Ronald E. Divelbiss, a beloved teacher and loving family man whose passion for science and the outdoors inspired generations of students, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 8:28 a.m. He was 85 years old.

Born in Huntington, Indiana, on September 14, 1940, Ron lived a full and meaningful life devoted to learning, nature, community, and especially his family.

In his youth, he was a gifted athlete, breaking running records at Huntington High School and performing trick water skiing with the Ski-Bees on Lake Webster. For 38 years, he was a respected biology teacher at Leo High School, retiring in 2002. His classroom was a place of excitement and discovery, where he shared his deep enthusiasm for the natural world. He led over two decades of marine biology trips to the Florida Keys, providing countless students with unforgettable, hands-on experiences.

A true naturalist at heart, Ronald’s favorite place was the outdoors. He spent many days in his favorite place, Metea County Park, walking the trails and observing the local flora and fauna. When he retired from teaching, he became a naturalist there and led hikes and workshops with local school science classes. His favorite pastime was collecting monarch caterpillars and releasing their butterflies. He was a lifelong, faithful member of Leo Methodist Church.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Nancy, who was his partner in life and adventure. He leaves behind three loving children: Robb (Sesha Goneau), Katie Richards, and Karie Harding (Gene). His legacy lives on through his nine adored grandchildren: Ella, Cohen, & Colsen Richards, Adelina, Cicely, Grissom & Beatrix Harding, and Truett & Rekker Divelbiss. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Olive Divelbiss and younger brother Steven.

Ronald’s kindness, sense of humor, sharp wit, and genuine love for teaching will be profoundly missed by his family, former colleagues, and the thousands of students whose lives he touched.

Funeral service will be on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Leo Methodist Church (13527 Leo Road, Leo, IN 46765) at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be at Metea County Park (8401 Union Chapel Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46845) on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Leo Memorial Cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Friends of Metea- Ron Divelbiss Memorial Fund.

“I love you most, I win…”