Ronald Gene Monroe Sr., 82, of Hesperia, formerly of Walkerville, passed away, Monday, July 14, 2025. He was born July 25, 1942, in Hart, the son of Roy and Josie (Gargano) Monroe.

Ron had a lifelong love for the great outdoors. Whether he was casting a line on a quiet lake, tracking deer through the woods, bear hunting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, or searching for  morel mushrooms in the spring. If you couldn't find him at home, chances were he was out in the woods—his second home and favorite place to be.

Ron was also a gifted storyteller, known for his vivid, detailed tales that could hold a room's attention. Whether recounting an unforgettable hunting trip or sharing memories from his past, he painted pictures with his words and made you feel like you were right there with him. Even if the truth was stretched a little now and then, we all just listened—because with Ron, the story was always worth hearing.

But above all, Ron's greatest joy came from his family. Known affectionately as "Papa," he wore the title with pride. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed a chance to share a story, offer a warm hug, or teach them something about the outdoors. His legacy lives on not just in the woods he walked, but in the hearts of the family he so dearly loved.

Ron is survived by: his children, Timothy (Laura) Monroe, Leroy (Joyce) Monroe, Rhonda Deckert, Sheri Boes, Ronald (Shannon) Monroe Jr., and William Monroe; his grandchildren, Michele Monroe-Frankie, Calvin Woodworth, Jessica Woodworth, Kendra (Reese) Lifer, Samantha  (Aaron) Moreno,  Zack Woodworth, Josie (Zach) Machovsky, Brandon Padgett, Jessie Monroe, Ronald "Vester" Monroe, Victoria Padgett, Zack Padgett, Trista Monroe, William Monroe and Bentley Monroe; many great-grandchildren; his siblings, Rosa "Pat" Frees, Donald (Joyce) Monroe, Warren Monroe, and Joyce Alltop; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by: his parents; granddaughter, Katie Woodworth; and his siblings, John (Rosemary) Monroe, Shirley (Henry) Verschueren, Mary (Danny) Dawson, and Jack Monroe.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Machovsky Residence. Family and friends are invited to come share stories, laughter, and memories in honor of Ron.

"See you in the corn field where all the bears roam" —Ron's favorite saying and a promise from a man who found his peace where the wild things are.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com