Ronald Merle Fites

Ronald Merle Fites, 81, Macy, Indiana, passed away on Monday afternoon, July 31, 2023, at Parkview Hospital, Wabash.

Born September 22, 1941, in Macy, Indiana, he was the son of Ralph Edward and Beatrice Ilean Bahney Fites. 

Ron was a lifelong resident of Miami County, and was a retired dairy farmer in the North Miami Community.  He was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Macy, and served for many years on the Ebenezer Cemetery Board.  In addition he was a member of the Macy Masonic Lodge and the Royal Center Eastern Star.  After retiring from farming, Ron helped part-time at McClain Funeral Home, Denver.  He loved watching sports and attended many North Miami games over the years, never missing an opportunity to point out the mistakes made by the softball umpires and basketball officials.  Until a stroke in 2020 left him homebound, Ron made his daily rounds to many different coffee spots and restaurants, keeping up on the local news, but most importantly, always keeping a close eye on his favorite waitresses—just to make sure they were doing their jobs correctly.  He was proud to have never lost an argument in his life, and he’d argue that fact if you disagreed. 

Ron is survived by his only son, Jason Edward Fites; two brothers, Bernard (Mary Esther) Fites, and Byron (Mary Beth) Fites, all of Macy.  Also surviving are his three nephew, Ryan, Brandon, and Matt Fites, a niece, Emily Fites, and many cousins, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Lawrence Ralph Fites; and his twin brother, Donald Earl Fites.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m (Noon) Saturday, August 5, 2023, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, with Pastor Bill Babb III officiating.  Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery, Macy.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. – Noon on Saturday, at the funeral home.

(Over the years, I have been privileged to know him as “Uncle Ron,” and while we were not actually related he has always been part of my family.  As this brief biography comes to a close, I want to extend my utmost thanks and gratitude to Ron’s caregivers and family for their constant help throughout the past few years.  Ron’s ability to stay at homestead on the farm was only made possible by the constant sacrifice of others, and there are not words to express how much you have all meant throughout this time. Thank you all so much, Brad McClain)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer Cemetery.

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