Ronald (Bill) Skinner

Bill Skinner, 92, of Ithaca died Saturday August 6 ^th , 2016 surrounded by family at Rosewood Adult Foster Care home in Ithaca, Michigan.

Bill was born February 4 ^th , 1924, in Midland County Michigan, the son of Floyd Skinner and Rhoda (Davis) Skinner. Bill married Thelma (Davis) Skinner on December 18 ^th , 1948. Bill was a World War II veteran. After returning from war Bill was a ranch hand in Texas and loved being a cowboy. When returning to Michigan Bill worked for Jap Rhynard at a local business, before hauling and delivering milk from 1957-1976. Bill worked for 13 years at the Alma Oil Company before retiring in 1989.

Bill was an avid square dancer; he and Thelma joined the Kuntry Kuzins in the late 1960s, and danced from Michigan to Florida for more than 30 years. Bill enjoyed fishing, RVing, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed his weekly trips to Crystal Lake where he was an excellent water skier.

Bill is survived by his four children, Tim (Kathy) Skinner of Ithaca, Debbie Payton of Leesburg Fl, Elaine (Jerry) Pitcher of Ithaca, and Lisa (Cas) Budzinski of Gobles; nine grandchildren, Brien Skinner, Heather (Shawn) Seeley, Nick (Tina) Pitcher, Marc (Amanda) Pitcher, Michael (Keisha) Skinner, Dawn Rayborn, Brandon (Ashley) Payton, Kristyn (Mahan) Mawadj, and Laura Budzinski; 15 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Garrett, Heidi, Ethan, Garison, Preston, Madison, Mackenzie, Dravin, Rhayne, Myah, Darien, Kaitlin, Holly,  Nena, and two new great-grandchildren due in October; his brother Leland Skinner; his partner Joan Sparks, and her family.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife Thelma (Davis) Skinner, his sisters Koma (Jim) Stewart, and Helene (Mike) Hite.

A memorial service will be held on September 10 ^th at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to service at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Jo Jones officiating. A light luncheon will be provided at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building following the memorial service for those wishing to celebrate Bills life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Center in honor of Bill Skinner.