Ronald L. Both

Ronald L. “Bodie” Both, 59, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, November 24, 2007 at home with his loving family at his side. A Time of Sharing & Remembrance will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 1, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Terry Schneider officiating. A time of fellowship will follow the service at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, December 2, at Zion United Church of Christ, 9100 Church St., Baroda, with Dr. Chris Noffke & Rev. Terry Schneider officiating. His place of final rest will be at Riverview Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Berrien County Cancer Service or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ron was born January 30, 1948 in Benton Harbor to Lloyd & Joyce (Bartz) Both. He graduated from Lakeshore High School as senior class president in 1966, and from Western Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree. In 1975, Ron founded B.J.’s Sports Inc. in Scottdale. His business was his life. He learned how to repair fishing rods & reels, guns & rifles, & make his own line of fishing lures. He also enjoyed woodworking and could build or repair anything that he set his mind to. All of these things were self-taught, with much information coming from his love of reading. In his spare time, Ron enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and just growing things. He was a true outdoorsman & conservationist. Ron was the organizer of the annual Kid’s Fishing Day, a member of Duck’s Unlimited, The SW Michigan Steelheaders, Berrien County Sportsman’s Club, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, FOP Lodge #96, Grand Mere Rifle & Pistol Club, & a charter member of the Berrien Bass Busters. Ron made it a point to keep in touch with many of his former classmates. He was a good & loyal friend to all. Ron was an optimist & a fighter until the end. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Ron is survived by his mother Joyce Both of St. Joseph; two sisters-Bonnie (Bruce) Lawrence of Metamora, MI, Connie (David) Hyler-Both of Clintonville, W. VA; nephew & nieces-Will Lawrence of Metamora, MI, Erica (Shawn) Bashore of Chula Vista, CA, Emily Hyler-Both of Clintonville, W. VA; his aunt Carol Stockman of St. Joseph; many cousins; his best buddy Karen Zawacki; and his friend & loyal employee Laura Freehling. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Both in 2006, and by an infant sister Edna Both in 1960.