Ronald Clair Berline

Pendleton – Ronald Clair Berline (91) died peacefully in his home on March 21, 2024, comforted by dear friends and family.  He grew up in western Pennsylvania with his mother, Elva (Young) and father, Clyde A. Berline, two brothers, Monte (Barb) and Dean (Jan) and his sister, Elva Lea Andres (Ron).  After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he attended Anderson College where he met his wife, Ruth Shawhan Berline.  They lived in Madison County, Indiana the rest of their lives, starting their courtship in Alexandria and ending up living in their much-loved community of Pendleton.

Together they pursued their passion of saving or renovating several historic buildings during their lives together; most notably the complete restoration of their home, The Grey Goose Inn.  After a brief career in insurance, he returned to construction as his vocation, having helped his father build while he grew up in Pennsylvania.  He started out as a journeyman carpenter working on the new Pendleton Heights High School in 1969.  After several years as an employee of A&S Companies, he opened his own business, Berline Construction, Inc. in 1974.

A man dedicated to family and children; over the years he completed a series of projects focused on making things better for the public they served.  His projects included work in almost every healthcare system in central Indiana, as well as many school districts in the area, including multiple projects for the South Madison Community Schools Corporation where his children, grandchildren and now his great-grandchildren attend.

His contribution to the communities he served and the lives he touched will be cherished by anyone fortunate enough to know him.  He was as fine a man as you will ever find, and those of us who lived with him, worked with him, learned from him, and worshipped with him are better people because he was a part of our lives.  He will be missed by all who loved him.

Ron is survived by his three children, Scott and his wife Julie, Holly, and Leigh, 10 grandchildren, Zach, Cory, Sarah, Tyler, Clayton, James, Ellen, Claire, Mac, and Danner and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4PM to 8PM at Wilson St. Pierre Lahm Chapel in Pendleton and a private family service will be held Saturday, April 13.  True to his values, he asked that contributions be made to the South Madison Community Foundation’s Bright Futures Fund for grants that will focus on improving the lives and structures (like the restoration of the Friends Meeting House) in South Madison in lieu of flowers.

To donate please go to: https://www.southmadisonfoundation.org/small-towns-bright-futures-campaign

For funeral home information go to: https://stpierrefamilyfuneral.com/location/lahm-chapel/

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