Obituary of Ronald Kaye Shull

Ronald Kaye Shull, 86, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, in the comfort of his home following an extended illness. He was born November 14, 1938, to the late Clyde Ayers "Jack" Shull and Louise (Hurne) Shull in Hornell, NY. He is preceded in death by brothers Robert Shull and wife Marie, Gary Shull, Harold Shull, sister Ramona Shull, sister Lois Cole and husband Lew, and his great-grandson Collin Shull. Ron married the love of his life, Mary Ann Spatafore, on April 27, 1963, in Clarksburg, WV, and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage until her death on March 1, 2022. Surviving is one brother, Lyle Shull and wife Kathy of MD, sister-in law Kathleen Shull of DE, sister-in-law Janice Shull of NJ, and his four children, Michael A. Shull and husband Brad of Pittsburgh, PA, Janet Shepherd and husband Bill of Bridgeport, WV, Thomas Shull and wife Clarissa of French Creek, WV, and Mary Wisniewski and husband Jimmy of Bridgeport, WV. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren: Michael K. Shull and wife Jackie, CA; Philipp Shull and wife Jennifer, CA; Sarah Schonster and husband Frank, Germany; Brooke Fortney and husband Chandler, MD; Jaxon Busto, French Creek, WV; Zachary Shepherd, Brenna Shepherd and fiancé Randy, Jared Shepherd, Gabriel Shull, Maria Lewis, Callee Lewis, and Benjamin Lewis, all of Bridgeport, WV. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren, Emma, Adaline, and Natalie Shull of CA and Karl Schonster of Germany. Moreover, Ron is survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends and extended family. Ron graduated high school in Baltimore, MD in 1956 and enlisted in the Air Force National Guard where he served as a "water baby" conducting air and sea rescue missions. He served as crew chief while also receiving training on military aircrafts. This inspired a lifelong love of airplanes. Following the military, he worked at an air field in Annapolis, MD, before moving with his wife and newborn son Michael home to Clarksburg, WV. In 1965, Ron began working for Aeromech, Inc. as an aviation mechanic and worked diligently through various promotions until he was named Senior Vice President. Aviation was his true passion and his love of airplanes endured throughout his lifetime. During his tenure at Aeromech, Ron was awarded the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) Mechanic's Award for the State of West Virginia in 1970, due to a forward-thinking concept he instituted related to the electrical wiring in the engines. In 1978, he was given an "Award of Commendation" by the West Virginia Safety Council on behalf of the National Safety Council for ensuring over 200,000 documented safe operations with zero work-related injuries for an entire calendar year. When the airline dissolved in 1979, he started Shull Service Inc. and worked with Rare Earth Mineral Resources as an oil field supervisor until the year 2000. In his semi-retirement, Ron worked with his wife's family business as the warehouse manager for Jack's Furniture Center until 2016. During this time, he coordinated with local charities and shelters to provide low-cost or no-cost furniture to those in need. From 2016 until 2022, Ron faithfully cared for his wife Mary Ann as she battled dementia. His unwavering love throughout those difficult years of loss is a testament to the amazing connection they shared for nearly 59 years. Ron was a hard working man and a dedicated provider for his family. He put family first and would do anything for anyone. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. He embodied strength and resilience, led by example, and never stopped until he got the job done. Ron was an avid reader spending hours reading novels and the Holy Bible. Of all his pastimes, spending time with his family was his favorite. In his later years, he was a happy, loving Pappy to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Ron was a faithful member of All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport, WV and a tremendous man of faith. He and his wife were donors to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and never turned a blind eye to someone in need. While the family’s hearts are broken, they're comforted knowing Ron has rejoined his loving wife to spend eternity together in the light of God’s love. The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the hospice nurses and caregivers who showed him tenderness and kindness in recent years including Alyssa, Rhonda, Pat, Jolyn, Melissa, Michelle, and Kimberly. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. Friends will be received at the All Saints Catholic Church, 317 East Main Street, Bridgeport on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM. The Vigil Service will be held in the church at 7:00 PM. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be held in the church on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM,. Entombment will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Clarksburg, WV. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.