Ronald James Suddeth

Ronald James Suddeth Rock Island, WA Ronald James Suddeth, 69, of Rock Island, WA, passed away August 29, 2016, surrounded by his family. He had long battled lung disease and was worn out. He managed to pass comfortably with the care of the doctors and nurses at Central Washington Hospital. We loved him so and will miss him deeply. Ron was born the second oldest of seven children on February 21, 1947, at Aberdeen, SD. His parents were James and Jeannie (Thornton) Suddeth. The family traveled the United States, never staying long in one place. While living in Kellogg, ID, he met and married Linda Taylor. Together, they had five children. They later divorced and Ron never remarried. He worked all sorts of jobs, the last as a forklift driver for Dovex. When Ron was younger, he loved to "soup up" old cars; he was a great mechanic. He was a #1 fan of the Mariners and would watch reruns and get mad all over again at the same game (No phone calls during the game). Ron enjoyed visits from his son, Tony, when he would show up after a fishing trip with an impressive catch. He looked forward to phone calls from his kids and would say, "Is your finger broken?" when he hadn't heard from them, when he thought he should. When his health was declining, he adopted three small dogs he called "the little people." It was so funny to watch this big, rough, gruff man sweetly baby talk to these little dogs. They truly helped fill his days with love and joy. Ron is survived by his children: Donna (Steve) Hoerner, Tony Suddeth, R.D. Suddeth, all of Spokane, WA, and Rhonda (Robert) Zahn of Laveen, AZ; grandchildren: Erik, Beth, Ryan, Nicole, Keelie, Daniel, Amy, William, Kayla, Jessica, Rachel, Rebecca and Meggan; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Suddeth; sisters: Gail (Fred) Valente, Iona (George) Voss and Mary Ann (John) McGarvey; girlfriend, Susan Avington, all of Rock Island WA; and special friend, Shirley Pate of Wenatchee, WA. And of course, "the little people," Mommy, Hoppy and Sparky. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Ronny Jr.; great- grandson, Jonathan; brother, Colin Suddeth and sister, Martha Ellis. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Spokane, WA. Memorials can be made to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Arrangements are assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA. When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a room of gloom. Why cry for a soul set free?

Ronald James Suddeth

February 21, 1947 - August 29, 2016