Ronald ‘Ron’ Hovey, 89

Jan. 3, 1932 —

April 4, 2021

 

RIDGEWAY - Ronald “Ron” Floyd Hovey, age 89, of Ridgeway, Iowa passed away on April 4, 2021 at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco, Iowa. 

Private family graveside services will be held at Orleans Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway with burial in the church cemetery. 

Ron was born in Cresco, on January 3, 1932 to Melvin and Stella (Anderson) Hovey. He attended grade school at Orleans #5 and attended high school in Cresco. During his youth, Ron was part of the local Whizzer motorbike group. He enjoyed going on rides with friends, and when he got a car, he drove the neighborhood kids to school. 

Ron was drafted into the U.S. Navy in March 1956. He was stationed in Norfolk, Va. and served for two years on the USS Arneb 56. He continued his service for six additional years in the reserves. He enjoyed sharing stories about his time in the Navy and especially liked talking about visiting Antarctica. 

Upon his honorable discharge, Ron returned home to work on the family farm. He met Karon Baker through their work with 4-H. They enjoyed dancing and going on trail rides together when they were dating. They were united in marriage on June 17, 1962. Together they had four children. 

Ron’s lifelong passion was horses. He enjoyed trail rides, horse shows and had an interest in cutting horses. He was known for his knowledge of bloodlines and quality horses. 

He volunteered in his community by serving on the REC Board, the school board, Lutheran Credit Association, Winneshiek County Beef Producers, Orleans Church Council and was a member of the Howard and Winneshiek County Saddle Clubs. 

Ron never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with friends over coffee at the sale barn and at many local establishments. 

He is survived by his wife, Karon Hovey; his children, Melissa Foley of Cresco, Jeff Hovey of Norwalk, Iowa, Pam Perry of Mount Vernon, Iowa and Greg Hovey of Decorah, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Morgan (Michael) Stevenson, Hunter Foley, Ryan Hovey, Justin Hovey, Marit Hovey, Zachary Perry and Anika Perry; and his sister Maizie Huckins of Redlands, Calif. 

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Brenda Hovey. 

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Thunder Rode Therapeutic Riding in Decorah, thunderrode.org or Howard County Hospice

Lindstrom Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.