Ronald Edwin Coats of Hastings passed away on March 15, 2017 at age 76. He was born March 15, 1941 in Hastings, Michigan. He graduated from Woodland High School in 1959. In August of 1960 he married Joanne Lydy. He worked at General Motors, Bliss Press USA, and then the family farm. For many years, he was the Chief of the Woodland Fire Department. He was a member of the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Club and attended the Clarksville Steam Show every year. In 17 years, he never missed the Michigan Technological University's Winter Carnival. He collected family memorabilia and antique tractors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spent every summer at, what he referred to as “God’s Country” Glen Lake. He enjoyed making maple syrup for his family and friends. His love for the Lord was demonstrated in his generosity. If anyone needed anything, he would always help and never expected anything in return.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Max Edwin and Grace Isabel (Hart) Coats, wife of 31 years Joanne, grandson Johnathan Coats, and niece Melissa Eden. He is survived by daughters Ronda (Kevin) Colley, Lisa (Tony) Coughlin, Jennifer (Chad) Horton, grandchildren Justin Benner, William Hildreth, Chase Coughlin, Ryan Coughlin, Jordyn Coats, Lance Horton, great grandchildren Khilor and Wyatt Coughlin, and sisters Carolyn (Keith) Murphy, and Maxine Nicholas.
Memorial Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Memorial Service will be at 11:00am on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Barry Community Enrichment Center 231 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The family will receive guest one hour prior to the service and there will be a light lunch following. Ronald wished to be cremated and there will be a private family burial. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society 129 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 or the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Club 2545 S. Charlton Park Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058.
