Ronald J. Andrus

Ronald J. Andrus, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2025 in Tennessee while heading on a trip to Florida.

He was born in Elmira, New York on November 3, 1955 to Marilyn Louise (Clemons) and George R. Andrus. He graduated from Southside High School in 1973. He studied at SUNY Maritime, Monroe County Community College, and Owens Community College. Ron enlisted in the Navy in 1976. After his active duty status ended, he transfered to the Naval Reserves. He moved up the ranks until his retirement from the Navy as a MasterChief in 2004. After leaving his military active duty status, he relocated to Monroe, Michigan where he became a manager at a local truck stop. In addition to his Naval career, he got a job at Ford Motor Company as a plumber pipefitter from 1996 until his retirement in 2021. It was while doing banking business for the truck stop that he met the love of his life, Colleen. They were married in August 1990. After only several months of marriage, Ron was called to serve his country in the Gulf War. The two enjoyed the next several years happily married until welcoming their first child into the world, a beautiful baby girl, Chelsea. The following year, they were again blessed with a son, Colin. Throughout their lives, the family accompanied Ron on many of his military trips so they could all be together. They visited Virginia Beach numerous times, as well as Charleston.

Growing up the only boy in the house with his mother and sisters, Ron enjoyed spending as much time as he could at his grandparents house. It was there that he learned to love the outdoors. His grandfather taught him all about hunting, fishing, gardening, photography, and woodworking. Ron tried to pass on these gifts to his children. The family camped often, making new friends and memories wherever they went. Some of his happiest times and his best memories were watching and coaching his daughter play softball as well as being a BoyScout leader to his son. Ron made many friends in his different paths of life, but his wife, their children, and grandchildren were his biggest joy and the things he was the most proud of.

Ron is preceded in death by his grandparents Merton and Marion (Kinner) Clemons, Alice (Strurdevant) and Roe Andrus, his mother Marilyn (Clemons) Andrus, father George Andrus, and numerous pets whom he considered his "Furbabies".

To cherish his memory he leaves behind his loving wife Colleen (Allor), daughter Chelsea (Justin) Cousino, son Colin and his soon to be wife Kelsey (Broughton) and three grandchildren, Allie, Jax and Elliana, who lovingly called him Goompa, as well as Myah, Cam and Felix, more "Furchildren", siblings Denise (John) Collum, Kara (Tom) Bennett, Emlyn Brown, a stepmother, Janice (George) and their children Georgia (Leon) Esham,  Howard (Deb), Terry (Sharon) and numerous cousins, neices and nephews.

Family and friends may visit from 12:30 to 8 on Wednesday, February 19 at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 South Custer, Monroe, Michigan. Church services will be at 10 am at St. Joseph's Church 2214 Manhatten St, Erie, Michigan 48133