Ronald Keith “Smed” Smedley

Ronald Keith “Smed” Smedley

Independence

Ronald Keith “Smed” Smedley, 78 years old of Independence, IA, died Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Rehabilitation Centers of Independence – West Campus after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at Calvary Evangelistic Center, Independence. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7, at White Funeral Home, Independence, and for one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Online condolences may be posted at www.White-MtHope.com.

Ron was born October 1, 1946, in Manchester, IA, the son of Ralph Willard Smedley and Augusta Marie (Schrage) Smedley. He graduated from East Buchanan High School, Winthrop, IA, with the 1964 class. Ron enjoyed participating in sports, playing football, basketball, and baseball in high school and beyond. On April 11, 1964, he married Ruth Ann Freebern in Independence, had three children, and later divorced. On August 30, 1991, Ron and Esther Christine Skubal were married in Cedar Rapids, IA. Ron was an electrician for over 40 years and worked for the Illinois Central Railroad and Freeman Electric. Later, he established Ron Smedley Electric in Independence, of which he was most proud.

Ron is survived by his wife, Esther Smedley of Independence; children: Robin (James) Grover of Rowley, Rachelle “Shelly” (John) Quinn of Lakewood Ranch, FL; Rodney (Toni) Smedley of Independence; William (Lisa) Skubal of Jesup, IA, Alesia (Shawn) Buckman of Woodward, IA, Nicole (Rob) Ryan of West Des Moines, IA, Shanna Skubal of Camanche, IA, and Christian Skubal of Independence as well as 20 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews; and one brother, LaVern (Theresa) Smedley of Cedar Rapids, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, RoseAnn Bach and Shirley White.

White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of the arrangements.