Ronald R. Clay

Ronald R. Clay, 75, Hollenberg, died Friday, February 14, 2020 at the Hanover Hospital. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hanover American Legion, Hanover. Ron was born July 22, 1944 in Jacksonville, Fl to Raymond and Audrey (Wilson) Clay. In 1963, he graduated from Hollenberg High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, on the aircraft carrier, The Oriskany, off the coast of Vietnam. After his discharge, he married Kathy Scow in California and they had a son, Shannon. They later divorced and he returned to Hollenberg. Ron worked for Union Pacific Railroad, Missouri Valley Construction and Hess Oil. He bartended at the Red Rooster in Jansen and with business partner, Henry Welker, they started the Salty Dog in Steele City. After a back injury, he started driving a school bus for USD 223 at Hanover, retiring after 28 years. He married his wife of 34 years, Cindi Welch Howland, on July 8, 1985. She brought to this marriage, one daughter and he quickly became the best Dad ever. He was a member of the Hanover American Legion, 50 years. In his retirement, he loved watching the many birds that came to his feeders and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Cindi; daughter, Joy (Alex) Graham, Fairbury; brothers, Jerry (Melanie) Clay, Odell, NE, Terry Clay, Hollenberg; sister-in-law, Sandy Clay, Hollenberg; grandchildren, Emily (Tyson) Adams, Wyatt Jensen, Erison Duntz, Braden Graham, Westen Graham and great grandsons, Maverick Adams and Daniel Duntz. Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Shannon Clay; and brother, Mike Clay. A memorial fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald R. Clay, please visit our flower store.