Ronald Lee Rose, 82, of Springfield, died at 3:13 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2024, at St. John's Hospital.

He was born August 11, 1941, in Springfield, to George Elmer Rose and Amy Jane (Gasaway) Rose. He married Dorothea June Hoffman on October 27, 1963. She survives, along with his sister, Sue Ames, of Springfield; daughters, Colette (Trent) Knoles and Heather (Russ) Witmer of Athens; grandchildren, Jessie (North Joffe-Nelson) Knoles of Urbana; Emily (Austin) Smith of Sherman; Luke (significant other, Elizabeth) Witmer; and Jenna Witmer; two great-grandchildren, Leo and Rowan Smith; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Lippa, of Springfield; one uncle, Glenn (Nancy) Gasaway of California; and several nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Ron Ames; and sister-in-law, Janet Hoffman.

Ron worked as a communications technician for Illinois Bell Telephone Company (AT&T) for 40 years, retiring in 2004. He enjoyed playing poker, card games, fishing, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, spending time and taking trips with his family, and solving crossword puzzles. He and June raised their family on Lake Petersburg in a house Ron designed himself and built with help from his father and father-in-law. His family have fond memories of summers spent swimming, fishing, and riding in the boat. The unofficial family historian, Ron left behind numerous VHS tapes and DVDs of footage he recorded during family gatherings for his family to enjoy for years to come.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home with Pastor Shane Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.