Ronald J. Poling

Ronald Jackson Poling, age 88, of Middleville, formerly of Portage, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023. He was born September 7, 1935 in St. Clairsville, Ohio to the late Harley Preston and Laura Ellen (Jackson) Poling.

Ron grew up in West Virginia, a 1953 graduate of Farmington High School, and attended trade school to become an appliance repair technician. He was united in marriage to Joyce Ellen Petry on August 15, 1958, in Marion County, West Virginia. They soon moved to Michigan to establish roots and grow their family. Ron spent his career employed at George’s Appliance in Kalamazoo, retiring in 1990. He also owned several properties and was a landlord for many years.

Ron was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 17, 1972, and had an active share in the preaching work right to the end.  He served as an elder in the congregation for many years, being  well known for his care of the elderly, always around to lend a hand when needed.  His hardworking nature was evident in all facets of his life. He took pleasure in the lake life and enjoyed fishing, boating, and watching the geese and swans drift by. He also loved old western shows and movies and going to garage sales, often purchasing vintage toys; his grandchildren remember his vast toy collection fondly.   Ron enjoyed having a pet cat around with each one, in succession, affectionately named “Baby.” He enjoyed a good game of cards, especially Rook and Pedro.  In retirement, he and Joyce travelled extensively, roaming the country in their fifth-wheel trailer, often starting or ending each trip with a visit to West Virginia to see family.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Ellen Poling; son, Keith Harley Poling; and sisters, Constance Marie Jones and his twin, Rose Mary Lough.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Thomas) Cox and Karen (Steven) Dimond; son, Kenneth Poling; grandchildren, Chelsea Poling, Samuel and Maryanne Cox, Blaine (Ashley) and Dayton (Talina) Dimond; great-grandchildren, Carson and Cade Dimond, Bentley, Aubrey, and Autumn Phillips; sister, Shirley Whipple; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 16, 2023, from 1-2:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.  A private family graveside service with burial will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South.

In addition, a memorial service will take place Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 4:00pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 7415 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024.  Arrangements have been made for the program to be broadcast via Zoom -- those wishing access information may reach out to family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portage Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com .