We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Pastor Ronald here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
I will miss my "In Harmony" partner. Ron and I met when my wife Dani and I first moved to the area in 2016, and we instantly meshed musically and personally. It was a true joy and a gift to each other and one that In Harmony gave to the world.
David Veenstra
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
I will always remember Ron when he came out to our farm and baptized my Mom and I at the fruit stand. It was something I had been wanting to have done for years, and never got around to. Then one day it dawned on me that my friend Kathy was married to a minister. So we set it up and got it done. Thank you God for Ron VanLente, he was a wonderful man!
Elaine Ruell
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
The time that I worked for the First United Methodist Church I was so nervous. Pastor made my fears go away. I could confide anything to him, and I know it stopped with him. I hated leaving the church, and he made it very clear he wasn't happy either....I will miss you Pastor Ron..you taught me so much in 8 months...I'll never forget you...?
Sue Rawson
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Pastor Ron is sincerely one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. My conversations with him were always genuine and meaningful. In the short time I knew him he offered valuable couples advice to me and my now husband, and I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to marry me and my husband, Chuck.
Suzy Swanson-Grigg
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Kathleen Our sincere prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! Ron was a true blessing to our church and Ron was so happy here at First Church. Heaven will be really full of music and songs Praise God!, All our love and prayers. Jon and Sharon Jillson
Jon and Sharon Jillson
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
I am grateful that I got to know, work with, and make music with Ron while he was at Coloma UMC. He made a positive impact on my life.
Sue Sweet
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
In the short time I worked for Pastor Ron, I grew to respect him and appreciate the love and compassion that he had for all people. There is peace in knowing he is pain free and playing his guitar to the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe God met him at the pearly gates, hugged him and said, "Welcome, good and faithful servant." I will miss you, Ron.
Dana Tipken
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Thank you Pastor Ron for welcoming me into your congregation! I always enjoyed your music and message! You will be missed! ??
Steven Herrell
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
It was a privilege and an honor to serve with Ron here in the South Haven area for the last couple of years. He was very active with SHAMA (South Haven Area Ministerial Alliance). He loved Jesus, had such a likable spirit, was so honest and real and cared deeply about the church and its call to bring life and peace to the community. He will be greatly missed and hard to replace. I am glad for him though, that his journey is complete and he has arrived on that beautiful shore with His Lord and Savior Jesus. So we will not grieve as those who have no hope.
Pastor Milan Bittenbender
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Ron was an amazing person. There were times when we laugh together, shared cynical remarks, even cried together. I wish I would have lived closer to him because I think we could have realize that we were Kindred Spirits. I will miss seeing him at annual conference. I will miss her smile and his humor. I'm a better person because how was able to share some of life with Ron. Blessings and peace be to all of his family who mourn his untimely death.
Mark Thomoson
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Heather McDougall & Family send our thoughts and prayers to Kathy & family & South Haven First UMC & Community. I never knew the words of ‘We Three Kings’ could be put to a Bare Naked Ladies Tune played on the guitar while caroling at Lakeland St. Joseph hospital. Ron showed us and led the way! I treasured his wisdom and insight sitting on the Board with him at Harbor Harvest Urban Ministries in Benton Harbor. His faith was deep. His sense of humor equally so and his wit wisdom & prophetic critique often right on target. Kathy, he always spoke highly of you and how you handled the pressure and stress of being a clergy spouse and partner in ministry with him. Tears acknowledging our deep loss sometimes help affirm, that we grieve and cry as people with hope. Peace, grace & comfort be yours. Heather, John, Hannah & Sarah
Heather McDougall
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Ron was everyone’s friend at Foundry Hall. I recently learned we both lived in Ferry during our earliest years and it was fun sharing memories. His music was distinctive and wonderful. I can easily hear it in my mind. His kindness was genuine and deep. There isn’t anyone who won’t be truly saddened by his loss.
Dan Smith
July 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
My sincerest condolences to Kathy and the rest of the family. I’ll always remember watching all the great golf ⛳️ shots Ron could make and the many songs he would sing.
Lanny
July 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
I was so touched and honored that Ron supported Marilyn and I when we participated in the Women's March. He had a heart for Social Justice.
Barb Smith
July 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
My heart goes out to Kathy and all of Ron’s family, with the deepest and sincerest empathy. Ron was a giving pastor and was always trying to help others. He will be missed by many. He loved his music and shared it with anyone that would listen and it was always something worth listening too. There are so many memories of listening to special music played by pastor Ron on Sunday Morning!
Kathy Lard
July 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
Kathy and family:
Chris
July 6th, 2020 at 12:00am
So shocked to hear this! Ron and I meet at Pastor's school during a golf outing, (imagine that!) From that moment on we golfed and roomed together at Annual Conference and Pastor's school. He was a dear friend and partner in crime for the the last 6 or 7 years, a true soul mate in ministry and in life. He was so happy to be in South Haven, he loved the lake shore community and singing in area establishments.
Tony Shumaker, Pastor
July 16th, 2020 at 12:00am
My condolences to all of you at SoHa Methodist Church. Kathy Haines Dailey
Kathleen H Dailey
July 19th, 2020 at 12:00am
