Ronald E. Olmstead, 88, of Bella Vista, AR, went to his heavenly home on April 24, 2023. He was born March 7 ^th , 1935, to the late Clinton and Mary Olmstead, Lock Haven, PA.

Ron graduated from Lock Haven High School where he excelled at both baseball and basketball. He earned the lifelong nickname "Dutch" for throwing a right-handed knuckleball like the MLB pitcher "Dutch" Leonard. Ron attended Lock Haven University where he earned a degree in teaching. He then went on to serve in the US Army from 1958 to 1960. Following his honorable discharge, he also earned a master's degree in counseling from Shippensburg University.

Ron moved to Berwick, PA in 1961 where he worked at the PA Bureau of Employment Security as a counselor until he retired in 1991. It was in Berwick where he met his loving wife, Peggy. They had the joy of celebrating 60 years of marriage in September 2022. They remained in Berwick until 2004 until they moved to Bella Vista, AK to be closer to their children and granddaughters.

Aside from his passion for his family, Ron loved playing tennis at the Bloomsburg Tennis Club with his best buddy David Sommers. It was quite the match when his brother-in-law Tom Mensch was able to join them. He was a member of the Berwick Lions Club, where he served as president, the BPOE Elks Lodge, and the Masonic Lodge. Upon moving to Bella Vista, he continued to attend Lions Club meetings, enjoyed playing tennis with his brother-in- law and poker with his buddies.

Ron cherished his family and they him. His son and daughter remember their dad's easy-going demeanor, funny mannerisms, and unconditional love. His granddaughters adored their Poppy and his laughter. He was a kind-hearted man who never spoke ill of anyone and took the opportunity to help many when in need. He had the greatest sense of humor and found joy in making others laugh. He was quite the whistler and enjoyed calling friends and family to whistle Happy Birthday. A treat many looked forward to each year. He whistled Amazing Grace in church several years ago and the beauty of that is still talked about today.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dale and Ray Olmstead.

Ron is survived by his wife, Peggy; son, Ron of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Beth (Elizabeth) Black; granddaughters, Ava and Caroline Black, all of Leawood KS; brother-in-law, Tom Mensch; sister-in-law, Rosemary Mensch; niece, Lisa Oliver and husband, Cary; niece, Laurie Nelson and husband, Kevin; nephew, Steven Mensch and wife, Keylan; great nieces and nephews and little buddy, Grayson. His companion, Bella, was forever at his feet.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Memorials may be directed to Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762 or to The Bella Vista Lions Club, c/o Ken Swanson, 9 Marykirk Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72715.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.  On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.