White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Ronald Ray Straw, 65 years old, of Independence, IA, died, Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, in Iowa City, IA.

Ron was born November 2, 1957, in Independence, IA, the son of Marvin Leroy Straw and Eileen Joyce (Boies) Straw. He grew up in Quasqueton, IA, and attended school in Winthrop, IA. He started working at the age of thirteen in masonry. He found he did not enjoy it and tried his hand in the concrete business where he found his passion. Ron worked for Denny's Concrete for many years and then with his brother-in-law, started Small Time Construction. He also continued to work as a concrete finisher on his own. In 1982, Ron was married to Theresa Louise Wilson, in Independence. They lived in Arizona and Wyoming for a short time, until moving back to Independence where they have made their home for the last 34 years.

Ron’s family was the most important thing for him. Time spent with his children, grandchildren, and siblings is what he looked forward to the most. Ron also loved to be outside. He liked to camp, hunt, and fish. He would go turtle hunting and gravel traveling. He enjoyed NASCAR races as well as races locally at the Independence Speedway. He liked his beverages and loved all types of music, as long as he connected with the lyrics.

Ron is survived by his wife, Theresa Straw of Independence; two daughters, Renee (Josh) Henderson of Shelby, MI, and Robin Straw of Independence; one son from a previous marriage, Joshua Patton of New York; Ron’s grandchildren, Brady Ray Straw, Byron James Meek, Benjamin Adam Charles Henderson, Francis Gage Raylou Straw, Liam Alan Donivan Straw; his brothers and sisters, Deb (Tom) Erickson of Winthrop, Donnie (Ann) Straw of Arizona, Carey Straw of Oelwein, IA, Marvis Kirby of Independence, Paul (Machelle) Straw of Central City, IA, Kathy Straw of Jesup, IA, Dick Straw of Independence, Brent (Barb) Straw of Winthrop, and Brad (Lisa) Straw of Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Rhonda Rae Straw in infancy on January 6, 1983.

Public visitation will be 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023, at White Funeral Home, Independence. A Celebration of Life gathering will take place from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., the following day, June 25^th, at the Quasky Veteran’s Memorial Campground in Quasky. Ron’s ashes will be interred at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be posted at www.White-MtHope.com

White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.