Clyde Ronald “Ron” LeMay, of Jefferson was born in Strong City, KS, on April 14, 1941. He was one of 10 children born to Louis and Frieda (Fink) LeMay. He went to meet his Lord on Nov. 24, 2025, at age 84.
Ron married his high school sweetheart, Ione Sill, on June 5, 1960. They shared 65 years of devoted marriage. He was a wonderful father to two daughters, Elaine (Brian) Appleby of West Des Moines, and LeAnn (Doug) Monaghan of Jefferson.
He is survived by his wife Ione; his daughters and sons-in-law; and six grandchildren: Jason (Cassie) Kay of Creston, Aaron (Anna) Kay of Clive, Patrick (Desiree) Monaghan of Gowrie, Emily (Joe) Gannon of Rippey, Amy Monaghan of Des Moines, and Eric (Erin) Monaghan of Weston, FL. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; a great-great-granddaughter; brother Jay and sisters Terry and Rhonda; as well as many dear friends. Ron loved his family deeply and was proud of each one.
Originally from the Flint Hills of Kansas, Ron and Ione later made their home in Iowa and Arizona. A lifelong hard worker, he began his career cowboying on a 14,000-acre ranch in Kansas, ran a dairy in Seymour, advanced to district manager with Moorman’s Feed in Red Oak, and managed Wheelers Farm & Home Store in Harlan, building it into a million-dollar store in the late 1970s. Ron also served as a regional leader for Primerica, and later co-managed Walton Woods in Jefferson. He proudly served his country as a member of the Kansas National Guard.
He enjoyed a good game of cards—especially 10-point pitch—along with croquet and fishing. Though he had left cowboying behind, it never left him, and he delighted in attending rodeos or watching them on television. He was also a child magnet. He had a special way with children—whether family or strangers, they were naturally drawn to his easy smile, playful spirit, and quiet kindness.
Ron’s life was marked by a quiet but steady faith. He demonstrated his love for the Lord not with many words, but through his character, his work ethic, and the gentle way he cared for others.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.
The family thanked the staff at Regency Park Nursing and Rehab Center and Hospice of the Midwest, especially Wes Zollman, for the excellent and compassionate care they provided to Ron in his last months.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care – Jefferson, Iowa
