Ronald Gene Anderson

The “ORIGINAL PACKRAT”, Ronald (Ron) Anderson, made his final journey home to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, July 17, 2025.

The oldest son of George and Myrtle Anderson (Kraus). He was born at home on January 17, 1932, in Allegan, MI. He grew up in the depression era, and the only thing left now of his hometown is the church.

When he turned 90, he said he felt that he had achieved legendary status. He was the only one in his family, so far, who had lived to that age. He was also the only one out of eight children who finished high school, graduating from “Big Reds” Muskegon High School in 1950.

Shortly after graduating, Ron was drafted into the Army, where he served his country during the Korean War. He served honorably from January 1950 to July 1953.

After Ron left the Army, he returned home and worked various jobs. Later, he decided to leave home, hitchhiking to Texas and Oklahoma for work.

Around 1956, he married his first wife, Joyce. They divorced after 9 years, and in March 2002, Joyce made her journey home to be with the Lord. They had four daughters together.

Sometime later, he married his second wife, Elaine, and moved out to California, where they lived for more than 10 years. He worked for 10 years at Libby Glass before eventually retiring.

Ron had a passion for seeking out and selling antiques, which he did on the weekends. When he and Elaine later moved to Hesperia, Michigan, they bought a house that included an additional building, which he turned into an antique shop. He sold almost anything and everything from there. After Elaine made her final journey home to be with the Lord, Ron met his third wife, Vicky, when he sold her a butter dish.

Ron and Vicky later moved to Nunica, Michigan, and attended Nortonville Gospel Chapel. Ron loved his Lord. While in Nunica, he continued selling his antiques at various places and shops.

In June of 2021, due to illness and injury, Ron and Vicky moved to Heartwood Lodge, where they could be better cared for. Vicky made her final journey home to be with the Lord in December 2021.

The staff and residents loved Ron. He had so many life stories and enjoyed telling them to anyone who would listen. He would often visit with residents and welcome newcomers to Heartwood Lodge.

He was well known for his love of puzzles. He would often put them together and give them to others to bring them joy. They were so nice that we would sometimes frame and hang them. The walls of his room were full of puzzles. After he passed, I had the pleasure of handing out these puzzles to different people.

Once a month, his pastor held services at Heartwood Lodge, which Ron loved to attend.

Ron is survived by his two youngest daughters, Marianna (Marti) Doing and Georgia Vaughand; his youngest sister, Rose Platt; grandchildren, Bethanne, Angie, Eric, Rachel, Crystal, and Jacquelyn, as well as several great-grandchildren.

My dad sure was a character, and I loved listening to his life stories. He will be greatly missed!

Love you, Dad.

Enjoy Heaven!

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on this page or share a photo.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.