Ronald James Mcdonald

Ronald James McDonald, 69, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City. He was born April 26, 1951, in Mt. Pleasant, son of the late James Francis and Leona June (Reed) McDonald and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1969. He attended Michigan State University and married Dianna Lee Hutchins on September 25, 1970, at St. Mary's University Parish on the campus of CMU. Ron began farming when he was eight years old, already learning to drive the tractor. He took over the family farm in 1973 and operated it until 2006. He then worked for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) in Lansing as both an enumerator and supervisor, gathering statistics for agriculture across Michigan. He volunteered as a firefighter and at Habitat for Humanity. Ron is survived by his wife, Dianna; three children, Brian (Tracy) McDonald of Mt. Pleasant, Amy (Brian) Johnson of Hope, and Kevin McDonald of Grand Rapids; three grandchildren, Isla Grace McDonald, Alec McDonald, and Kirsten McDonald; siblings, Tom (Kathy) McDonald of Ithaca, Rose (Mark) Ludtke of Cadillac, and Mark (Amy) McDonald of Mt. Pleasant; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Leona McDonald. Ron is having a private memorial service. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.