Ronald Allison, 1934-2019

Ronald Allison, 84, of Mineola, formerly of Grenola, Kan., was surrounded by his family when he passed from this life to eternal life with his Savior on Sept. 17, 2019 in Tyler. His life was remembered and celebrated on Sept. 23 at the Grenola Christian Church, Grenola, Kan.

Ronald was born Oct. 30, 1934 to Francis Rex “Curley” and Velma Ellen Allison in Woodward, Okla. The Allison family moved from Oklahoma to Kansas when Ronald was five years old. He began working with his dad and brothers managing a ranch in south central Kansas. That experience prepared him for a life-long career in cattle ranching, where he earned the respect as a rancher and cattleman. Ronald married Mary Alice Burdett on Oct. 31, 1954 at the Grenola Christian Church. Together they had four children: Debra, Vance, Sarah and Brian. He was a member of the Grenola Christian Church for over 60 years and served as an elder for 52 years before moving to Mineola in 2018. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and bred and trained registered quarter horses for many years. He competed in numerous cutting horse competitions, bringing home a number of trophies. He enjoyed breeding, training and riding his horses, working cattle with area ranchers, and teaching adult Bible class on Sunday mornings. He was an avid reader of history and western literature and had many stories to share of his life as a cowboy.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Stegelman; and husband Elvin; sister-in-law, Juvene Allison; and brother-in-law, Bill Brooks.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 64 years, Mary Alice Allison of the home in Mineola; daughters, Debra (Don) Clemons, Mineola and Sarah (Jim) Leftwich, Derby, Kan.; sons, Vance (Nancy) Allison, Columbia, Mo. and Brian Allison, Oklahoma City; sisters, Rita (Gary) Baker, Rose Hill, Kan. and Verna Brooks, Sedan, Kan.; brothers, Max (Delcia) Allison, Winfield, Kan. and Clifford (Karen) Allison, Yoder, Wyo.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Ronald will be remembered for many things – his love of family and friends, sense of humor, knowledge of horses and ranching, but most importantly, how he lived his life and followed Jesus. Memorials may be made to Grenola Christian Church, Grenola, KS 67346, The Hospice of East Texas or The Gideons International.