Roland James Beaty

02/10/1951-10/28/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Roland James Beaty, better known to all of his friends as Ron. Ron took his last breath in the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Kentucky, with his family by his side.

Ron was born to William Caleb “K” Beaty, and Elizabeth Jane Bethel Beaty on February 10, 1951 in West Carrollton, Ohio. Several years later, he was joined at home by his younger brother, Edward “Ed” Beaty. He deeply loved and respected his parents. He lived in West Carrollton, and graduated from West Carrollton High School in 1969. He played baseball, and was a fantastic pitcher. He eventually tried to pass this talent on to his children who unfortunately had no aptitude, but both fondly recall throwing a ball in the yard with their father while talking. Many evenings were spent watching baseball with him–something he could get very animated about.

After high school, Ron attended Miami University of Ohio where he studied history. He did not pass along his pitching talent, but did share his passion for the past with his children and grandchildren. During his final year of college, he met his wife, Frances Elaine Tutt. They married, and then welcomed their first son, Sean. They would go on to have another son, Stephen, who unfortunately died the day of his birth. Their family was completed when their daughter, Rhonda, was born.

Ron worked hard to support his family. His careers were in manufacturing, rising to management level, and then he went into sales which turned out to be his favorite role. Ron was a natural talker and a persuasive man. He could sell sand at the beach. Sales allowed him to travel extensively, and always brought back souvenirs for his children. He relocated to Jamestown, Kentucky in 1992, where he focused on traveling and selling the crafts and furniture his wife made through her business. He worked at The Times Journal until his wife died in 1997. Eventually, Ron became an entrepreneur, and owned and operated the Jamestown Laundry in Jamestown, Kentucky for a number of years.

Ron worked hard as a single father after his wife passed away. He supported all of his daughter’s academics and extracurriculars while maintaining his busy work schedule as a small business owner. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic, determination, and a stubbornness that has served them both well in their own lives.

Ron had a fantastic wit and sense of humor. He was an outgoing man who could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. Because of this, we know he had many friends who will miss talking with and visiting with him. Reading was important to Ron, and left behind an extensive to-be-read shelf. He always enjoyed talking with his kids about books, articles, and current events. He was always happy to engage in a good debate. He enjoyed fishing and being outside on warm days. He adored cooking, and was always ready to talk about a recent cooking adventure and hear about what his kids were “cheffing up.” He was adventurous with food, and would try anything. He cherished hearing about, being with, and talking to his 5 grandchildren. There were so many things Ron valued about life. He had a lifelong curiosity and sense of adventure.

He is survived by his brother, Edward Beaty (wife Paulette) of Middletown, Ohio, his children Sean Beaty (wife Chandra) of Loveland, Ohio, his daughter Rhonda Rounds (husband Alex) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, his 5 grandchildren Brittany Lewis, Mark and Kaleb Beaty, and Lucas and Ian Rounds. Ron is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and a great number of special friends we know will always miss him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, K and Jane Beaty, his much cherished and always missed wife, Frances, and his infant son, Stephen Beaty. We know he is at peace with them, and we take comfort that they are reunited.

Expressions of sympathy can be made by assisting the family with final expenses (https://gofund.me/d87e23229). Or, donations can be made in his name to the Ronald McDonald House. Private services will be held for his close family and friends, by invitation, at a later date in West Carrollton, Ohio.