Ronald Clair Yingling, age 76, of Sabetha, formerly of Ottawa, died Sunday, May 8, 2011.
Ron was born January 6, 1935 in Boulder, Colorado to Ivan and Helen (Sweezey) Yingling. He attended Abilene and Sabetha public schools, and graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1953. Ron went on to Ottawa University and played basketball. Among his many accolades at the university, Ron was All-Conference for three years, set a school record for highest points against Arkansas State with 37 points, he was ranked 10
th
on the all-time Ottawa University scoring list, and finished his career with 1,023 points. He was second in the nation in free throw percentage in 1955 with 93.6%. Ron also participated in track and tennis. He coached and taught at Atchison County Community High School for 8 years. He was the head basketball coach and assistant football and track coach. He dedicated many years of service to Ottawa University as an employee. He was an athletic director at OU from 1978-1980, and was the Director of Financial Aid for several decades. Ron was married to Nancy Bullock, they later divorced.
“There are over 2,000 alumni from Ottawa University that I know by first name basis and have their addresses. Another 2,000 friends in the Franklin County area and numerous friends and family in the State of Kansas. Ottawa University has employed me for 35 total years. There have been over 32 family members and relatives that have attended Ottawa University. The first was in the year 1893.”
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Dolores (Yingling) Mowder. He is survived by two nephews, Jim Mowder and wife Sue, of Topeka, Kansas, and John Mowder and wife Elaine, of Sabetha, Kansas.
A graveside service will be Friday, May 13, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Ottawa University, or the Apostolic Christian Home, sent in care of the funeral home, 823 Virginia St. Sabetha, Kansas 66534.