Ronald Cortright

Ronald C. Cortright, 79, of Stroud Township, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 after a brief illness.

Born on May 12, 1946 (Mother's Day) in East Stroudsburg, he was the son of the late Claude and Ruth (LaBar) Cortright and was a lifetime resident of Monroe County.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal.

Ron worked many jobs in his early years. His last jobs were several years as foreman for Outdoor World and 25 years for Pleasant Valley School District as a bus driver. He was also a landlord for several rental properties.

He and his first wife, Lona Lambert, were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Jennifer Lynn. He then married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Degen.

Ron and Elizabeth definitely lived the American Dream. They lived in a beautiful log home in Poplar Valley, Stroudsburg, with their horses and many different pets. They loved to travel and were able to do so with their close friends to nearly every state (including Alaska and Hawaii), Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Peruvian Amazon and Trinidad.

Ron was predeceased by his father, Claude Cortright, who died before Ron's birth, his mother, Ruth Cortright, and his brother, T. Gary Cortright. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; his daughter, Jennifer Reeping; step-daughter, Michell Ressler; grandchildren, Jessica and Nicholas Blessel; great-grandchildren, Josiah, Gracelynn and Noah Hinton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society; was for many years on the board and a volunteer with the Friends of Cherry Valley NWR; and did litter pick-up for Stroud Township.

Ron was a kind, compassionate person who helped friends and neighbors in their time of need. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his wife.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the William H. Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg.