Ronald Edward Schuster

Ronald E. Schuster passed away May 21, 2010, from complications associated with Alzheimer's disease. Ron was born in St. John, WA, on November 5, 1925, in the same house that was homesteaded and built by his grandfather, Charles Schuster. Ron and his siblings attended school in a small, one-room, country school house. (An upset lantern resulted in the school burning to the ground). He then attended and graduated from high school at St. John. Ron began farming in his late teens. Farming, at that time, was done with horses! He saw agriculture evolve over his lifetime to modern "self-propelled" combines and huge diesel-powered "wheel tractors." Ron married Eileen Hoppe on June 20, 1948. He resided in the house he was born in until age 57, when he retired from farming. He and Eileen moved to East Wenatchee, where they made their home until one year after her death in 1997. After becoming re-acquainted with a former St. John family friend, Ron married Patsy (Glorfield) Mills on January 3, 1998. They made their home in Omak, WA. As a farmer, Ron was involved as a member and officer of the Eaton Grange in Ewan, WA. He was a "Scout" Troop leader and attended a national Boy Scout Jamboree with scouts from the Palouse/St. John area. He served as Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher at the Nazarene Church in Ewan. He loved to sing and sang as a young man for many weddings and funerals as a soloist and also a member of a men's quartet. When he lived in East Wenatchee, he joined the Apollo Club and also served as a member of the Kiwanis Club. He worked for Douglas County Parks and Recreation several summers and also tried his hand at real estate sales in the Wenatchee area. Ron had a deep, deep love for animals throughout his life. He nurtured and cared for "orphan" lambs and was sorrowful whenever one of his "critters" was hurt. His most favorite pet was a black lab named "Prince"; a great retriever and hunting dog. Ron's hobbies included writing poetry, hunting, fishing and snow skiing. He would frequently drive a bus load of skiers to "49-degrees North" on a Saturday for some great skiing. Ron is survived by his wife, Patsy Mills-Schuster of Omak; his son, Gordon Schuster and wife, Kathy of Wenatchee; and daughter, Diana Yeckel and husband, Jeff of Tonasket. Other survivors include six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen J. Schuster; infant son, Brian D. Schuster; his parents, Ed and Anna Schuster; a brother, Robert Schuster; and sisters, Ila Curtis, Eloise Burch and Elizabeth Burns. Ron was trustworthy and kind-hearted, very giving and caring of his family. His legacy of leadership and integrity will stand. He will be missed. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at the St. John Cemetery in St. John, WA, on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.

Ronald Edward Schuster

November 5, 1925 - May 21, 2010