Ronald Keith Koster

Ronald Keith Koster, age 73, of Blue Creek, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Clermont Mercy Hospital in Batavia, Ohio after a lengthy illness. He was born September 30, 1947 in Lawrence County General Hospital, Ironton, Ohio to parents; Eva Paul and Clifford Koster who preceded him in death. Ronald was raised by his Grandfather and Grandmother, who he loved. Ronald spent most of his youth helping his Grandpa in the coal mines of Southern Ohio. His day consisted of attending school, getting off the bus and heading directly to the coal mine to help. He was a young hero who helped save his grandfather's life after an accident in the coal mine caused him to be trapped in slate and coal, Ronald was there and in the pitch black darkness, pulled him to safety. Due to his small size he also helped recover the bodies of two men who lost their lives in the coal mine. Ronald attended Ironton High School and graduated in 1966. After graduating high school, Ronald loved his country and the military so much that he attempted to become a soldier. He applied to every branch of the military but unfortunately was unable to serve his country due to a debilitating injury to his back. He had a lifelong career working for International Harvester- Navistar Company helping to produce vehicles ranging from light trucks to heavy commercial trucks and buses. He was a voice for fair and equal treatment of his fellow employees and was a UAW Local Union Representative. He retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Ronald loved History and enjoyed reading and listening to audio books. His favorite author was Allan Wesley Eckert who was an American novelist and playwright who specialized in historical novels for adults and children. Ronald was a big fan of Jeopardy and you can bet that if there was a question about History he knew the answer. In later years Ronald fell on hard times and was blessed to have his special adopted family, Michael and Molly Collett, take him into their home, love and care for him for the past 8 years until he left this world. He enjoyed riding on the four wheelers with the family and enjoyed eating dinners, especially Molly's meatloaf and Salisbury steak. He was a connoisseur of cheese and would try every different kind that he could. He also enjoyed his Busch Light and Vodka. He hated cabbage and eggs, he wasn't afraid to let you know what he did not like. His favorite music was Bluegrass and his favorite song was Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn, which would bring him to tears every time he heard it. He also loved the song Red-Winged Blackbird by Kathy Mattea. Ronald had a lot of struggles in his life and he was thankful to Michael, who he thought of as his son and was appreciative for all the unconditional love and care Michael gave to him over the years, through some of the hardest times of his life. In addition to his parents, Ronald is preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by two sons, grandchildren, as well as Michael, Molly and daughters; Rebecca, Chloe and Zoe and son, Michael. Those close to Ronald knew him as "The biggest kind hearted man you’d ever meet". He will be sadly missed by those who loved him and his feisty outspoken spirit. No services will be held as it was Ronald's wishe to be privately cremated. The staff of Liming Family Funeral Home are honored to provide final care for Ronald.

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