Ronald Wentworth

LIGONIER - Ronald G. Wentworth, 82, peacefully passed away in his home with his loving family at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.

Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, Ron was the son of Alberta June (Blasius) and John A. Wentworth.

He graduated from Lima High School in Howe with the class of 1961. He went on to DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, graduating with an associate degree in electronics.

Ron served his country from 1963 to 1971, serving in the Army National Guard during the Palm Sunday tornado event in Michigan and then transferring to the Indiana Air National Guard in Fort Wayne in 1965 to work on several stateside communications projects during the conflict in Vietnam.

In Cromwell on June 5, 1966, Ron took Judith Anne Baker as his wife in the Broadway Christian Church. They would welcome two children, Wendy and Josh, and share 59 wonderful years of love, laughs and special memories.

He started out his career in sales and repair at Stroman Electronics in Ligonier. Ron then worked for Magnavox in research and development at Fort Wayne in the government projects division. Then finally, he became an entrepreneur and started Ron's Sales and Rentals. The business expanded into Noble Enterprises, which encompassed the retail stores, Noble properties, Radio Shack, and Gipper's Deli.

Ron retired as owner and decided to do independent engineering contracting and electrical engineering design work for numerous companies in the region. In addition, for several years Ron ran a concession stand, Aunt Belle's, at fairs and festivals around the area.

Ron was an extremely faithful member and highly active in the Kendallville and Albion Rotary clubs. He served as past president in Albion and was instrumental in the pork burger fundraisers in Kendallville. His children were Rotary exchange students and each went abroad, one to the Philippines and one to Sweden.

He served on the board for the McCray Hospital and was involved in the sale process to Parkview for Parkview Noble Hospital. Ron also served on the Noble County Library board and was involved in the building of the new library facility. In addition, he was a founding elder for Stone's Hill Church and a very active member.

Ron was diagnosed 18 years ago with Alzheimer's. He volunteered to participate in a double-blind study with IU Medical in Indianapolis at the Alzheimer's Research Center, which involved bi-weekly infusions for many years. The trial led to the FDA approval of the Alzheimer's medication LEQEMBI in January 2023.

Ron was an avid camper and was a Boy Scout in his youth. He was an enthusiastic amateur radio operator and a member of the 21 Repeater Club. He raised honeybees and was a near lifelong apiarist. He also loved target shooting, gardening, and antique vehicles. He absolutely loved to tinker and spent many an hour repairing antique radios and clocks.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy of Kimmell, and their daughter Wendy (Steven) Smiseck of Columbus, Ohio, and son, Josh (Tara) Wentworth of Albion; grandchildren, Kennedy and Julia of Columbus, Ohio, and Seth and Bethany of Albion; and brothers, Dale and Myron (Kathie) Wentworth; as well as nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Annalee.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Eric Hickman officiating.

Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, with military honors.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or the 21 Repeater Group, Noble County.

Yeager Funeral Home is helping the family with arrangements. Condolences can be sent via our website https://www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.