Ronald L. Cooley, age 69 lifetime resident of Big Rapids, left this world to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 12, 2012 after a short battle with cancer. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born November 14, 1942 in Big Rapids the son of Lloyd G. and Esther O. (Ross) Cooley. He married Gloria Chupp on December 1, 1979 in Big Rapids. Ron was happy to have lived on the same farm since he was 18 years old. He always enjoyed working with cattle, horses and farming. Ron bought and trucked livestock for packing plants and farmers throughout Michigan and Indiana. He was a meat cutter for Welch's Grocery, Giantway, Eberhardts and later worked as the meat manager for Denny's Value Land, all in Big Rapids. Ron will always be remembered and missed by his loving family including; his wife Gloria; a son Jason (Marilyn) Cooley and their children Jaedon and Madilyn all of Big Rapids; a daughter, Kristi (Earl) Hoffman and their three children and two grandchildren all of Big Rapids; his mother and father-in-law, Ben and Sondra Chupp of Chase; his step-mother, Norita Cooley of Big Rapids; several step-brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents Ron was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2012 at the Trinity Fellowship Evangelical Free Church, 15085 220th Ave., in Big Rapids with Pastor John Angell and Pastor Don Hancock officiating. The family will greet friends on Sunday, January 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Memorial contributions in Ron's name may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Michigan.