Ronald Dale Mayberry

Ronald Dale Mayberry, 77 of Iola, Kansas passed away on May 22, 2023, at 11:20 am.

Ron was born on June 17, 1945, in Elgin, Illinois. He was the fourth child of six children born to Ulis Benton and Opal Virginia (Farris) Mayberry. He graduated from Norris City High school, Class of 1963, in Norris City, Illinois. He went on to attend the University of Illinois where he majored in Agricultural Industries and earned his bachelor's degree in June 1967. He also earned his master's degree from the University of Illinois in September 1968 in Agricultural Economics. Ron married Ruth Ann Draper on January 28, 1967. They made their home in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ron worked for Monsanto Chemical Company. While in St. Louis, they were blessed with two children, Julie and Jeff. In 1971, they moved to Albany Georgia, and in 1977 to Sullivan, Illinois, where Ron worked as Credit Manager for Kaiser Agricultural Chemical. Ron later worked for Helena Chemical Company in various positions, which led to moves to Mullica Hill, New Jersey; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cordova, Tennessee; and West Columbia, South Carolina. Ron and Ruth Ann retired to Iola, Kansas in August 2012.

Ron loved sports and enjoyed rooting for his two favorite teams: the Fighting Illini and the Chicago Cubs. He loved playing all sorts of games and was very competitive. Ron also enjoyed gardening and had very successful gardens everywhere he lived. Ron knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was very involved in church. He served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for various Baptist churches throughout the years. One of his pastors said that Ron was one of the few people he knew that was "pure of heart". He lived what he preached, and always led by example. His calm and gentle spirit made him loved by many. His great-granddaughters, Veronica (Ronnie, named after him) and Jemma brought him immense joy in the last years of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ron is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Mayberry of Iola; daughter, Julie Ingle, of Iola; son, Jeff Mayberry (Colleen), of Springfield, Illinois; brothers Charles Mayberry (Alice), of Evansville, Indiana; Gary Mayberry (Maria), of Elgin, Illinois; Gerald Mayberry of Broughton, Illinois; sisters Carol Rose (Cliff), of Carrier Mills, Illinois; Ida Russell (Bob) of Covington, Louisiana; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Ron's final words were a beautiful prayer to God in which he expressed his thankfulness and his love for his Savior.

A visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at The Venue, Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. A graveside service will be Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Cemetery, 1800 N. Cottonwood St., Iola, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Kittiwake Baptist Church, Lexington County, South Carolina, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .