Ronald L. Graham

Ronald Lee Graham, 70, of Rochester, passed peacefully 10:58 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

Born Sept. 23, 1954, in Kokomo, Ron was the beloved son of the late Charles B. and Helen Graham. He graduated from Taylor High School in 1973 before pursuing his passion for floral design at a school in Indianapolis.

On Feb. 15, 1974, at Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo, Ron married the love of his life, Cathy D. Singleton. Their journey together spanned five beautiful decades, filled with love, devotion and unwavering commitment, until her passing on Dec. 25, 2024.

Throughout his life, Ron wore many hats – working in maintenance while also nurturing his love for floral artistry. He spent time at Carriage Manor Flower Shop in Kokomo before launching his own flower shop on the family farm, where he built his own greenhouse and storefront. To support his family, he farmed and worked night shifts, ensuring Cathy could stay home to care for their children. In the early 1990s, he sold the flower shop but continued his career in maintenance, retiring from the Town of Fishers.

Ron was a man of faith, previously a member of Bible Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church in Kokomo, as well as part of the Beaver Dam Community. He was also a proud member of the Lions Club in Greentown.

Farming was a lifelong passion he shared with his father, raising hogs and grain together. The Indiana State Fair was a cherished tradition, serving as the family's annual vacation – Ron especially loved the pioneer village and all its festivities. His taste in music was uniquely his own, favoring Lawrence Welk and Hee Haw. He also had a soft spot for life's simple joys – ice cream, euchre, bowling, camping and roller coasters.

Above all, Ron's greatest joy was his family. He had a special bond with his grandchildren, showering them with laughter, music and love. Whether singing and dancing for them or donning shaving cream to play Santa, he was always ready to brighten their world.

He is survived by his daughters Misty and husband Anthony Soupley of Pipe Creek, Texas, and Lacey and husband Michael Jones, of Rochester; grandchildren Alexandra Soupley of San Antonio, Texas, Victoria and husband Patrick Clark of New Braunfels, Texas, Olivia, Isabella, Kade, and Maelee Jones of Rochester; mother-in-law Betty Singleton of Kokomo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Graham, and sister Bonnie Waltman.

The funeral service will take place at 6: p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, Indiana with Pastor Butch Troke officiating.

He will be laid to rest in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown, at a later date.

Visitation hours will be 4 -6 p.m. today, Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Donations can be made in his memory to the Beaver Dam Community Church, the memo to Wheels on Fire to assist the community members who are fighting cancer.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at: www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.