Ronald L. Bush

Ronald Lee Bush, age 86, of Kalamazoo, went home to be with his Lord on April 10, 2024. He was born on May 11, 1937, in Kalamazoo, the son of Harold and Grace (Conklin) Bush. Ron was a 1955 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. He attended Hope College and Western Michigan University, playing football and wrestling while studying Physical Education. On August 26, 1961, Ron married Joanne Schmidt, his college sweetheart. They were blessed with three children. The family moved to New Jersey, California, and back to Michigan while Ron worked as Plant Manager for Fabri-Kal. After 25 years, Ron retired and looked for ways to serve his community. He co- founded the Open Door of Kalamazoo in 1970 and served as executive director on and off for several years. Ron grew up attending First Reformed Church of Kalamazoo and continued worshipping there with his young family. When his family settled back in Kalamazoo in August of 1982, they attended Southridge Reformed Church and later he became a member and attended Second Reformed Church, where he was involved in men’s Bible study and Primetimers. Over the years and until his death, Ron served on Consistory and many other RCA committees. He was physically active his entire life and enjoyed working out, playing racquetball, pickleball, cycling, golf, and bowling. Ron appreciated sports at all levels. A particular sports highlight was attending the January 1, 2024, Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California to see Michigan beat Alabama. Following Joanne’s death in 2003, Ron married Shirley Jones on January 20, 2007. She also preceded him in death. His family includes his children: Bryan (Tina) Bush, Denise (Dan) Osterhouse, and Rebecca (Mark) Ponitz; his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Glenn) Gross, Joshua (Aleesa) Bush, Sarah Bush, Hannah Bush, Eric (Mistye) Osterhouse, Heather (Eric) Hudson, Joseph (Hannah) Ponitz, and Luke (Alexandria) Ponitz; his great-grandchildren: Reece and Calli Hudson, Henry and Oliver Ponitz, Wesley Ponitz, Baby Boy Bush, and Landyn Williams; his brother, Michael (Janet) Bush; his sister, Christina Bush; several nieces and nephews; his step-children: Katherine (David) Dennis, Kevin (Robin) Kropp, Patrick (Darcy) Kropp, Tom Kropp, and Mariann (Chris) Whitson; and numerous step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry Bush; his wife, Joanne Bush; and his second wife, Shirley Bush. Ron was a wise and faithful leader and mentor to his family, the church, and the community. He faithfully loved his Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God, living a life of service to God and others. 

Friends may visit with Ron's family on Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 2:00-5:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, 49009. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Open Door Next Door, American Cancer Society, or ALS Association.

Please share memories of Ron with his family at www.langelands.com