Ronald A. Jess

Ronald A. Jess was born on August 5, 1941, to Ervin and Lucille (Schultz) Jess, and passed away on March 10, 2026, at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson, Florida, at the age of 84.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen M. Jess; his brother Don and wife Marcia Jess of Port Clinton, Ohio; his sister SueAnn and husband Ray Ripa of Lancaster, New York; brother-in-law Bill and sister-in-law Nancy Franck of Elgin, South Carolina; daughter Nannette and husband Scott Hunter of Oak Harbor, Ohio; son Gregory and wife Jody Jess of Fremont, Ohio; grandsons Ryan and wife Courtney Monak of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Cody and wife Jess Monak of Powell, Ohio, Austin Jess of Castalia, Ohio; granddaughters Cydne’ Jess of Fremont, Ohio, Alyssa and husband Jesus Canales of Leonard, Texas; grandson Forrest Hunter of Crowley, Texas; and great-grandchildren Jackson and Jameson Monak, Elijah and Dalton Jess, and Katie, Charlie, and Maggie Canales. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Special to his heart were the family pets, Rousey and Guinness.

For more than 35 years, Ronald provided for his family through his work at the Ford Motor Company in Sandusky, Ohio, retiring on November 1, 1999. Equally important to him was his dedicated service as a volunteer firefighter with the Erie Township Volunteer Fire Department in Lacarne, Ohio. He served for over 53 years, retiring as Assistant Fire Chief on August 3, 2021. His faith remained central throughout his life, as a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont, Ohio, and later Hope Lutheran Church in Hudson, Florida.

Ronald cherished time spent camping with family and friends, finding joy in the camaraderie shared around the campfire. His life was defined by his deep commitment to family, friends, and service to his community.