Ron L. Cease

Ronald Lee Cease, 84, of Levering, died November 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born on April 17, 1941, in Stutsmanville, Michigan, the son of Laurence and Betty (Robinson) Cease. He attended the one-room country school in Stutsmanville before transferring to Harbor Springs public school.

After high school, Ron joined the United States Army and proudly served his country from 1961 to 1963, working primarily in heavy equipment and engineering.

On June 15, 1963, he married the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” (Marshall) Cease. Together they shared more than 62 years of marriage, made countless memories, and raised two children, Jill and Ronnie.

Ron had a passion for flying airplanes and had his private license, as well as a commercial, instructor, multi-engine, and instrument licenses. Over the years he delivered mail, flew freight, and taught many students as a flight instructor.

In 1980, he completed his training with the Saginaw Valley Police Academy and worked as a police officer in Mt. Morris City.

He also worked as a dye welder for General Motors for the majority of his career, and retired from GM.

Ron was devoted to his faith and enjoyed attending church. He especially loved volunteering in the nursery at Stutsmanville Chapel and Harbor Light, where he took great joy in making little children laugh. His ministry was simple but profound: living out the Golden Rule by treating others with kindness and performing small acts that brightened the lives of those around him. He was known to snow-blow neighbors’ driveways and help wherever he was needed. Ron also enjoyed working on tractors and spending time with his family.

Ron is survived by his wife Becky of Levering; his children Jill Byard and Ronnie Cease both of Levering; grandchildren Hannah (Hunter) Kilpatrick, Noelle (Tanner) Mallory and Jadi Byard; great-grandchildren Seamus, Eden and Luca Kilpatrick; and his honorary family members Tim and Marie Ward and their daughters, Katie (Quinton) Negley, Lisa (Nate) Hopkins, and Heidi (the late Adam) Kennedy, and their grandchildren Sadie and Elliot Negley, Maverick Hopkins, and Makayla and Noah Kennedy.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents; siblings David Cease, Kathryn Radle, Vicki McDonald, and Randy Cease; and son-in-law David Byard.

There will be a funeral at Stone Funeral Home (2098 E. Mitchell Road, Petoskey) on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Burial will take place at the Bliss Township Cemetery immediately following the service. Pastor Hunter Kilpatrick will officiate.

Charitable gifts in his memory are asked to be directed to Compassus Hospice for the extraordinary care Ron received in his last days. (P.O. Box 5197, Saginaw MI 48603-2363)