Ronald Hext

Ronald I. Hext, 79, of Ellsworth, passed away December 23, 2017 at home with his loving wife at his side.

Ron was born August 1, 1938 in Highland Park, Michigan to Russell and Ruth C. (St. Marie) Hext.

Ron drove truck for Ace Hardware out of Toledo, Ohio. He delivered to numerous Ace Hardware stores in the Northern Michigan area. He met the love of his life, Alice, at the Ace Hardware in Traverse City. They met in December, 1975 and were married June 5, 1976 in Traverse City. They made their home in Monroe.

In 1982 they moved to Ellsworth where they owned and operated Ron's General Store with his brother and sister-in-law until 1999. He also owned R. I. Hext Equipment Leasing for several years.

Ron enjoyed gardening and working outside. He was a fantastic cook. He enjoyed his morning coffee with his "buddies" at the Front Porch where many of the world's problems were probably solved.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Alice (Winowiecki), daughter Stephanie Caldwell of Charlotte, N.C., step-children Melissa Campbell of Charlotte, N.C. and Craig Hext of Florida; two grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sister-in-law Nancy Hext of Port Huron, and three nieces. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger Hext.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Hastings Funeral Home in Ellsworth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Banks Township Fire and Rescue or Front Porch Ministries.