Scranton – Ronnie Schooler, 78, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Midland Care Hospice in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on September 13, 1946, in Bancroft, Kansas, the son of Lorree (Kirkland) Schooler.
Ronnie worked for Home of Tile, Don Bron Construction and Frank Willis Construction. He dedicated 30 years of service to BNSF Railroad as a mechanic on the Bridge and Building Gang until his retirement in 2006. Ronnie attended Cross Road Community Church in Scranton and served on the Scranton Cemetery Board.
Ronnie was an avid KU Basketball fan and loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and mowing lawns (whether asked to or not). Each morning started at Casey’s with coffee and gossip with his best buds, Terry, Gayle and Randall. At home he was always on high alert with his binoculars in hand and his weather cap on as the neighborhood forecaster.
On September 26, 1970, Ronnie was united in marriage to Carroll Harris. They were blessed with two sons, Ronald and Chad. The couple enjoyed their time together sitting on the back swing, gardening and making homemade salsa, AWTY bus trips, and playing cards with friends from Carbondale and Osage City. Ronnie and Carroll laid the foundation for a beautiful family to be built. Nothing was more important to Ronnie than Carroll and his family. He loved spending time with his grandkids and later his great-grandkids. The family always cherished a meal together. Ronnie made the best mashed potatoes there ever was!
The annual turkey shoot at Ronnie’s ponderosa was a tradition for 28 years that brought together family and friends. Ronnie could always be found manning the thrower and giving guidance on your shot with his years of experience. The chili potluck brought us all together for a delicious meal. We’d gather around the bonfire to visit with one another and stay warm. Those bonfires made for the best roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for s’mores. Ronnie always ended the turkey shoot with a hayrack ride behind his tractor. The annual turkey shoot holds countless precious memories we will always have together with Ronnie.
He was a man of quiet faith and always prayed for his family. Ronnie just had a special way about him that you just knew he was there for you with support, encouragement, truly anything you needed. He always showed up and could be counted on. A hug from the man could cure all. Ronnie’s endless love will always be felt by his family.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Carroll of 54 years; his two sons, Ronald (Darcy) Schooler of Auburn and Chad (Trisha) Schooler of Scranton; his four grandchildren, Hayley Spicer (Ryan Wells), Skylar (Katie) Schooler, Tanner (Jessica) Schooler and Allie Schooler; four great-grandchildren, Parker, Alayna, Rylee and Hudson; his four siblings, Garrel (Kathy) Schooler of Wakarusa, Linda Saulter of New Caney, Texas, Donald (Donna) Schooler of Wakarusa and Lois (Dennis) McPhail of Overbrook and many many nieces and nephews.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his mother, Lorree; his four sisters, Karen, Norma, Ramona and Mary; and by one brother, Gene.
A Celebration of Life for Ronnie will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 19, at the Cross Road Community Church in Scranton. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cross Road Community Church or the Scranton Cemetery, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451.
