Ronald "Turtle" Whitener

Ronald Ralph Whitener (age 79) of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026.Ronald was born on August 16, 1946, at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, to Virginia Whitener and Roscoe Whitener. 

He graduated from Roosevelt High-school and earned his undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University and dedicated his professional life to public service and business, working for insurance underwriting and children’s services. Ronald was a devoted and active member of his church community and was known for his kind spirit, steady faith, and genuine care for others. He was a loving brother, uncle, and amazing friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Roscoe Whitener.Ronald is survived by his brother, Roscoe & (Susan) Whitener; sister Deborah (Fran) Whitener; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Ashlee (Whitener) & Summair, Mohsin, David, and Myles Brohi; Melissa (Whitener) & Keith, and Jasmine Powell; and Zachary and Bryan Whitener. 

Visitation will be held on January 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Ziegenhein Funeral Home, 4830 Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis, Missouri. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Little Vine Cemetery in Fredericktown, Missouri. Ronald will be remembered for his faith, kindness, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation can be made to Affton Christian Food Pantry, P.O. Box 69444, Saint Louis, MO 63123-0244.