Ronald Leo Bushman of Sterling, Illinois was born August 1, 1943 in Sterling, IL. He died September 18, 2026 in Hospice at Resthave in Morrison, Illinois. He was the son of Leo & Lavonne (Zugschwerdt) Bushman.

Ron attended the Milledgeville schools and graduated high school in 1961. He was active in FFA and 4-H showing sheep. Ron was in the school band. He married Judith Turnbaugh on April 2, 1966. They were married 60 years. They had two daughters, Christine Bushman and Julie Bushman. He was active in farming in the Milledgeville area his entire life and still farmed the family farm. He served on the Carroll County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. When entering the nursing home, he was asked he was a retired farmer. He replied emphatically, “I am a farmer“. He worked part-time at Chadwick Supply Company where he met Judy when her father sent her in to get cattle feed. He also worked part-time for Schilling Funeral Home. He was very dedicated to his family. Ron was always there to help a neighbor and friends or anyone who needed it. He was very handy at many skills like many farmers are. Ron enjoyed coffee with the guys on a daily basis. A couple of them visited him at the hospital and the nursing home.

Ron will be greatly missed by his wife, Judith, and daughters Christine (Mark Sotelo) Bushman and Julie (Rick Shippee) Bushman, his granddaughters Sierra (Jose Lopez) Sotelo and Bridgette Sotelo, great grandchildren Autumn & Roman.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 2PM Wednesday September 23, 2026 at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, with Reverend Matthew Krings of Wesley United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation will be the same day from 12:30PM-2PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Chadwick Cemetery following the funeral service.

A Memorial has been established and will be donated to the CGH Health Foundation – Dementia Division.