Ronald Lee "Ronnie" Yandell

1949 - 2025

Ronald "Ronnie" Lee Yandell of the Hontubby Community was born November 4, 1949 in Heavener, Oklahoma to Bobby Lee and Lillie Belle (McCammish) Yandell. He left this world and went to "Gloryland" on January 25, 2025 surrounded by his beloved family at the age of 75.

Ronnie was a life-long resident of the area and a 1968 graduate of Heavener High School. He was a logger and driver for JB Hunt. He was of the Baptist faith. Ronnie married his high school sweetheart, Elaine (Elliott) Yandell on May 3, 1968. When Ronnie and Elaine started dating he was shy and bashful. They spent many dates eating in the truck because he was too shy to go inside a restaurant to order. They were married for 56 wonderful years and were blessed with two daughters, who were the light of his life. The two created a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which were his world.

Ronnie was a kind, sweet, gentle, and quiet man. To know him was to love him. He treated everyone with respect and kindness and never had a negative word to say about anyone. Ronnie's passion was gardening, hunting, fishing, and taking care of his chickens. His best days were spent shucking corn with his mama, brothers, and family. He always looked forward to his family's annual deer camping trip, where the best memories were created. Ronnie loved his family with his entire heart and never failed to let them know.

He is survived by:

His wife of 56 years:
Elaine Yandell of the home

Two daughters:
Rochelle Watts and husband Joey of the Hontubby Community
Melinda McGee and husband Sam of Howe, Oklahoma

Two sisters:
Linda Rainbolt of Checotah, Oklahoma
Patsy Lyons and husband Dallas of Heavener, Oklahoma

Two brothers:
Paul Yandell and wife Helen of Heavener, Oklahoma
Randy A. Yandell of Heavener, Oklahoma

Eight grandchildren:
April Keller and husband Jerrid of Heavener, Oklahoma
Jolee Carter and husband Jeremy of Heavener, Oklahoma
Rod Manley, Jr. and wife Niki of Heavener, Oklahoma
Shaylee Button and husband Daniel of Parks, Arkansas
Jacee Grubbs and husband Trey of Heavener, Oklahoma
Kacee Place and husband Connor of Wister, Oklahoma
Piper Manley of Howe, Oklahoma
Phoebe Manley of Howe, Oklahoma

One special granddaughter:
Ashlyn Fowler of Heavener, Oklahoma

13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren on the way

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and host of many friends

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Lee Yandell and Lillie Belle (McCammish) Tolbert; his step-dad, Kenneth Tolbert; and one brother, Donny Yandell.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the Freedom House Fellowship, 20977 Independence Road in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother David Billy and Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in the Hontubby Cemetery under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: Jerrid Keller, Rod Manley, Jr., Trey Grubbs, Daniel Button, Connor Place, Harlan Shrock, and Sam McGee.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Dex Carter, Carter Button, Easton Morton, Duck Cripps, Kevin Yandell, Michael Yandell, Randy Yandell, and Joey Watts.

Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday.
The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.

To sign Ronnie's online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.