Ronald Utterback

Ronald Utterback, 75, of Martinsville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2023, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL. Born on August 3, 1947, in Vincennes, IN, Ron grew up in West Union, IL, where he attended West Union Community School. After graduating from Hutsonville High School in 1965, he went on to earn an Auto Mechanics degree from Vincennes University in 1967.

Throughout his life, Ron was no stranger to hard work. He was drafted into military service in 1967 and served as a mechanic in the Army during the Vietnam War. On November 11, 1968, Ron married Patricia Boyll, and they spent their first year of marriage in Fairbanks, AK, where he was stationed until his honorable discharge in 1969. After returning to West Union, Ron partnered with his father, Howard, to run Howard's Auto Service, later renaming it Utterback's Garage after his father's passing. Ron spent 35 fulfilling years at the helm before moving on to a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a mailman, which he continued until the day he passed away. No matter what he was doing, it was evident that the man valued order and precision. From placing every tool back in its rightful place to sweeping up after every job, Ron's perfectionism lent itself to the high-quality work he provided throughout his 75 years.

In addition to his unwavering work ethic, Ron had a deep love and appreciation for sprint car racing that he shared with his family. His father-in-law was the one who truly ignited his passion, and in time, he enjoyed going to races with his son and grandson in venues such as Kokomo, Gas City, and Haubstadt. He also passed on his love for motorcycle riding to his family, taking them on annual rides throughout the years. Many of these family memories were immortalized through pictures taken on Ron's prized camera (even if its extended focusing time occasionally exasperated young and impatient children.)

Time and again, Ron quietly displayed a benevolent nature that made the world around him a better place. We will never know just how many people he helped because he never sought recognition or praise. So selfless was he that he worked himself to the bone to ensure that his children would be able to attend and graduate from college debt-free. In so doing, Ron provided us with but a small glimpse of the sacrificial love of Jesus. A longtime member of the West Union Christian Church, he had recently begun worshipping his Lord and Savior at Highland Church of Christ in Robinson. We find solace in the knowledge that he now rests in a perfect place of eternal peace and love, free from life's burdens and the body that had begun to fail him. Until we meet again, may we treasure our memories of Ron Utterback, remembering a life marked by the work of his hands and the generosity of his spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Utterback, to whom he was married on August 28, 2019. Ron's legacy continues through his children, Amy Luman (and husband Stephen) and Craig Utterback (and wife Tiffany), and his cherished grandson, Evan Luman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Howard Utterback and Alice (McCausland) Utterback.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11th, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. A funeral service will immediately follow and be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, with Pastor Shane Bopp officiating. In honor of Ron's affinity for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the "Clark County Animal Shelter", with envelopes available at the funeral home.