Oskaloosa, Iowa - Ronald Lee Francis, 90 of Oskaloosa, Iowa died February 21, 2026.

Ron was born December 28, 1935 to Grace Henderson Francis & Henry Horace Francis in Davis County, Iowa. He married Grace Wilkin on February 3, 1957, in Eddyville. Their children are Veronica Grim, Colleen (Rodney) Ashman, Bradley (Darla) Francis, and Robyn (Ronald) McCrea.

He has 9 Grandchildren - Joshua Ashman (Candi), Nicholas Ashman (Natalie), Alex Ashman (Rachel), Chelsea Harford (Zachary), Amanda Foster (Daniel), Debra Cronin (Stephen), Nicole Palmquist (Erik), Dane Francis (Chelsea), Paige Francis. 22 Great Grandchildren - Maddux, Cael, Harper Ashman; Kelly & Aurora Ashman; Stella & Myles Harford; Aryia & Rowan Francis; Norah, Bennett, Hazel Foster; Fallon & Decker Cronin; Owen, Bodie, Hallie Palmquist; Daniel & Joey Dicks; Nathaniel & Kellen Bishop; Bridget Olshesky.

He grew up in a large family and had many memories of his younger years, including skipping school together. Ron and Grace lived in Logan, Iowa for 6 years where he owned a dump truck and hauled rock. After moving to Eddyville, he drove a semi for Standard Forwarding hauling John Deere equipment out of Ottumwa for 33 years, retiring in 1992. Ron and Grace camped at the Iowa State Fair for 56 years and enjoyed attending the many horse shows. They wintered in Arizona for 18 years. He valued family time, frequently camping together and attending various family activities.

Ron loved playing games and cards but did not like being on the losing end. Each autumn, Ron assisted on his daughter and son-in-law's farm with the harvest, he especially liked driving the combine. He was always willing to help others when possible and would rarely ask for help but always appreciated it. He was happiest when he could stay busy by tinkering in his garage, puttering, and spending time outdoors. Despite only graduating 8th grade he could engineer anything he set his mind to.

Ron always believed in discipline and teaching children right from wrong. Ron attended the First Christian Church of Eddyville for many years and then attended the United Methodist Church of Eddyville and the Desert Chapel United Methodist Church of Apache Junction, AZ. Ron and Grace moved to Oskaloosa in March of 2023 and attended the First Christian Church of Oskaloosa.

Ron accepted the Lord and was baptized by Pastors Robert and Molly Goodrich. Ron was a member of the Troy Saddle Club and Eddyville Saddle Club, while they existed. He was a member of the ROMEOS from the Mountain View Mobile Ranch in Apache Junction, AZ and in charge of Bingo there for many years.

Ron is survived by his wife of 69 years, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and in-laws Archie Wilkin, Carol Wilkin, Jack Tingle, and Galen Sleeth.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings - Oscar, Austin, Freda, Donald, Irene, Hilda, Jackie, Jerry, Janice. In-laws JI Wilkin, James Wilkin, Willie Wilkin, Shirley Tingle, Kathleen Wilkin, and sons-in-law Jeff Mitrisin, and Michael Grim. Ron (Ronnie) will be greatly missed by so many, but good memories are with us all.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Eddyville Community Church with Pastors Robert and Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Eddyville. Visitation will be at the Eddyville Community Church Friday, 5:00-7:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the Eddyville Historical Museum.

Eddyville Celebrate Life Center is in charge of arrangements.