Ron E. Smeltzer, 71, of Elkhart, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Elkhart General Hospital, following a brief and sudden illness. He was born in Elkhart, IN on July 27, 1953, to the late Robert W. and Mary Ann (Knoll) Smeltzer.

Ron was also preceded in death by his brother, Roger Smeltzer. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Deb Smeltzer; children, Andy Smeltzer and Jenna (Jose) Rangel; grandchildren, Aurora, Holden, and Silas; brothers, Terry (Suze) Smeltzer and Tim (Jan) Smeltzer; mother-in-law, Dot Price; sister-in-law, Vicki (Craig) Sponseller and Lori (Brian) Evans; nephews, Christian (Garry) Elder, Cory (Rose) Sponseller, Casey (Nikki) Sponseller, and Cody (Jade) Sponseller; and niece, Kassie (Jim) Spencer. He also loved the in-laws he had in Jose's family, as his own.

Cremation was chosen and Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart has been entrusted to assist with Ron's services. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church, 28765 Co Rd 4, Elkhart, IN 46514. Ron loved to dress comfortably and casually, sporting jeans and a comfy t-shirt. In his honor, the family kindly requests all guests to dress casually. Ron would have wanted all his guests to come as they are and to be comfortable.

A celebration of life service will follow at the church at 12 p.m. with Pastor Sarah Miller officiating. A private family graveside service will take place at a later time where he will be laid to rest at Olive Cemetery in Elkhart. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ron's memory may go to New Hope United Methodist Church.

Ron lived by five major principles: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Football (Go Pack, Go!). He put his faith in the Lord in all things and lived by Proverbs 3:5 which helped him to become the Pillar of not only his family but his church as well.

In his earlier years, Ronnie enjoyed spending time with his brothers and was no stranger to broken bones, scratches, and bruises. He and his brothers would often do what boys often do which was to get into trouble. One of these instances involved a cardboard box and a lighter… Needless to say Ronnie had an impact on his brothers' lives as he inspired Terry to become a firefighter. In high school, he remained active and was on the track and cross-country teams. His love of fitness continued as he would enjoy walking and weightlifting in his later years. A few years after graduating high school, he met and married the love of his life, Deb J. Price, on January 15, 1977.

Ron was always a talented artist and pursued a career in graphic design. He designed and essentially built a house for his family from the ground up, even designing a downstairs bar area to look like a saloon inspired by his love of westerns. He later became the proud owner of Smeltzer Designworks in 1993, where he was able to help local businesses and foster his love of creativity. Ron was an active member of New Hope United Methodist Church and enjoyed having a church family. He played a big role in many ministries that made up the church, such as leadership, hospitality, Jireh ministries, and many other past small groups. God gave Ron an incredible gift by blessing him with the loving heart of a servant leader and the kind compassionate touch of a teacher by making others feel valued, loved, and wanted. He took part in many social groups outside the church as well that included Patriot Friends, "Eat, Drink, and be Merry", and the jokingly proclaimed "Liars Club" (although he would tell you that he was the only one telling the truth).

Recently, he had planned on fading out his business to dedicate more time to spending time with family and with his grandchildren. Ron enjoyed having children and being blessed with his three grandchildren. When his children were growing up, he took the time to coach the little league team Andy played on. With his grandchildren, he enjoyed playing with them and always did his best to keep up with them; from dodgeball tournaments in the basement to playing "Monster."

To say Ron will be missed would be a great understatement. He was his family's rock and the person anyone could go to for help or advice. There is no doubt that he is in the loving arms of the Lord and is free from all the worry and pain of this life. Remember Ron fondly and live by his example by letting your faith in the Lord guide you in all things and doing unto others as Jesus would have done.

New Hope United Methodist Church
28765 County Road 4, Elkhart IN 46514
Tel: 1-574-262-9341
Web: http://www.newhopeumc.com