Ronald Jennings

Ronald D. Jennings, 68, of Benton Harbor, passed away after a lengthy illness on Friday, April 03, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor, MI with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the start of service at the church. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests any memorials or donations be made to Hospice at Home or SS. John – St. Bernard Parish. Those wishing to send the family condolences or sign the guestbook may do so on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ronald was born on November 14, 1940 in St. Joseph, MI to Faye and Delores (Mcpherson) Jennings. He served his country in the U.S. Navy as Senior Chief in Defense Communications and he was highly decorated after 22 years of faithful service. Ronald proudly served in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield. After 9-11, Ronald was in the military sealift command as a civilian. Ronald married Marilyn (Mathews) Jennings on September 12, 1964 in Watervliet, MI. Together, they raised two children, Kevin and Kelly. Ronald was the exalted ruler of the St. Joseph Elks 541 and a member of VFW Post 1137 in Benton Harbor. He also served in the Knights of Columbus. Ronald was a long time member of SS. John – St. Bernard Catholic Parish working as a volunteer. He enjoyed golfing, tennis, bowling and tandem bicycling with his wife. Most of all, Ronald loved spending time with his grandkids. Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Marilyn; his mother, Delores; his son, Kevin (Jill) Jennings of Naperville, IL; his daughter, Kelly (Chuck) Snyder of Emmitsburg, MD; adopted daughter, Kathy Rodi; previous daughter-in-law, Cheryl Jennings; his grandchildren, Rachel, Brandon S., Payton, Connor and Brandon T.; his brothers, Ted (Donna) Jennings of NC and Brad (Rosemary) Muller of FL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Faye on December in 1950.