Rev. Ronnie L Rivenbark, 74, of Mount Jackson, Virginia, passed January 25, 2022 at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, Virginia.
Services will be held at a later date.
Ronnie was born May 23, 1947 in Warren County, Virginia, son of the late Thomas W. Rivenbark and Nancy L. Rivenbark Kirkland.
Ronnie graduated from Warren County High School Class of 1966. Ronnie was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1972. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1969. He was a paid firefighter for the U.S. Government at Mount Weather, Fort A.P. Hill and Vint Hill.
After his firefighter career he went back to college and became a Methodist minister. He served at various churches until his retirement. He retired to Florida to enjoy nature and what life had to offer. He moved back to Virginia in May of 2019 to be with his children. He will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends, but we know he is at home with our Lord and Savior.
Surviving are his loving and devoted wife, Rose Rivenbark; one daughter, Cory A. Getz and husband Barry of Mount Jackson; one son, Anthony C. Rivenbark of New Market; two grandchildren, Zachary M. Rivenbark and wife Nikki of Strasburg and Matthew L. Seal of Strasburg; and great-granddaughter, Ruby Patricia Rivenbark of Strasburg. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, his beloved fur babies and his fur grandbabies.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Essie C. Rivenbark; maternal grandparents, Calvin and Janie Turner; and his parents.
Rosie and family, my heart, my thoughts and prayers go out to you at the loss of Ronnie. He was a wonderful and beautiful person who loved you, Rosie, with all of his being. And his children meant the world to him. Larry and I always love the time we spent with Ronnie. He was a great friend and will be missed. I’m sure that Larry was standing behind Jesus to greet Ronnie as soon as he entered his heavenly home. God Bless You all, and may He give you comfort and peace as you go on through life. I love you, Rosie and will always be here for you. Sincerely, Joyce
Ronnie had so many gifts and talents and loved helping others, human and animal. He helped so many as a firefighter/EMT, with his last duty station being at the United States Army Military Ocean Terminal st Sunny Point, NC. While living in NC, he was a state licensed wildlife rehabber, allowing him to care for the animals he loved so much. He went on four mission trips to Peru. He was a local pastor for the NC Methodist Annual Conference for 12 years, retiring in June of 2009. I am so sad he is no longer with us physically but, Revelations 14:13 says: “Yes”, says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” So he is with us, living on through the memories and deeds of all those he helped. Praise to our Father, Ronnie now has well deserved freedom from pain and is at peace. In Christ, Cindy Rivenbark Wert