Obituary of James Ronald Alesia

Bedford- James Ronald (Ron) Alesia, Bedford, passed away May 10, 2019, at IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington, Ind., surrounded by family. Ron was born May 15, 1939, in Bedford to James J. Alesia and Bonnie Davis Alesia. He married Sally Kay Wood Aug. 20, 1961, and she survives. Ron and Sally would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this summer.

Ron is also survived by two sons, James (Alice Wilson) Alesia, Warsaw, Ind.; and Stephen (Tammy Kinser) Alesia, Columbus, Ind.; and four grandchildren: Alex (Abigail Boren) Alesia, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Annie Alesia, Granger, Ind.; Jacob Alesia, Indianapolis; and Emily Alesia, Columbus. He is also survived by one great-granddaughter, London Rose, Granger; a sister, Jill (Larry) Fortner, Bedford; and several nieces and nephews.

Ron graduated from Bedford High School in 1957 before continuing his education at Indiana University-Bloomington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1961 and later a master’s degree, both in education. He taught at Oolitic High School for one year before changing careers to become owner of Indiana Petroleum Company after his father’s passing. Ron managed the family business from 1963 to 1986. He returned to teaching in 1987 and taught social studies at Bedford Middle School, as well as government classes during summer sessions at Bedford North Lawrence High School, before retiring in 2006.

Ron was a member of the Bedford Kiwanis Club, serving as president from 1969 to 1970. He served on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County, and he was a member of the North Lawrence Community School board from 1983 to 1986. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and Sunday school teacher.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at Day & Carter Mortuary. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, in the Elmwood Chapel of Day & Carter Mortuary with Rev. Michelle White officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County or the Lawrence County Museum of History. Family and friends may express condolences at daycarter.com.