Published on January 4, 2026 6:53 pm
Last Updated on January 5, 2026 10:56 am
Ronald Lee Ochs “RO”, age 74, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 4:44 PM – Friday, January 2, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM – Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Fr. Dean Probst and Fr Tommy Philip celebrating mass. The burial will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Sainte Marie, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the church. There will also be visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM – Wednesday, prior to the mass. In loving memory of Ronnie, memorials may be made to Saint Thomas School. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Ronald Lee, better known to his family and friends as Ronnie, was born on August 16, 1951, in Newton, Illinois, the son of Bernard and Marie (Hahn) Ochs. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1969. On October 2, 1981, he married Patti Brooks, and she survives.
Family meant everything to him. As busy as he was, he always made time to take summer vacations with family and friends. Ronnie was always playing cards, crop checking, watching and cheering on his kids and grandkids at all their sporting events and activities that they were involved in and rarely missed a game. At home you could find him driving the golf cart, ranger or one of his tractors usually with someone by his side. Golf was a sport that he enjoyed, and he passed that love down to his son. He also had a love for “red” tractors, whether that was restoring or collecting them. Penny slots was one of the many things he enjoyed with his brothers.
One of his greatest accomplishments was passing on his work ethic to his kids. His hands were callused, his heart was generous and his word was always good. Ronnie’s quick-witted humor, patience, and smile will not be forgotten.
He dedicated 54 years to working for Art and Bob Keller and later it transitioned to Keller Grain and Livestock, where he farmed and raised livestock with pride. What he loved the most was operating the combine, a job he carried out year after year with great care. He understood the seasons and believed in early mornings, hard work, and the satisfaction of raising a good crop.
Ronnie served on the Jasper County Pork Producer Board, was a past 4-H Swine Superintendent, a 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus member, and an active member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patti Ochs of Newton, Illinois. Two children – Lindsey (Jason) Hermann of Newton, Illinois; Ryan Ochs (Suad Tortorella) of Mount Prospect, Illinois. Three grandchildren – Allie, Brooks, and Blake Hermann. One sister, Betty Brummer of Effingham, Illinois. Seven Brothers – Louis Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Norbert (Jane) Ochs of Sainte Marie, Illinois; Richard (Joyce) Ochs of West Liberty, Illinois; Florent (Judy) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Elmer (Marcia) Ochs of Sainte Marie, Illinois; Gerald (Linda) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; and Francis (Jean) Ochs of West Liberty, Illinois. In-laws – Tony (Geri) Brooks and Julie Bierman (Ed Shamhart) all of Newton, Illinois; along with many nieces and nephews.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Maurice and Janet Brooks, sister-in-law Gloria Ochs, brother-in-law George Brummer, nephews Alan Ochs and David Brummer.