda of St. Joseph; daughter, Rhiannon Lyness of Akron, Ohio; and 2 brothers, Robert (Linda) Lyness and Randall Lyness.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11AM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until 11 AM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. To livestream Ron's Celebration, please visit the following YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=starks+chapel+a. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ron was born on November 30, 1952 to Richard & Lois (Kreps) Lyness in Lawrence, Kansas. Ron graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. In college, Ron met the love of his life, Velda Rae Roddy. They married in Orlando, Florida, April 1, 1989.
Ron retired from the Benton Harbor Area Schools in 2010 after 30 years, as an administrator and facilitator of the Kuschel Performing Arts Center at Benton Harbor High School. He shared his passion for drama and theater by hiring students to work in the performing arts center to put together set designs, lighting, and props. He has always been a champion of various youth programs including BHHS Key Club, in which held the position of club advisor and West Zone advisor for the Michigan District. Passionately involved with Kiwanis, Ron worked to combine the St. Joe and Benton Harbor clubs and has held most positions from President to Lt. Governor of Division 17 in the Ohio District. His favorite moments were camping with his wife and daughter, at many of the National Parks in 49 of the 50 states, and spending time with family.
Ron is survived by his wife, Velda of St. Joseph; daughter, Rhiannon Lyness of Akron, Ohio; and 2 brothers, Robert (Linda) Lyness and Randall Lyness.
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