Ronald "Ronnie" Lee Bailey, 66, of 1650 Sweetgum Road at Tater Lane, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on September 4th 4:05 a.m. at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis. Ronnie was born on April 20, 1945 at the doctor's office in Kewanna. He is the son of Lyle and Lavonne Stretch Bailey. As one of four children, he shared his childhood with three sisters Joyce, Reba and Mary. During his high school years Ronnie was four year member of the Future Farmers of America. He served the Rochester High School class of 1963 as treasurer, played intramurals and participated in the Tri-Epsilon theatrical production his junior year. Ronnie raised a variety of livestock including a fine litter of Chester White hogs, some laying chickens and a cow and with great pride showed them all as a member of 4-H. At the state fair he was a member of the red ribbon winning Poultry and Egg judging team. At the 1st Baptist Church, on September 26, 1965 Ronnie married his best friend and love of his life, Rose Mary Folkerth. Their union of nearly 46 years produced two handsome sons David and Dan. Later the family tree grew with the addition of 4 grandchildren. Patriotism beckoned and Ronnie answered the call serving with the United States Army from 1965 - 1967. He was primarily stationed in Okinawa. Reliability is one of his greatest virtues, Ronnie was dedicated to the Dean Foods Company for 41 years and never missing a day on the job. He began in the cooler and retired as the human resource/office manager. For 51 years, since he was 15, with love for livestock and dedication he worked Saturdays at the Rochester Sale Barn. As a servant to our community, Ron helped lead our schools during the 90's as a member of the Rochester Community School board from 1990 - 1998. Letting the good times roll, Ronnie was a member of the men's bowling business leagues for the Rochester Sale Barn at Quick's Lanes. He enjoyed hitting the links with the Fulton County golf league at Mill Creek. In his earlier years Ron coached Little League baseball. In 2006 - 2007 he was recognized by the RHS music and Tri-Epsilon departments with the coveted "Golden Hammer " award for his generous help with building sets for productions. Ronnie was a devoted member of the 1st Baptist Church for more than a half century. Over the years he served in a variety of capacities including deacon and member of the finance board. He was currently a trustee. Taking great satisfaction with keeping his lawn meticulously groomed Ron took to his Simplicity ZTR and mowed to perfection. To relax there was nothing like sitting on the swing enjoying the breeze and an ice cold Miller Lite after mowing. He loved cruising with Rosie in his cherry red Mazda Miata with the top down for morning coffee or heading out to breakfast. As the patriarch of his family he loved his best friend, Rosie, cherished his sons and their wives, but was very proud and so adored his grandchildren. There was nothing better in life than spending time with all of them. An annual trip to a southern locale with the entire extended family of over 30 was an event chalked full of many memories and good times enjoyed by everyone. There was plenty of laughter, relaxing, sunshine, food, golf, sand and surf. The 2011 event was held at Lake Oconee, Georgia an oasis of relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation. Ronnie is lovingly remembered by: his wife Rose Mary, 2 sons: David Allen & Stephanie Bailey and their beautiful daughters, Danielle "Tater" and Breanna, Dan and Emily Bailey and their adorable twins Grant and Olivia. Also surviving are 3 sisters, Joyce & Richard Briggs of Macy, Reba and Larry Cripe, Mary and Terry Wynn; his aunts and uncle, Marilyn Stretch and Bonnie and Bob Townsend all of Rochester. Ronnie is also survived by his father-in-law Harold Folkerth, brother-in-law Mick Folkerth and his wife Kathy, an Uncle Francis Carlson, nieces and nephews: Mark & Loretta Deardorff, Bill and Debbie Briggs, Don and Tami Briggs, Julie and Mark Melton, Linda and Mick Lowry, Marcia and Mike Childers, Larry Wayne Cripe, Randy Wynn, Tim Wynn. Numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Lavonne Bailey and a nephew Tom Briggs. Military honors will be accorded for Mr. Ronald Lee Bailey by the Leroy Shelton American Legion Post #36 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1343 at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 8th at the Good Family Funeral Home 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Immediately following the ceremony Ronnie's family will greet friends from 1:00 - 8:00.