Rodney G. Heath

Rodney G. Heath, 64, 511 West Sycamore St., Ridgway, Illinois, was surrounded by family as he went to a more restful home after fighting a hard battle of pneumonia. He went to sleep peacefully, Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 5:30 a.m., at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Rodney was born August 25, 1945 in Eldorado. He married Sharon Jones on October 3, 1964. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Rodney was a member of the Ridgway Masonic Lodge#816 and Ridgway American Legion Post#596. He loved life and his many friends. Rodney was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Heath of Ridgway; two sons, Shane (Melissa) Heath and Chris Heath, both of Ridgway; sister, Margaret and Clint Penfold of Bosie, Idaho; brother, Ray and Tomoko Schmitt of Bend, Oregon; three grandchildren, Jeffery, Jonathon, and Parker Heath; mother in law, Novella Jones of Ridgway; brother in law, Deon and Annette Jones also of Ridgway. Rodney was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Hilda (Rister) Schmitt; father, Grant Heath; step father, Cletus J. Schmitt; step mother, Naomi Jean Heath. Visitation for Rodney will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., with masonic rites at 7 p.m., on Friday, January 29, 2010 at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway. Funeral service will be at the funeral home on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 1 p.m., with Rev. Rob Gallion. Burial will be at the Union Ridge Cemetery near New Haven with military rites by Ridgway Legion Post #596. Internet condolences for Rodney may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.