Ronald "Ronnie" Bethard Jr.

Ronald W. “Ronnie” Bethard Jr., 36 of Pontiac passed away Monday, August 7, 2023 from injuries sustained in a automobile accident in Bloomington.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator, with Rev. Rodney Kreier officiating.  Cremation rites will follow the service and burial of ashes will be at a later date in Hillcrest Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held from Noon until 2:00 PM Saturday prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family to establish a college fund for his baby on the way.

Ronnie was born December 24, 1986 in Houston, TX, a son of Linda Ward and Ronald Bethard Sr..  He was raised in the Pontiac area and was a 2005 graduate of Pontiac High School.  He later attended Tom Savinis Make-up Effects Program at Douglas Education Center in Monessen, PA.

He had worked for a dental lab in Pittsburgh for 8 years before returning to Illinois.  He was currently working for the United States Postal Service in Bloomington as a mail carrier for the last 4 years.

He is survived by his mother, Linda (Danny) Jarrett of Pontiac; sister, Shannon (Michael) Kirk of Streator; brother, Ryan Bethard of Pittsburgh, PA; his maternal grandfather, Ronald Ward of Streator; three step-sisters, Rachel Jarrett of Vandalia, and Jennifer Gause and Kaci Jarrett, both of Centralia; and nieces and nephews whom he was close to, Romona, Ivan and Jacob (Jessica).  Also surviving is his special love, Mary Cheffer of Streator; and her children whom he adored, Oliver and Violet.  Ronnie and Mary were excited to be expecting his first child.

He was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandmother, Rita Ward; paternal grandparents, Robert & Roberta Bethard; and a step-brother, Danny Jarrett II.

Ronnie had a love of music and enjoyed playing his guitar and going to 311 Concerts.  He also enjoyed watching horror movies.  He was an avid fan of the Chicago White Soxs, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Bulls.  His favorite player of all time was Michael Jordan.