Ronald P. “Ronnie” Schell

Ronald P. “Ronnie” Schell, age 88, of Caldwell, Ohio, died Monday, April 29, 2024, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born August 1, 1935, in Fulda, son of the late Edward F. and Florentine Fox Schell. He was a 1953 graduate of Caldwell High School and attended school in Fulda for 11 years. Ronnie always lived life to its fullest. He was known for his wit and sense of humor, and he always had a smile on his face.

He enjoyed hunting and referred to himself as a “night walker” for the many nights he spent coon hunting. He also enjoyed rabbit hunting and cared for his hunting dogs dearly.

Ronnie was an athlete in his youth. After scoring a touchdown every game his senior year, he earned the nickname “The Fulda Flash”. He enjoyed playing softball for many years with several different teams, including the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s, and finally, the King Quarries Old Timers. In his later years, Ronnie spent many hours playing Euchre and Solo with family and friends.

Ronnie started working for Baker and Noon Coal Company before moving to Central Ohio Coal, where he worked on draglines as an operator, oiler, and mechanic. He ran a 2570 dozer and cleared the path for the Big Muskie. He was a member of the United Mine Workers. He was also an Olive Twp. Trustee for 36 years and was a member of the Ohio Trustee Association. This was back in the day when a trustee “pushed snow when it snowed.” He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church and the Fr. Klueber Council #2565 Knights of Columbus in Caldwell.

Those who know Ronnie know how happy it would make him to raise a drink in his honor and remember him with a smile.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Rosetta A. Hupp Schell, whom he married May 4, 1957, and who died July 5, 2019; one granddaughter, Greta L. Schott; and two brothers, Denver L. Schell and Melvin Schell.

Surviving are his children, Christina (Chuck) Haas, Brenda (Steve) Schott, and Robert (Marcia) Schell, all of Caldwell, and Scott (Jody) Schell of Reynoldsburg; nine grandchildren, Mya Rose, Charlee, Kylie, Trae, Casey, Austin, Emily, Molly, and Lexy; seven great-grandchildren, Delyn, Rosy, Cloe, Cali, Asher, Ada, Reese and Granger; his siblings, Fred Schell of Caldwell and Barbara (Clarence “Smitty”) Smithberger of Pickerington; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call Friday, May 3, 2024, from 3-7 p.m. at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where a Knights of Columbus rosary will be observed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will take place Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Thomas Nelson, Fr. Dale Tornes, and Fr. Tom Nau as celebrants. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. An online guestbook may be signed at www.mcvay-perkins.com