Ronald E. "Ron" Smith

GALVA - Ronald E. “Ron” Smith, 71, of Galva, died at 3:27 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Cremation has been accorded and a Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date. Rux Funeral Home in Galva is in charge of arrangements.

He was born October 16, 1944 in Canton, IL, the son of Kenneth E. and Annabelle (Steigle) Smith. He married Lisa A. Kitto and they have been together for 20 years. She survives of Galva, as do nine children, Rhonda Kay Smith, Anna Pillars, Ronald Smith Jr., Andrew (Crystal) Kitto, Sarah (Larry) Barnes, Jessica Snyder, C.J. (Amy) Snyder, Mary (Chris) Snyder and Chelsie (Matt) Snyder, his sister, Francis Venard Lang, four brother-in-laws, Mark (Diane) Kitto, Dr. Gary Kitto, Joel (Peggy) Kitto and LeRoy Morelli, a sister-in-law, Aimee (Tony) Arnold, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, numerous special kids who called him PaPa, a special friend who was like a brother, Donny Kell, many special friends, an adopted daughter and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Kenneth Ray in infancy, a sister, Sharon Morelli, a brother-in-law, Larry Lang and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Mary Kitto.

Ron was a caring individual who was proud of his Indian Heritage. He had worked as a farm laborer, at Admiral’s in Galesburg and . He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Galva. He enjoyed collecting Indian memorabilia that represented his heritage, collecting chicken and hen statues, fishing, gardening, hunting, gathering mushrooms, his numerous pets, dogs and cats and just being outdoors. Ron also enjoyed keeping in touch with his sister, talking and visiting with and making new friends and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

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