Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ronald Dean Keithley
Ronald Dean Keithley
Obituary
Guest Book
Ronald Keithley Obituary
Our Angel, Ronald Dean Keithley, 52, returned to his celestial home suddenly Saturday, August 29, 2009.
Born October 4, 1956 in Ft Wayne, Indiana, to Emily H. Keithley and the late Robert D. Keithley.
Ron was raised in Charlottesville.
A loving husband and the best father, he leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Roberta Lynn Wheeler Keithley of Charlottesville; and their eight children, Jacob, 20, Justin, 18, Rachael, 16, Carmen, 14, Bruce, 12, Brandon, 11, Kimberly, 10 and Mariah, 8. He is also survived by his mother, Emily "Em" Keithley of Charlottesville. He is further survived by two brothers; and one sister, Tom and Marianna Keithley of Ohio, Kevin and Maureen Keithley of California, and Judy and Austin Graham of New York; In-laws, George and Lucinda Wheeler of Scottsville; two sister in-laws, Pam Breeden and her husband, Ted, and Sue Ruddock; and a brother in-law, George Wheeler and his wife, Alison; nieces, Katie Jones, Kristie Keithley, Catherine Keithley, Colleen Keithley, Amber Turner, and Virginia Ruddock; nephews, Rob Keithley, Austin Keithley, Timothy Breeden, Nicholas Kalinsky, Bryan Wheeler and Mark Wheeler; and a host of dearly loved ones.
Ron graduated from Albemarle High School and attended Piedmont Community College. He was a very spiritual, intuitive man, member of the Bahai Faith, a Mr. Fix-it, an inventor, ballroom dancer and above all, "Mr. Mom" who made the best mac-n-cheese of all time! Thoughtful and sensitive, with a quick wit and fabulous sense of humor. Ron's light and love radiated to all who met him.
Family and friends are welcome to honor him from 7 until 9 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2009, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home.
Funeral service will take place 11 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2009, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Holly Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions will be greatly appreciated to the Keithley Kids College Fund, c/o Sun Trust bank. To donate, please call 650-361-1000.
Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Suzanne Coffey
September 4, 2009
Lynn, Em and Kids I am so sorry to hear about Ron. I know that he was an awesome guy and he will be missed. What you need to remember are all the memories that you shared with him. God BLess you all
Suzanne Coffey and Marty VandeLinde
Deborah Sanderson
September 4, 2009
Dear Em,
Our hearts grieve for you. We pray that the peace of God that transcends all understanding will fill the void in your heart. My the Love of God sustain you as He walks beside you through this pain.
Deb and John Sanderson
Deborah Sanderson
September 4, 2009
Dear Lynn,
I pray that the Spirit of God will comfort you. That His presence will fill you during your time of grief. That His ever present love will sustain you until you and Ron are united again in His Heavenly Kingdom.
The LORD watches over the alien w and sustains the fatherless and the widow. Ps. 149:9
Deb and John Sanderson
Lisa Dunkum
September 4, 2009
Lynn and family,
I am not sure if you remember me or not but I graduated Nursing School (PVCC) with you. I read the obituary and wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Please know that you are in my families prayers.
The Dunkums
Marvin, Lisa (Lightfoot) & Mackenzie
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Judy Hamilton
September 3, 2009
Dear Em,
Even though I did not know your son, but knowing you, I am sure that he was a wonderful person.
My heart goes out to you and all your family during this time of loss. You will all remain in my prayers that will in some way help you with this deep loss of a beloved son, husband and father.
Love, Judy Hamilton
Jane & Stirling Williamson
September 3, 2009
Our hearts go out to our long time neighbor, Em, and to all of Ron's family.
Florine Taylor
September 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Doris Emery
September 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Christine Eppard
September 3, 2009
Incredible man he must have been. Sometimes we don't understand why God takes good people, but it's not for us to understand, so I pray that God will fill your void and help you to understand by and by. I just happen to see the obituary and touched my heart.
September 3, 2009
To the Keithley Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss, our hearts go out to each of you.
May God comfort you and stenghten you during this time of sorrow. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Norm and Patty Cooper, Scottsville, VA
C.A.T.E.C.
Roger and Vicki Snow
September 2, 2009
To the Keithley Family,
We are very sad to hear of your loss, may God give you all the strength you need at this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Georgene & Luvey Turner
September 2, 2009
Em, Our most sincere and deepest sympathy on the loss of Ron. You do have a treasure box full of great memories. God will guide you through this difficult time. Much love,
SHELBY
September 2, 2009
,I WORK WITH JACOB AT BROWNS, I WILL KEEP JACOB AND HIS SIBLING IN MY PRAYER
Judy Faust
September 2, 2009
Em, Judy and the Keithley Family:
I was saddened to hear of Ron's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thelma Bryant
September 2, 2009
Kaitlyn and I are so sorry for your loss. I never got to meet Ron. But Kaitlyn did and said he was the nice man and he fixed her Jeep. She was so thankful for him that day. Just keep your faith and stay strong. God Bless.
Tomma and Torey Todd
September 2, 2009
To the Keithley family,
We were very sadden to hear of the sudden passing of Ron. We understand your loss and pain as our Mother passed away on August 5. May your fond memories and the Lord's guidance help you through this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy.
September 2, 2009
Dear Lynn,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you, your children, and all who knew and loved your husband. We shall keep you in our prayers.
Catherine and John Hoyle
Ruth Williams
September 2, 2009
Em, I want you to know that my Prayers are with you and your family. Just keep the Faith and everything will be alright. I am here whenever you need me. Love you Em
September 2, 2009
Dear Lynn,
Words cannot express the sorrow we have felt at the news of Ron's sudden death. We pray for you and your children now, for strength, and for comfort during this difficult time.
Beverly and Stuart Henderson
Carolina Shores, NC
Bob Riggs
September 2, 2009
This is a sad day for me. Ron was a wonderful, spiritual man and I will miss him. I am sure that he is being welcomeed into the Most Great Kingdom by his father and grandparents at this very moment. Happy journey, Ron.
Debra (Evans) Wheeler
September 2, 2009
Lynn and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories of Ron. You all are in my prayers. May God guide you through this time and ease the pain in your hearts.
Buzz and Pam Brezinski
September 2, 2009
To the Keithley Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I remember the days of play, many years ago, in Carrsbrook. May the wonderful memories you hold, guide you through this difficult time.
Sharra & Palmer Putnam
September 2, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Francine Payne
September 2, 2009
To Em and all the Family,
You all have been in my prayers since Sunday morning. Just remember God will never leave or forsake us and he's always with us, in the good times, as well as when we lose love ones. Be strong and I love you Em.
Penny and Jim Hall
September 1, 2009
Lynn and Family,
Jim and I are saddened by your tremendous loss; you are in our thoughts and prayers. There are no words to say that will take away your pain that you feel due to the loss of a husband, a father, and a friend. Hopefully the knowledge that you all are loved will help ease the heavy heart. We pray that you all will find comfort in the memories and laughter that you shared.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Ronald Keithley's name
People and places connected with Ronald
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ronald Keithley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored