Ronald Elerry Ford

Ronald Elerry Ford, resident of Apache Junction formerly of Tempe, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Ron was born on September 27, 1936, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. His parents instilled in him the values of dedication, hard work, and resilience. At the age of 10, Ron moved with his family to Arizona, where he would spend the rest of his life building a legacy of service, family, and love. Ron began his early career working alongside his father in construction before answering the call to serve his country as a proud United States Marine. Enlisting at just 17.5, he became a Korean War–era veteran, completing basic training at Camp Pendleton before being stationed in Hawaii. There he worked with an artillery group setting up communications lines, radios, and switchboards, and later taught communications classes due to his in-demand skills. He often recalled long days on the Big Island near Kona, stringing telephone lines across sharp lava rock until his boots wore through-receiving a new pair almost daily. While stationed in Hawaii, Ron was chosen as an armed escort for courier missions delivering top-secret military documents to bases across Asia, including Japan, the Philippines, and Seoul. He proudly served four years in the Marine Corps before returning home, where he worked briefly for Inspiration Copper Company and later pursued Electronics Engineering at Arizona State University through the GI Bill. In 1964, Ron joined the Tempe Fire Department, where he served his community with courage and dedication for 25 years, retiring as a Fire Captain. His service extended beyond firefighting, as he also worked with the Maricopa County Civil Defense, strengthening regional emergency collaboration. During this time, he also pursued his entrepreneurial spirit-starting his own carpet business and, with his own hands, building the family home in south Tempe where countless cherished memories were made. Above all, family was at the heart of Ron's life. He married the love of his life, Juanita Virginia (Smith), in 1958, and together they shared 67 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of five children-Gary (Cheryl) Ford, Susan (Pat) Sullivan, Lisa (Anthony) Lipscomb, Ted (Lisa) Ford, and Andrew (Gigi) Ford-and the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Deanna Law, and Denise Martin, and was preceded in death by his brothers Al, Bob and Bruce along with parents Elerry and Edith Ford. His family, along with countless friends, will remember him fondly for his wisdom, humor, and love. In his spare time, Ron and Virginia enjoyed traveling, camping, and RVing adventures that brought him joy and created lasting memories with his family. Ron's life was a testament to hard work, service, and devotion to family. His legacy will live on in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. Services will be held on August 29th, 2025, at 2pm at Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery located at 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 95207.