Memorial Service for Dr. Ronald Lee Hershberger will be March 27, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Regency Park Church of the Nazarene, 8707 E. 51st Street South, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145.
Ron's three greatest loves are Jesus, Judith and Mom.
Little Ronnie and his mom, Shirley, shared an especially close relationship. These two spent many difficult years forging a life together as a young son and single mother in the 1940s and 50s. Ron's childhood and adolescent years were a patchwork quilt of time spent with family. He eventually became reacquainted with his father and the two built a loving friendship. Amazingly, Ron is survived by his father, Kenneth Hershberger. His mom and stepfather, Shirley and Don Allen, precede him in death. Through the blending of families, Ron has seven siblings. He is survived by one sister and three brothers: Carolyn Thatcher, Kenny Allen, Darrell Allen, and William Driscoll. He is preceded in death by two sisters and a brother: an infant sister, Bethany Hershberger, and Danny Allen.
Ronnie began his preaching career at eight years old practicing sermons in his grandfather's attic. After graduating high school in Ogden, Utah, Ron shared that he was searching for a living faith. He started his undergrad studies at Kansas City College and Bible School in Overland Park, Kansas. He graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts. He graduated again in 1975 with a Master of Arts from California Graduate School of Theology. He completed his formal education in 2012 at the age of 66 years with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Religion from Bethany Divinity College and Seminary. Ron worked professionally as a pastor and educator for 52 years. He was the champion of ministering to the forgotten and the marginalized. Ron's greatest work as a minister was completed in his last years as he humbly led his wife and adult children toward generational healing in Christ. He studied well, pastored well, and best of all, he finished well.
Ron's heart found its home when he fell in love with Judith. College sweethearts - he, full of passion and energy, she quiet and bashful. He strengthened her. She calmed him. Ron and Judith married June 14, 1967 in Dixon, Missouri. After a month long honeymoon, they prepared for what would be 52 years of professional ministry as pastor and wife. They enjoyed glory and navigated suffering side by side. Ron's life proved that being constant and present as a husband and father remains an irrefutable value. Judith wanted 12 children, Ron did not. They settled at a mere 7 children, slightly in her favor. Ron is survived by his one and only, Judith Ann Hauck Hershberger. He is survived by their 7 children: Wesley, Sarah, Stephen, Seth, Rachel, Amy and Lydia. He is survived by 6 in-law children: Casandra, Megan, Wendy, Shawn, Aaron, and JT. Ron's legacy does not stop there. Papa Ron is famous for generous bowls of ice cream, enduring hours of Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and Grandkids Camp. As a grandpa, he is all fun and no business. Papa Ron is preceded in death by 4 infant grandchildren and survived by 28 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Buckle up for this drumroll of legacy: Lauren, Nic, Caleb, Brittany, Britten, Lainie, Taylor, Ethan, Keyen, Olivia, Kandice, Evan, Sylvie, Aidan, Jude, Anna, Marilyn, Ingrid, Lola, Kathleen, Simon, JoAnn, Knox, Maverick, Bowie, Landon, Wesley, and Kinsley.
Dr. Ronald Lee Hershberger - better known as Ronnie, Ron, Daddy, Papa Ron and Pastor Ron. You have found your living faith in Jesus. Your life and legacy are evidence of redemption and grace. Well done, Ronnie, good and faithful servant.
Zechariah 10: 7,8,11a,12
(The Hershbergers) will become like mighty men, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the Lord. I will signal for them and gather them in. Surely I will redeem them; they will be as numerous as before. They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued. I will strengthen them in the name of the Lord and in his name they will walk.
There has been a Go Fund Me page set up for the support of Judith Hershberger as she navigates this difficult time. Please click here
for the Go Fund Me page and additional information.