Family Log-In

Click Here

FARRELL, RONALD L., age 72, of Blanchard passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at his home with his family by his side.

A Funeral Mass for Ronald will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Monday, November 30, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Loren Kalinowski officiating. A Luncheon will follow at Mountain Town Station. The family will receive friends at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Sunday, November 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Ronald was born on May 13, 1943 in Blanchard, MI, the son of Leon and Hilda (Walch) Farrell. He married Sharron "Sig" Karcher on June 20, 1975 in Blanchard. Ronald’s legacy is great beyond all measurement because it is faith, family and friendship centered. Next to Our Heavenly Father, his greatest love was his family. His beloved wife, Sharron, shared in his passion and respect for family, friends, and the endless pursuit to improve educational opportunities for all students. Together, they raised their sons, Patrick Glen and Keegan O’Riley, for whom each was proudly named after decedents of the Farrell and Karcher families. Ronald was a giving, gracious, and gifted man. His passion for education knew no boundaries. As the only son of a small farmer and a teacher growing up in a rural area, Ronald’s curiosity and love for learning began at an early age. He observed and learned the Spanish language from the migrant workers on the farm. His mother’s love for books was a natural progression for Ronald to realize the power of learning and the opportunities to explore. It was those very humble beginnings that molded Ronald into becoming the loving family man, committed friend, avid gardener and great educator he was. After attending Blanchard School from Kindergarten through 12th grade, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Educational Specialist degree from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree from Michigan State University. Ronald began his teaching career at Fulton Community Schools. Thereafter, he accepted an administrator position at Montabella Community Schools. He served as an administrator in the district for 41 years having been a principal for 34 years and a superintendent of the schools for the final seven. Ronald’s passion and giving spirit was never more evident than when he volunteered to forego his salary for one year to help fund and support the district’s need for quality teachers. Ronald and Sharron established the Montabella Community Schools Education Fund through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to provide Montabella Community Schools with financial support to enhance the educational learning opportunities for the district’s students. In addition to supporting the educational endeavors of the community, Ronald also served on the Blanchard Telephone Board for many years as a member and as the President. Today we mourn his loss, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and those to be touched through his educational foundation.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Sharron; 2 sons, Patrick Farrell of Austin, TX, and Keegan (Brooke) Farrell of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; and grandchildren, Graham and Grayson.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montabella Community Schools Education Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Leon Farrell, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.