Ronald B. Heller
January 8, 2006
Heller, Ronald B., 68, retired athletic director and basketball coach, died Sunday, January 8, 2006. Visitation with the family, 6:00 ~ 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 11, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Service 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 12, Central Christian Church. Preceded in death by his brother, Stew Heller and his parents. Survivors: wife, Deanna (Dunlap) Heller; sons, Kurt Heller (Rhonda) of Collinsville, OK and Jeff Heller (Recy) of San Juan, Philippines; daughter, Tracey Holmes (Derek) of Beloit, KS; grandchildren, Ryann, Grant and Cooper. Memorials have been established with Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67218, Ron Heller Fishing with Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund, c/o Friends University, 2100 W. University, Wichita, KS, 67213, and Ron Heller Memorial Fund WSU Foundation @ Woodman Alumni Center, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260-0002. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
Visitation 6:00 ~ 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 11, Downing Lahey East Mortuary.
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I would like express my sadness at the passing of Ron Heller. He was such a remarkable man that I wanted to leave this note. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be exposed to a life in sports know that it can be a wonderful way to live. One has an opportunity to build special memories and form special friendships. But the excitement of that life does have a price. Because there are no nine to five jobs in the sports business, sometimes a home life can suffer. For that reason, I have maximum respect for the families of players, coaches, officials, and journalists. Many times moms, sons, and daughters must carry more than their fair share of the burdens of a household. Virtually without exception, those extra burdens are carried very, very well. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting the members of Mr. Heller’s family. But to the people who were closest to him and feel the greatest sorrow, I would like to say that I am very sorry for your loss and your pain. And I would also like to say thank you very, very much for sharing Ron with all of us for all of these years. Our community is a better place and many people have a better life because of him. I will miss him. Sincerely, Gerald McCoy
To The Ron Heller family. My name is Frank Hartley and played for Ron on the 1964/65 WSU Freshman team. Ron was a great help and inspirition for me not only in basketball, but in life. I like Ron came to WSU from the northeast Batavia, N.Y. which is to Buffalo what McKeesport is to Pittsburg. He was very influential in helping me to adjust to life in a new place. Ron was truly one of the greatest people I have had the privlidge of meeting.
‘Coach Heller’ Ron Heller was always smiling, always positive and always had a kind word. Having played for Coach Heller, I had the privilege to spend a couple years under his direction that I will always remember. He truly cared about his players and the people around him. I contribute, in part, my success to the time I was blessed to have with Ron Heller. He will always hold special place in my heart for the person he was, the life he lived, and his contribution to my life. In sorrow and love, Thomas C. Lewis MD
Dee and Family, Our hearts go out to all of you in the loss of Ron! He always had a smile or something funny to say when we were around him. He was such a gentle man with a very caring way about him. He had a love for sports I know that and he definitely touched a lot of lives in such an awesome way during his 68 great years! The good lord sure got another good angel! Having lost my parents and my nephew-I like to think of the stars in this way: Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy! Ron will definitely be missed! We are keeping you in our thought and our prayers! May it help you to know that there are many others sharing in your sorrow. Love and Prayers, Larry and Anita Ewart Cimarron, Kansas
Dee and family, Shannon and I offer our prayers and deepest sympathies. Thank you for sharing Coach with us. Dee, thank you for always welcoming me into your home while offering a warm smile and conversation. Coach contiues to and will always be role model in my life.
Dear Kurt and Derek. I was saddened to hear about your father/father-in-law. Ron was AD at Friends for as long as I was there. We shared many lunches together in the cafeteria. I always enjoyed his company. When both of you were my students, Ron would inquire about your progress, but her never interferred with academic decisions. Recently I would see him at the Cancer Center when we were both there to get shots to boost our immune systems. He always said a word of encouragement; I tried to reciprocate. I’m a better person because I knew him and I’m sure you are better men for having been brought up in his orbit. My sincere sympathy. Erl A. Holmes Professor Emeritis, Biology Friends University
My heart is saddened to hear the news that we lost a great coach and community leader. I will remember Ron from my 4 years at Friends as a teacher and friend. Always with a smile on his face, Ron knew every athlete and encouraged you to do your best, both on the court and off. My prayers are with you Dee and your family.
I want to tell you how truly sorry I am to hear about the loss of your Father. My prayers are with you and your family. I hope you find the comfort and support you need through this difficult time. God Bless