Ronald Hough

With a journey that spanned times of great change around him, Ronald Hough lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He was vibrant and fun-loving with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Ron was deeply devoted to his family, and he was happiest when surrounded by his friends and loved ones. A friend of Ron’s was a friend for life, and as a longtime resident of the community he loved he was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed. As our nation had been deeply entrenched in WWII during the first half of the 1940s, there was much to celebrate when America and our allies were victorious in August of 1945, bringing an end to the fight for our freedoms. During the years that followed, rationing was no longer needed, and we were adjusting to being a nation at peace once again. It was during this time of transition when the baby boom was underway that Garrett Ferdinand and Marjorie (Harmon) Hough learned their own family would be expanding during the summer of 1947. Their wait was finally over when the baby boy they named Ronald Paul made his arrival on July 14th that year. He was one of five as he was joined in his family by his siblings, Sharon, Larry, Dave, and Jim. In many ways Ron was a typical young boy of his generation. He attended local schools through high school. It was while in high school that Ron’s life was forever changed when he met the love of his life. Her name was Bonnie Gleason, and it didn’t take them long to fall deeply in love. With the desire to spend the rest of their lives together Ron and Bonnie were married on April 25, 1970, at the Church of God in Otsego after he was released from the Army. Together Ron and Bonnie welcomed two children,Michael and Ronnie, into their hearts and home. Later, Ron was thrilled when his granddaughter, Riley, came along. Some of their best family memories were made on a trip when he and Bonnie took a trip to Disney World with their two sons and her mother. As someone who liked to joke around at times, Ron was following behind the family, acting as though he didn’t know the group he was with. Being at Disney meant it was totally acceptable to act like a kid, according to Ron. He was also very close to his nephew, Gary, especially when his health began declining later in life. As his family and friends can attest, Ron had a strong work ethic and gave everything his all. He was stationed in Germany at one point, but he was never sent into battle as his brother was already on active duty and only one son was allowed to be involved in battle at the time. With his military duties fulfilled, Ron returned home and worked early in life at the Plainwell Bowling Alley and later the Parchment Paper Mill. There were so many things that Ron enjoyed throughout his life. Both he and his brother, Dave, were master gardeners, and Ron was also a beekeeper. He got started when a gentleman in Otsego gave him his first hives as he was retiring at the time. Ron had bees for many years. He also raised chickens for eggs right in the backyard, and people were always surprised to learn that their chickens laid blue eggs! Ron enjoyed golfing, which was something he often did with Harm & Liz, a friend, and a coworker from the paper mill. He also loved bowling, and for several years he was on different leagues including at Plainwell Lanes. At times Ron traveled with his bowling leagues. On these trips, he and Bonnie usually got right to their destination, but on the way home they took the long way home so they could sightsee along the way. On one trip they found an antique store in the mountains, and although they wanted to stop there the next time they were driving home it took them three years to find the same store again! All who knew Ronald Hough would agree that he was a kindhearted and giving man. He made the most of the days he was given, facing whatever came his way head on. Ron worked hard, but he played hard, too, and he was one to keep busy as much as he could. A dear man to many, he will be forever missed. Ronald Hough passed away on February 6, 2020. Ron is survived by his wife Bonnie (Gleason) Hough: sister; Sharon: brothers; Larry and Dave: son; Ronnie: granddaughter; Riley: a very helpful nephew; Gary: and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by his parents: brother; Jim: and son; Michael. Visitation for Ron will be Monday, February 10, 2020 from 4-7pm at McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Homes, Marshall – Gren Chapel, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, MI 49080. Services for Ron will be Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 1pm at Doster Community Reformed Church, 12145 Doster Rd, Plainwell, MI 49080.