Ronald Vernon Satterthwaite, age 89, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home in Chelsea. He was born May 20, 1937, in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Vernon J. and Edna C. (Ortbring) Satterthwaite.
Ron was well-liked and deeply connected to his community. He served on the Chelsea School Board for eight years and was a member and past president of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, where he was a member for 58 years. Over the years, he worked at Blaess Elevator (Honeggers) and was co-owner of Smith’s Service for 24 years. Ron was also a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in Chelsea.
Ron proudly served in the Army for 18 months active duty where he was honorably discharged. He had a lifelong love of old two-cycle John Deere tractors, and when he was 80 years old, he rebuilt a 1949 M.C. John Deere bulldozer. He was an exceptional mechanic – if it didn’t run, he would fix it. He enjoyed many simple pleasures in life, including trap shooting, hunting, fishing, and reading. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, teasing them and sharing his sense of humor. He also enjoyed bringing Jean Taco Bell and making pretzels with her.
