Ronald William Theryoung, known affectionately as Ron or “Whitey” to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, in Lansing, MI, at the age of 81. He was born on April 15, 1943, in Detroit, MI, and spent most of his life in that area until moving to Lansing in 2011 to be near one of his daughters.

Ron graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1961. Shortly thereafter, he honorably served in the United States Army from 1964-1970. He often spoke fondly of his time stationed in Germany and enjoyed exploring other parts of Europe while he was there. Ron met Sylvia (Bach) when they were working in the same office building and they married in 1971. Together, they built their dream home on 10 acres in Clarkston, where they raised their two daughters, Jill (Dan) Gard and Robin (Nate) Tueting. They were married for 39 years.

Professionally, Ron spent most of his career working in the IT industry, starting as a computer operator at National Bank of Detroit in the era of punched cards and finishing as a franchise owner of an IT personnel recruitment company.

One of his favorite stories was about how he would eat an entire ham and green pepper pizza after working his grocery store job in his younger years. His preference of ham and green pepper pizza never changed. He also loved chocolate so much that his daughters didn’t know there were different ice cream flavors until they were older. He enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Lions and Red Wings and would have loved to live to see the Lions win the Superbowl. His daughters meant the world to him and he enjoyed telling stories about them to anyone who would listen.

Ron leaves behind his daughters and their husbands. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Elizabeth (Querner) Theryoung.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. A private burial will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Union Cemetery in Grand Ledge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your local food bank. They also encourage you to give your loved ones an extra hug. Arrangements are entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge, MI 48837.