Ronney Lee Barrs

Ronney Lee Barrs, 74, of Ponca, NE died on Wednesday February 8^th, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. 

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, February 13^th at the Ole Dane Golf Course, Dakota City NE with the Pastor BJ Van Kalsbeek of Sunnybrook Community Church officiating.  The family will be meeting at 4:30pm with the service starting at 5pm. 

Ronney Lee Barrs was born May 9th, 1948 in Rosalie, Nebraska to Clinton Barrs and Darlene Raabe Barrs. He was the oldest of six children; brother to Holly, Clint, Starla, Lori, and Dana. 

The family moved to Dakota City and he graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1966 where he still holds many records, as a multi-sport athlete.   

He married Marsha Metcalf in 1968. They were together for nearly 58 years, and would have celebrated their 55^th wedding Anniversary February 10^th.  Together, they raised five children; Tiffany Barrs-Kane (Dan Kane), Blayne Barrs (Marianne Bringman), Miranda Oien (Benjamin Oien), Derek Barrs (Ashley Barrs) and Taylor Barrs on an acreage near Ponca Nebraska.  

Some of his greatest joys were his grandchildren; Mackenzie Oien, Josiah Mead, Hailey Jensen, Brayden Oien, Kolton Kane, Jaidyn Kane, Tanner Oien, Zane Hackney and Blake Barrs and they all loved their Papa. He undoubtably was their biggest fan.  

He prided himself as a blue-collar worker and Union member for many years, mentoring many and developing lifelong friendships. He retired from Gelita North American in 2021.  He was an avid sports enthusiast playing men’s softball, bowling with his wife Marsha for many years, coaching the Willis Wildcats baseball team and Junior Musketeers hockey teams. His love of hockey started with the Sioux City Eagles in 1969 and continued with the Sioux City Musketeers for decades. He loved cheering for the Chicago Bears, New York Yankees, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Boston Bruins. 

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clinton A Barrs & Darlene Raabe Barrs and father & mother-In law Virgil & Betty Metcalf.  

Honorary Pallbearers are Clinton Barrs, David Metcalf, Benjamin Oien, Daniel Kane, Brayden Oien, Kolton Kane, Tanner Oien, Zane Hackney and Blake Barrs.  A special thanks to his friends Tim Frankl, Kim & Terri Sailors, Loren Karges, Joe Walker, Tom Chopp, Gordon Goodsell and all that supported Ronney during this time.  

Condolences may be directed to 507 Baywood Ct, Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054.