GREENFIELD
Ronald “Ron” W. LaVallee, age 70, of Greenfield, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019. He was born in Indianapolis on August 20, 1948 to Wesley C. and Ruth E. (Baker) LaVallee.
He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1966. Ronald attained his Bachelor of Science from Ball State University. He continued his education at Indiana University School of Medicine in Fort Wayne, where he completed the Physician Assistant Program.
He was in the first PA class in Indiana. He later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the Master’s Program in Health Policy and Administration. He obtained his PhD A-BD in Health Policy and Administration.
Throughout his life, Ron worked as a medical technologist, physician assistant, surgical PA, and medical policy and clinical researcher. His career took him from Florida, to North Carolina, to California.
He retired from St. Jude Medical in Sylmar, California in 2011. He was a 3rd degree mason and member of the Masonic Lodge for over 25 years. He had volunteered at Hancock Regional Hospital and enjoyed golfing, but his biggest passion in life was helping others.
He is survived by his sisters, Linda R. LaVallee-Crim of Greenfield, Janice L. LaVallee-Kirkhoff of Greenfield; five nieces, Luanne Crim-Riley of New Johnsonville, TN, Lesley Crim-Ellis of Indianapolis, Lecia Crim-Overly of Greenwood, Lori Crim-Tutrow of Greenfield, Betsy Kirkhoff-Duncan of Greenfield; and former wife and dear friend, Dr. Rebecca L. Burkett LaVallee.
He was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Sherry Kirkhoff-Long; and his beloved dog, Sir Pugsley Mwagi.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A masonic service will be held at 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow visitation, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Rex Jones will be officiating. Inurnment will take place at Park Cemetery on a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, 525 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
