Ronnie Eugene Schell

Ronnie Eugene Schell, 88, died March 16, 2020 at the Veterans Administration hospital in Spokane. He was born July 23, 1931, in Portland, Ore. to Adolf and Katherina (Giebelhouse) Schell.

Ronnie grew-up around Portland.

As a youngster, he sold newspapers on the street corners.

Ronnie had a beautiful singing voice and talked about the time he was selected from a group of people to sing on the radio and at several social functions.

The family moved to Ruff, Wash., where he worked on his father's dryland wheat farm.

Ronnie attended grade school and high school in Moses Lake, Wash., where he met GayNell Ohlhausen, his future wife.

Ronnie was drafted and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He married GayNell on one of his leaves from the service.

The couple had three girls - Colleen, Lois and Vicki. Ronnie bought a wheat and cattle ranch and settled near Hartline, Wash. He was also known for his love of playing cards, such as midnight pinochle games, and of making the best German sausage around.

Ronnie also worked for the Agricultural Soil Conservation and the Federal Crop Insurance programs throughoutthe years.

Ronnie is survived by his daughters Colleen (George) Christ, Lois Morris and Vicki (Greg) Stintzi, all of Spokane; along with seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sister, Katherine Scheib of Mesa, Ariz .; and several nieces and nephews.

Ronnie is preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Buddy and Bennie Leonard Schell. A family graveside service took place in Odessa Cemetery in Odessa, Wash. The family would like to thank the Veterans Hospital staff for the excellent care given to their father.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Davenport is caring for the family.