Ronald White

Ronald White, age 76, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home on January 25, 2026. Born May 22, 1949, he was the son of Charles and Rhonda (Large) White.

Ron attended E.L. Bowsher High School. Known best for being a family man, his work ethic was unmatched, and he proudly provided for his wife and three children through his 34 years of service as a truck driver at Roadway Express. Ron was a proud member of the Teamsters and believed strongly in the power of unions. In his later years with Roadway, he served as a union steward for his Teamster brothers and sisters. He loved recalling stories of his days on the highway and was proud to have driven over several million miles throughout his career. To this day, his eldest daughter still remembers getting the call that Dad was almost home after a long, snowy stint on the road. She ran home from down the street as fast as she could and, thrilled, gave him a giant hug as he came through the door. She also recalls how he would load her softball team with pride in the back of his green pickup truck after a win, and drive them to Lickity Split for an ice cream celebration.

Ron’s time as a truck driver strongly influenced his tendency to constantly ensure every family member “remember the five keys” to safe driving. He was also known for reminding everyone to keep a survival kit, including a warm blanket and snow gear, (even in warm weather) in the back of their cars, in case they were to break down on the side of the road because, “You just never know. SMH.” Ron also believed just about anything could be fixed with a piece of duct tape, including but not limited to: his shoes, his truck, screen doors, furniture, and his ribs, which he once injured.

Known also as “Squeak” by his friends and “Speakeasy” by his Teamster family, Ron was cherished by everyone he ever came into contact with, always offering a friendly smile and striving to keep the peace at all times. After retiring in 2010, Ron spent his remaining years spending time with family, including his beloved canine grandchildren. He considered it a serious side gig when going over to his younger daughter’s home several days a week to let her dogs outside and bring them their prized Burger King chicken nuggets for a snack, and felt personally slighted when the price of nuggets rose by 50 cents. He also adored his son’s huskies, Willow and Kona, who are thrilled every time they get to come visit Mimi and Papa’s house to run in the backyard and eat their burgers and vanilla ice cream.

Another past time Ron enjoyed was being an administrator of several Facebook groups, most notably being the founder of the group, “U.S. Original Roadway Express Road Drivers and Roadway Teamster Employees,” which currently has nearly 2,000 members.

Before he was known as “Dad” or “Papa,” Ron’s life with his soulmate, Sally, began when they were just 12 and 13 years old. Some love stories cannot be summed up with words, especially one that has spanned nearly six decades. In the 21st century, their love story is a powerful reminder that, though rare, love like theirs still exists in the world. There is a saying that reads, “There are some things that death cannot touch”; their history is one of them.

Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally (Lemke) White; children Tammy White, Rachael (Nick) White, and Glenn (Stephanie) White; sister Bonnie (Skip) Markland; grandkids Chantal Crane, Nicholas Summerskill, and Maxton White; and niece Shannon (Matt) Kellogg. Ron was also eager to welcome his first great-grandson, Eddie Charles Crane, into the word this April.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Rhonda (Large) White; father Charles White; and brother Charles (Chuck) White.

Per Ron’s request, no services will be held. However, if you would like to honor his life and legacy, the family asks that you would consider donating to the Toledo Humane Society, reflecting Ron’s passion and love for animals.

Some days are diamonds, some days are stones

Sometimes the hard times won't leave me alone

Sometimes a cold wind blows a chill in my bones

Some days are diamonds, some days are stones

-John Denver

How lucky are we for all the diamond days we lived with Ron.