Ronald Lee "Ron" Griffith

Ronald Lee "Ron" Griffith

Ronald Griffith Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea on Jan. 27, 2026.
Ronald (Ron) Lee Griffith, 91 of Dexter, Michigan, passed away on January 15,2026, after a short illness.

Ron was born in Navarre, Ohio, August 29, 1934, to Webster (Web) and Willa Griffith. He had 5 brothers, Eugene (Jeep), Larry, Jim, Glen, and Cliff. His parents and brothers have all preceded him in death.

He graduated from Canton South HS in 1953, where he played football and met his future wife, Barbara Elenora Lanning.
On June 12th, 1955, he married Barbara. They were married for 62 years until her death in 2020.

Ron attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, on a football scholarship. He graduated in 1957, with a BA in Math and was promptly drafted into the Army.

During his time in the Army, he was trained in a brand-new technology at the time, computing. This would become his lifelong vocation.

Ron joined Bendix Aerospace after leaving the army and moved his family to Ann Arbor. This was during the 1960's where he worked on programming for the Gemini and Apollo NASA manned flight programs.

In 1968, he moved to the University of Michigan where he worked for the next 34 years in the department of Human Genetics and the Mental Health Institute.

Ron and Barb coached their sons, Tim and Kevin, for many years in the Connie Mack Baseball League. They loved touring the US on their Honda Goldwing with their friends during the summer.

Ron was also an avid hobby farmer, farming 60 acres in the Dexter area.

Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Griffith; and his youngest son Kevin Griffith.

He is survived by his sons, Rick Griffith (Diane), Tim Griffith (Debra); grandchildren, Erika Griffith, Shelby Griffith, Lindsey Binder (Casey), Foster Griffith; and his great-grandson, Riley Binder.

Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Ronald's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor Ronald Griffith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Ronald Griffith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?