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Ronald Shields of Loysville, age 78, joined his Heavenly Father on July 19, 2021. Born at home on April 21, 1943 to the late Eugene and Betty (Stewart) Shields of Blain, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, and runner. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Judy (Benson) Shields, four children: Douglas Shields of Shippensburg, David (Anne) Shields of Morgan Hill, CA, Nathan (Marcie) Shields of Atlanta, GA, and Joni (Claudio) Cotto of Loysville; six grandchildren: Analicia Cotto, Madison Shields, Caitlin Shields, Sawyer Cotto, Oliver Cotto, and Asher Cotto; and two siblings: Eugenia (Wayne) Sheaffer of Loysville and Samuel Shields of Loysville. In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his brother, Larry Shields.
Ron graduated from Blain Union High School and Warren Wilson College of North Carolina. He proudly served his country as a Marine. He was the owner and operator of Shields Plumbing, Heating and Electrical company, and had a passion for both kids and running, which he combined in his role of Coach of West Perry Cross Country and Track and Field teams. He coached for 20 years.
Ron was a member of Grace Brethren Church of Shermans Valley, where he served on the Trustee Board and helped with church facility maintenance. He was also an active member of the Perry County Roadrunners. He ran marathons and 5K and 10K races. He race-walked, also, but his ultimate favorite pastimes were spending time with his grandchildren, hiking, running, eating pies, picking raspberries, and watching movies.
Because of his huge impact on lives within Perry County, two viewings will be held in the newly renovated chapel of Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home in Loysville. The first viewing will be held Thursday, July 22 from 6 to 8 PM. The second viewing will be held an hour prior to the funeral service on Friday, July 23. Viewing time is 10 to 11 AM, with the funeral service scheduled to being at 11 , with the Pastor Bruce Henneman officiating. Interment will follow the service at Blain Cemetery. A basket will be set to receive written memories of Ron for the family to read after the funeral. The family requests that guests wear bright or neon colors and their favorite running shoes in honor of his love of running.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Perry Athletic Boosters Club (Cross Country or Track and Field), Attn: Jared Weibley, 2606 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg, PA 17024.
Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.
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