Ronnie Ligon Obituary

Ronnie Ligon, aged 70, of South Bend, Indiana was called home to be with the Lord on May 9, 2025. Born on September 27, 1954, he was the cherished son of Izear and Jearlean Ligon and the youngest of seven (7) siblings whom he loved dearly. Ronnie grew up on the Southeast side of South Bend, graduating from Riley High School in 1974, where he played football and ran track; following graduation he went on to attend Indiana State University. After 35 years of service, as the Maintenance Supervisor, Ronnie retired from Ivy Tech State College.
While his journey began on the Southeast side of South Bend, it was on the East side where he met and fell in love with Ernestine Scott, his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, and his partner in everything. They married on August 23, 1980, and together built a family filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments. This beautiful union brought about the birth of their daughter Nicole (William) Crisp of O'Fallon, MO and son Ryan Ligon of South Bend, IN.
His devotion to his family was unwavering. He often spoke of how grateful he was that God answered his prayers to not only witness both of his children graduate from high school and college, but to also walk his daughter, Nicole, down the aisle and hold his first grandchild in his arms. In his faith and obedience, he was blessed with the opportunity to be affectionately called "Papa" by his grandchildren, Hailey and Avery Crisp and Paxton and Noelle Ligon and embraced the role with enthusiasm. He found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, whose laughter and wonder were the music of his soul. Ronnie was diligent in thanking God for every moment he had with his family.
He was known for his love of music, basking in the beauty of nature where he enjoyed riding his bike, simply sitting outside and listening to music, as well as being a devoted Chicago Bears and Notre Dame Football fan. Some would argue that his love and passion for these two teams was not just a source of excitement for Ronnie, but also a playful challenge to his blood pressure, yet no matter what, through thick and thin, he remained a faithful fan.
Those who knew Ronnie had an extreme appreciation for his welcoming personality and gentle spirit. He was a devoted member to Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church where his service was a true reflection of his deeply rooted faith and commitment to God and the community. As a husband and father, Ronnie proudly embodied and embraced his responsibility as the covering and protector of his family as ordained by God and further as the youngest sibling, was a faithful support system to his siblings- always being someone they could lean and depend on no matter the circumstances.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Izear and Jearlean Ligon, siblings Josie Harmon and Johnnie James Fair, and his in-laws William Harvey and Josephine Scott, brother-in-law William Scott Jr. and sister-in-law Starlet Scott Merriweather. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 44 years Ernestine Ligon, children Nicole (William) Crisp and Ryan Ligon, and grandchildren Hailey and Avery Crisp and Paxton and Noelle Ligon; siblings Eddie Cole Jr., Albert Surrell Ligon, Esker (Doris) Ligon, Dollie Maria Ross, Wendel "Roddy" Harmon (brother in-law); cherished friends, Leon Groves, Carl McFadden, Walter Alexander, and Kenneth Freeman Sr.; his in-laws Anthony (Ann) Scott Sr., Gwen Scott, Sandra (Kenneth) Scott, Phyllis Scott, Maurice (Joanne) Scott Sr., Annesia Scott and Annette (Clarence) Hardiman as well as his beloved God daughter Iesha Hardiman. Ronnie's love extended to a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, all of whom enriched his days and brought him joy and who will miss him dearly.
Friends may visit with the family from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22nd at Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend. Funeral services for Ronnie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23rd at Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams St., South Bend, IN 46628, with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Graveside services and burial will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in South Bend.
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