Ronald E. Sowers

Ronald E. Sowers,  94, of Ellsworth, passed away Thursday,  August 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.

   Ron was born on April 20, 1931, in Lansing, Michigan to Orla and Weltha (McCabe) Sowers.

   On October 29, 1955, He married Kathryn Hoag from Springport, Michigan.  They lived in Lansing, moving to Ellsworth in 1974 to own and operate the Country Kitchen, later the Country Kettle restaurant.   They also owned and operated the KOA Campground in Bellaire from 1978 to 1982.

   Ron was a member of Belltower Reformed Church, the Ellsworth Lions Club, served in the Reserves (CB's) for 12-14 years and was a member of Camp Baldy Deer Camp in Grayling.

   He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.  He had a sweet smile, gentle spirit, and was always willing to lend a hand.

   Surviving are his children, Scott Sowers of Ellsworth, Patti (Brian) Howes of Atwood, and Rhonda (Tex) Drenth of Ellsworth, grandchildren, Elizabeth French, Katelyn Swenson, Joseph Sowers, Marissa Cox, Courtny Howes, Nolan (Sarah) Howes, Grace (Joe) DeTar, Kelcie (Dan) Sanchez, and  Haley (Dustin) Polovich, as well as 15 great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his wife Katie, daughter Mary Jo Sowers, son Ronald Sowers Jr., sister Betty McCloud, brother-in-law Ray McCloud, and his parents.

   Visitation will be on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. at the Belltower Reformed Church in Ellsworth.

   Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 30 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

   Interment will follow in the Ellsworth Cemetery.

   In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Belltower Reformed Church, 8033 Church Rd., Ellsworth, MI,  49729 or the Upper Chain of Lakes Women's Club, c/o Debby Cook, 9412 Six Mile Lake Rd, Ellsworth, MI,  49729.

    Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

   Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.