Ronald Vandegrift

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald L. Vandegrift on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024 at Beatrice Health and Rehab in Beatrice. Ron was a humble and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great servant to his country. Ronald was born on January 5, 1940, in Beatrice, NE, USA.

Ronald was a man of many talents and interests, but his greatest love was for his family. He was married to his devoted wife, Lois Vandegrift (nee DeRyke) on December 4, 1957, in Fairbury, NE. Together, they built a life filled with love that was an example to their children: Darcy Vandegrift of Lawrence, KS, Bryan Vandegrift of Lincoln, and Kenneth Vandegrift of Baldwin City, KS. Ronald's legacy also includes his cherished grandchildren, Garrett Vandegrift, Adrienne Njoroge, Jason Njoroge, and Bryan Adam Vandegrift. He is preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Opal (nee Titus) Vandegrift, his brother William Vandegrift, and his sister Betty Salts.

Ronald served honorably in the United States Airforce for 20 years, from March 25, 1958, until his discharge on March 31, 1978. He also served his community as a Scout volunteer, a coach, and past vice president for Little League Baseball. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, camping and RVing, and flying, having earned his private pilot's license. Ronald had a distinguished career, working for MCI Telephone from 1978-1986 and the CIA from 1987-1992 when he retired.

A graveside service with military honors provided by the United States Airforce will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska.

We invite all who knew and loved Ronald to leave memories and upload photos to his memorial page, celebrating his life that he shared with us all.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.