WASHINGTON...Ronald J. Ubben, 73, of Washington, passed away at 11:45 p.m., Friday, July 15, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Ron was born on January 19, 1938 in Peoria to Harold and Viona Hicken Ubben. He married Karen Joy Ramey on August 23, 1959 in Fairfield, Illinois. Karen died on December 23, 1995 in Pontiac. Ron later married DeeAnne Stice Kingston in Washington on September 16, 2001. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Rhonda (Mike Stubbs) Ubben of Conifer, Colorado and Lisa (Jim) Kleinz of Westmont, Illinois; one step-son, Olin Patrick (Jessica) Kingston of Franklin, Illinois; one step-daughter, Alaisa (David) Emmens of Genoa, Illinois; one sister, Marilyn Zielke of Aledo, Illinois; one brother, Michael Ubben of Chicago and eight loving grandchildren, Emma, Leah, Eve, Caleb, Arielle, Robert, Audrey and Aisling.
Ron was a registered Pharmacist who for the majority of his working career owned and ran Thrifty Drugs in Streator. He also had owned drug stores in Erie, Bloomington and Pontiac, as well as worked at pharmacies in Chenoa, Bradley/Bourbonnais and Eureka. He was the first pharmacy provider to area nursing homes and was proud to have one of the first computerized pharmacy’s east of the Mississippi.
He attended Monmouth University and was a graduate of Drake University School of Pharmacy in Des Moines, Iowa.
He was also a licensed pilot and flight instructor. Ron also enjoyed restoring antique cars.
Ron attended the Washington Presbyterian Church and was a member of Pontiac Masonic Lodge #294.
A Masonic service will be held on Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Following the Masonic service, a celebration of Ron’s life will be officiated by Pastor Randy Saxon. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to services on Friday.
Private burial of ashes will occur in Pontiac at a later date.
Memorials may be made to either American Diabetes Association or LifeLine Pilots of Peoria.