Ronald was a twin to Donald J. Ackles, Ronald making his appearance first.
Ronald was the first of twins born to Noah Delbert Ackles and fourth-wife Katherine Larue (nee French) Obrien Mathews Ackles who married on 26 Mar 1927 in Lake Co., Indiana. Ronald's twin Donald arrived a few minutes later on 14 Jan 1928. They would eventually be joined by brother Henry Earl but they were already in the good company of a variety of half-siblings (Thelma, Irma, Carmen) and step-siblings Lawrence Fletcher Obrien, Alfred Thomas Mathews, Cecil and Homer Fitterling, Irene and Cortlin Casselman, and Chester and Ethel Dodd.
There were most certainly some fun times during Ronald's youth. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 8 Jul 1929 p. 15) "…This is the last week for receiving entries for the third annual Tribune Playland baby parade to be held in Playland park…To date about 100 children have been entered and every indication points to a very successful affair. The latest entries are the following: … Ronald and Donald Ackles, twins, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1607 Marine street, born Jan. 14, 1928 in South Bend, … Ronald and Donald are the second pair of twins to be entered in the parade. Alfred Ackles, also a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born Aug. 7, 1923, in Hammond, Ind ... Carmine [sic] Virginia Ackles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born in South Bend July 13, 1914 …"
Ronald's family appeared together on the 1930 Census, living at 374 Sibley St. in Hammond, Lake Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 48, was still working as a mason contractor. Larue, 33, was keeping house, tending to her son Alfred Matthews, 6, and the twins, Ronald and Donald, 2. Also there was a lodger. The following year, son Henry Earl joined the family on 4 Oct 1931.
The year 1934 brought a horrific loss with the suicide of Ronald's half-sister Irma Bernice McGirr on 6 September due to phenol / carbolic acid poisoning. She was only 27.
It seems that the twins had similar inclinations. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Sun 23 Aug 1936 p. 8) "After the fight is over, the crowd probably will be unable to tell which of these young boxers [there was a picture of Donald and Ronald] is the winner as they resemble each other so closely. The twins, Donald (left) and Ronald, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1123 West Laporte street, Plymouth, Ind., will give a four-round boxing exhibit at the National Twins' association reunion next Sunday in Fort Wayne, Ind. They have been training as boxers under Lorie Powell, Plymouth hardware dealer, since they were five years old and have given exhibition bouts in a number of places in this vicinity since last June. The twins, aged eight, attend St. Michael's school in Plymouth. Until five years ago they resided in South Bend."
The 1940 Census placed the Ackles family at 910 W. Laporte St. in Plymouth, Marshall Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 61, was still working as a mason. Larue, 42 was working as a seam sealer in an auto radiator factory, likely McCords. There were still four children at home—Alfred, 16, Ronald and Donald, 12, and Henry, 8.
The attack on Pearl Harbor just before Christmas in 1941, dragged the U.S. into World War II and Noah and Larue's boys were called to action. First to go was Ronald's half-brother Alfred. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 6 Mar 1944 p. 13) "A/c Alfred T. Ackles has been transferred from Keesler field, Biloxi, Miss., to Mississippi State college at Starkville, according to word received here by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, of 1006 South Jackson street. Prior to his induction into the air corps Cadet Ackles was a member of the South Bend Junior Symphony orchestra in which he played as a drummer. He is a member of the school dance band at Mississippi State and also played as a member of the field band while at Keesler field."
On his 14 Jan 1944 WWII registration card, Ronald Delbert Ackles, 18, reported his address as 1006 Jackson St. in Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, and that he was unemployed. Mother Larue Ackles was noted as his nearest relative. He measured in at 5' 8" tall, weighed in at 128 lbs. and had blue eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. Ronald's twin Donald registered on the same day, noted as being slightly taller at 5' 9 ½" and a tad lighter at 125 lbs.
The twins displayed their solidarity and both joined the Army. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 3 Mar 1944 p. 27) "…a set of 18-year-old twins, have been accepted by the army…The twins are Ronald Delbert Ackles and Donald James Ackles, of 1006 Jackson street. Both youths received their final examinations at Indianapolis at the same time. Ronald requested immediate induction, local board clerks stated, but Donald chose to await his call. Donald, however, returned to Indianapolis two days later and also requested immediate induction so he could join his brother."
A month later, there was an update on the boys. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Wed 5 Apr 1944 p. 21) "Private Roland P. Ackles and his brother, Private Donald J. Ackles, have returned to Camp Atterbury, Ind., after visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1006 South Jackson street…Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, Aviation Cadet Alfred T. Ackles is stationed at the Mississippi state college at Starkville and a fourth son, Sergt. Lawrence F. O'Brien, is with a railroad division in India."
With just 13-year-old son Henry still at home, trouble was brewing back at home. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 13 Apr 1945 p. 17) "Divorce Cases Filed. ACKLES—LaRue Ackles, 917 East Fourth street, Mishawaka, against Noah Delbert Ackles; married March 26, 1924, separated March 18, 1945; charges cruelty and asks custody of one child; superior court No. 2."
As Ronald's parents' marriage ended, Ronald's married life was about to begin. He married the girl next door, Betty Lou Koerth on 26 Oct 1946. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 28 Oct 1946 p. 10) "Miss Bette Lou Koerth Weds Ronald D. Ackles. Palms, baskets of white chrysanthemums and lighted cathedral tapers banked the altar of St. Joseph's Catholic church for the wedding of Miss Bette Lou Koerth and Ronald D. Ackles, which took place at 8 o'clock Saturday morning. The bride's parents are Mr. and Mrs. A.J. (Alfred and Marie) Koerth, 1226 East Miner street. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1225 East Miner street, are the parents of the bridegroom. Rev. Philip V. Beaghan, C.S.C., read the ceremony. The couple was attended by Miss Mildred Varga, maid of honor; Donald J. Ackles, twin brother of the bridegroom, best man and the bride's cousin, Caroline Young, flower girl. The bridegroom's brother, Alfred Ackles, and Robert Fox, cousin of the bride, were ushers. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of white nylon styled with a marquisette yoke which gave an off-the-shoulder effect, long pointed sleeves, a full skirt and long train. A crown of illusion held her fingertip veil. She carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums centered with an orchid, and wore a necklace, a gift of the bridegroom…A brown ensemble was selected by Mrs. Koerth and Mrs. Ackles chose deep gray accessories to accent her gray wool suit. Each wore a corsage of pompons. Breakfast was served to 100 guests in the home of the bride's parents, after which the couple left for Chicago and Milwaukee, Wis. They will reside temporarily with the Koerths and will spend the winter months in the south. The bridegroom served in the armed forces for three years."
Ronald's twin Donald jumped on the wedding train two years later, wedding the maid of honor from Ronald's wedding. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 18 Oct 1948 p. 8) "Varga-Ackles. Miss Mildred Varga, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Varga became the bride of Donald J. Ackles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles at 9 o'clock Saturday morning in St. Stephen's Catholic church. Miss Anne Varga attended her sister as maid of honor and the bridesmaids were Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles…Ronald D. Ackles was best man for his twin brother and ushers were …and Henry Ackles."
On a more somber note, besides enduring the death of his first wife Valerie Kemp Dodd in 1915, and the divorces from wives Rena Asbury Fitterling, Edna Viall Casselman and Ronald's mother Larue, Ronald's father had moved into a trailer, had abandoned his lifelong work as a self-employed mason contractor and had gone to work for Bendix Corporation, a manufacturer of brake systems for cars and trucks. Tragically for all concerned, on 26 Jan 1950, Noah "Bert" Ackles purposefully ingested tincture of iodine and died at age 67. Ronald's mother Larue was the informant on his death certificate. After his death, Larue relocated out west, got a job as a registered nurse and eventually married fourth-husband Robert Poinier. She died on April Fools Day, 1 Apr 1973 at age 76.
Life went on. The 1950 Census came due and caught up with Ronald and Betty, still living with Betty's parents Alfred and Marie Koerth at 1226 Miner St. in South Bend. Alfred Koerth was working as a supervisor at an auto factory. Ronald, 24, was working as a welder in an auto factory, likely Studebaker Corp., which was based in South Bend. Ronald's wife Betty, 24, was working as a clerk for a car insurance company.
In the spring of 1969, Ronald would have received the sad news of his half-brother Alfred's death in Guyana, South America, while serving as a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army where he died on 11 Apr 1969 at age 45. His death was noted as "non-hostile; died of illness/disease."
Happier times followed. (From: The South Bend Tribune – 29 Oct 1971 p. 14) "Couple Honored With Dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles, 1616 Vernerlee Lane, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by taking a trip through the southern states. Friends honored the couple Tuesday evening at a dinner in the Wooden Keg Restaurant. The couple was married Oct. 26, 1946 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church by Rev. Salvator Fenneli. Mr. Ackles is a brickmason foreman for the Carl Reinke Construction Co." Ronald had left the auto factory and was following in the footsteps of his mason father Noah. Sometimes, Ronald's work took him to great heights. (From the South Bend Tribune – 13 Aug 1986 p. 17) "[photo] Towering task. Ronald Ackles of Verkler Contruction, South Bend, cleans an area of the bell tower at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Bend, before beginning to patch it. He was repairing the tower and steeple."
Ronald and wife Betty would enjoy forty-two years together before death parted them, first claiming Ronald on 18 Apr 1989 at age 61, victim of lung cancer.
Ronald's twin brother Donald proved to be of sturdier stock, not passing until six years later 2 Nov 1995, he also claimed by lung cancer. What can I say…they were twins.
Ronald's wife Betty Lou was in no rush to follow him into the light, and delayed her exit until her eighty-fourth year of life, passing on 12 Aug 1984. No children are mentioned in either her or Ronald's obituaries.
Ronald was the first of twins born to Noah Delbert Ackles and fourth-wife Katherine Larue (nee French) Obrien Mathews Ackles who married on 26 Mar 1927 in Lake Co., Indiana. Ronald's twin Donald arrived a few minutes later on 14 Jan 1928. They would eventually be joined by brother Henry Earl but they were already in the good company of a variety of half-siblings (Thelma, Irma, Carmen) and step-siblings Lawrence Fletcher Obrien, Alfred Thomas Mathews, Cecil and Homer Fitterling, Irene and Cortlin Casselman, and Chester and Ethel Dodd.
There were most certainly some fun times during Ronald's youth. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 8 Jul 1929 p. 15) "…This is the last week for receiving entries for the third annual Tribune Playland baby parade to be held in Playland park…To date about 100 children have been entered and every indication points to a very successful affair. The latest entries are the following: … Ronald and Donald Ackles, twins, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1607 Marine street, born Jan. 14, 1928 in South Bend, … Ronald and Donald are the second pair of twins to be entered in the parade. Alfred Ackles, also a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born Aug. 7, 1923, in Hammond, Ind ... Carmine [sic] Virginia Ackles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born in South Bend July 13, 1914 …"
Ronald's family appeared together on the 1930 Census, living at 374 Sibley St. in Hammond, Lake Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 48, was still working as a mason contractor. Larue, 33, was keeping house, tending to her son Alfred Matthews, 6, and the twins, Ronald and Donald, 2. Also there was a lodger. The following year, son Henry Earl joined the family on 4 Oct 1931.
The year 1934 brought a horrific loss with the suicide of Ronald's half-sister Irma Bernice McGirr on 6 September due to phenol / carbolic acid poisoning. She was only 27.
It seems that the twins had similar inclinations. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Sun 23 Aug 1936 p. 8) "After the fight is over, the crowd probably will be unable to tell which of these young boxers [there was a picture of Donald and Ronald] is the winner as they resemble each other so closely. The twins, Donald (left) and Ronald, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1123 West Laporte street, Plymouth, Ind., will give a four-round boxing exhibit at the National Twins' association reunion next Sunday in Fort Wayne, Ind. They have been training as boxers under Lorie Powell, Plymouth hardware dealer, since they were five years old and have given exhibition bouts in a number of places in this vicinity since last June. The twins, aged eight, attend St. Michael's school in Plymouth. Until five years ago they resided in South Bend."
The 1940 Census placed the Ackles family at 910 W. Laporte St. in Plymouth, Marshall Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 61, was still working as a mason. Larue, 42 was working as a seam sealer in an auto radiator factory, likely McCords. There were still four children at home—Alfred, 16, Ronald and Donald, 12, and Henry, 8.
The attack on Pearl Harbor just before Christmas in 1941, dragged the U.S. into World War II and Noah and Larue's boys were called to action. First to go was Ronald's half-brother Alfred. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 6 Mar 1944 p. 13) "A/c Alfred T. Ackles has been transferred from Keesler field, Biloxi, Miss., to Mississippi State college at Starkville, according to word received here by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, of 1006 South Jackson street. Prior to his induction into the air corps Cadet Ackles was a member of the South Bend Junior Symphony orchestra in which he played as a drummer. He is a member of the school dance band at Mississippi State and also played as a member of the field band while at Keesler field."
On his 14 Jan 1944 WWII registration card, Ronald Delbert Ackles, 18, reported his address as 1006 Jackson St. in Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, and that he was unemployed. Mother Larue Ackles was noted as his nearest relative. He measured in at 5' 8" tall, weighed in at 128 lbs. and had blue eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. Ronald's twin Donald registered on the same day, noted as being slightly taller at 5' 9 ½" and a tad lighter at 125 lbs.
The twins displayed their solidarity and both joined the Army. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 3 Mar 1944 p. 27) "…a set of 18-year-old twins, have been accepted by the army…The twins are Ronald Delbert Ackles and Donald James Ackles, of 1006 Jackson street. Both youths received their final examinations at Indianapolis at the same time. Ronald requested immediate induction, local board clerks stated, but Donald chose to await his call. Donald, however, returned to Indianapolis two days later and also requested immediate induction so he could join his brother."
A month later, there was an update on the boys. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Wed 5 Apr 1944 p. 21) "Private Roland P. Ackles and his brother, Private Donald J. Ackles, have returned to Camp Atterbury, Ind., after visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1006 South Jackson street…Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, Aviation Cadet Alfred T. Ackles is stationed at the Mississippi state college at Starkville and a fourth son, Sergt. Lawrence F. O'Brien, is with a railroad division in India."
With just 13-year-old son Henry still at home, trouble was brewing back at home. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 13 Apr 1945 p. 17) "Divorce Cases Filed. ACKLES—LaRue Ackles, 917 East Fourth street, Mishawaka, against Noah Delbert Ackles; married March 26, 1924, separated March 18, 1945; charges cruelty and asks custody of one child; superior court No. 2."
As Ronald's parents' marriage ended, Ronald's married life was about to begin. He married the girl next door, Betty Lou Koerth on 26 Oct 1946. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 28 Oct 1946 p. 10) "Miss Bette Lou Koerth Weds Ronald D. Ackles. Palms, baskets of white chrysanthemums and lighted cathedral tapers banked the altar of St. Joseph's Catholic church for the wedding of Miss Bette Lou Koerth and Ronald D. Ackles, which took place at 8 o'clock Saturday morning. The bride's parents are Mr. and Mrs. A.J. (Alfred and Marie) Koerth, 1226 East Miner street. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1225 East Miner street, are the parents of the bridegroom. Rev. Philip V. Beaghan, C.S.C., read the ceremony. The couple was attended by Miss Mildred Varga, maid of honor; Donald J. Ackles, twin brother of the bridegroom, best man and the bride's cousin, Caroline Young, flower girl. The bridegroom's brother, Alfred Ackles, and Robert Fox, cousin of the bride, were ushers. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of white nylon styled with a marquisette yoke which gave an off-the-shoulder effect, long pointed sleeves, a full skirt and long train. A crown of illusion held her fingertip veil. She carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums centered with an orchid, and wore a necklace, a gift of the bridegroom…A brown ensemble was selected by Mrs. Koerth and Mrs. Ackles chose deep gray accessories to accent her gray wool suit. Each wore a corsage of pompons. Breakfast was served to 100 guests in the home of the bride's parents, after which the couple left for Chicago and Milwaukee, Wis. They will reside temporarily with the Koerths and will spend the winter months in the south. The bridegroom served in the armed forces for three years."
Ronald's twin Donald jumped on the wedding train two years later, wedding the maid of honor from Ronald's wedding. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 18 Oct 1948 p. 8) "Varga-Ackles. Miss Mildred Varga, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Varga became the bride of Donald J. Ackles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles at 9 o'clock Saturday morning in St. Stephen's Catholic church. Miss Anne Varga attended her sister as maid of honor and the bridesmaids were Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles…Ronald D. Ackles was best man for his twin brother and ushers were …and Henry Ackles."
On a more somber note, besides enduring the death of his first wife Valerie Kemp Dodd in 1915, and the divorces from wives Rena Asbury Fitterling, Edna Viall Casselman and Ronald's mother Larue, Ronald's father had moved into a trailer, had abandoned his lifelong work as a self-employed mason contractor and had gone to work for Bendix Corporation, a manufacturer of brake systems for cars and trucks. Tragically for all concerned, on 26 Jan 1950, Noah "Bert" Ackles purposefully ingested tincture of iodine and died at age 67. Ronald's mother Larue was the informant on his death certificate. After his death, Larue relocated out west, got a job as a registered nurse and eventually married fourth-husband Robert Poinier. She died on April Fools Day, 1 Apr 1973 at age 76.
Life went on. The 1950 Census came due and caught up with Ronald and Betty, still living with Betty's parents Alfred and Marie Koerth at 1226 Miner St. in South Bend. Alfred Koerth was working as a supervisor at an auto factory. Ronald, 24, was working as a welder in an auto factory, likely Studebaker Corp., which was based in South Bend. Ronald's wife Betty, 24, was working as a clerk for a car insurance company.
In the spring of 1969, Ronald would have received the sad news of his half-brother Alfred's death in Guyana, South America, while serving as a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army where he died on 11 Apr 1969 at age 45. His death was noted as "non-hostile; died of illness/disease."
Happier times followed. (From: The South Bend Tribune – 29 Oct 1971 p. 14) "Couple Honored With Dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles, 1616 Vernerlee Lane, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by taking a trip through the southern states. Friends honored the couple Tuesday evening at a dinner in the Wooden Keg Restaurant. The couple was married Oct. 26, 1946 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church by Rev. Salvator Fenneli. Mr. Ackles is a brickmason foreman for the Carl Reinke Construction Co." Ronald had left the auto factory and was following in the footsteps of his mason father Noah. Sometimes, Ronald's work took him to great heights. (From the South Bend Tribune – 13 Aug 1986 p. 17) "[photo] Towering task. Ronald Ackles of Verkler Contruction, South Bend, cleans an area of the bell tower at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Bend, before beginning to patch it. He was repairing the tower and steeple."
Ronald and wife Betty would enjoy forty-two years together before death parted them, first claiming Ronald on 18 Apr 1989 at age 61, victim of lung cancer.
Ronald's twin brother Donald proved to be of sturdier stock, not passing until six years later 2 Nov 1995, he also claimed by lung cancer. What can I say…they were twins.
Ronald's wife Betty Lou was in no rush to follow him into the light, and delayed her exit until her eighty-fourth year of life, passing on 12 Aug 1984. No children are mentioned in either her or Ronald's obituaries.
Ronald was a twin to Donald J. Ackles, Ronald making his appearance first.
Ronald was the first of twins born to Noah Delbert Ackles and fourth-wife Katherine Larue (nee French) Obrien Mathews Ackles who married on 26 Mar 1927 in Lake Co., Indiana. Ronald's twin Donald arrived a few minutes later on 14 Jan 1928. They would eventually be joined by brother Henry Earl but they were already in the good company of a variety of half-siblings (Thelma, Irma, Carmen) and step-siblings Lawrence Fletcher Obrien, Alfred Thomas Mathews, Cecil and Homer Fitterling, Irene and Cortlin Casselman, and Chester and Ethel Dodd.
There were most certainly some fun times during Ronald's youth. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 8 Jul 1929 p. 15) "…This is the last week for receiving entries for the third annual Tribune Playland baby parade to be held in Playland park…To date about 100 children have been entered and every indication points to a very successful affair. The latest entries are the following: … Ronald and Donald Ackles, twins, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1607 Marine street, born Jan. 14, 1928 in South Bend, … Ronald and Donald are the second pair of twins to be entered in the parade. Alfred Ackles, also a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born Aug. 7, 1923, in Hammond, Ind ... Carmine [sic] Virginia Ackles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born in South Bend July 13, 1914 …"
Ronald's family appeared together on the 1930 Census, living at 374 Sibley St. in Hammond, Lake Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 48, was still working as a mason contractor. Larue, 33, was keeping house, tending to her son Alfred Matthews, 6, and the twins, Ronald and Donald, 2. Also there was a lodger. The following year, son Henry Earl joined the family on 4 Oct 1931.
The year 1934 brought a horrific loss with the suicide of Ronald's half-sister Irma Bernice McGirr on 6 September due to phenol / carbolic acid poisoning. She was only 27.
It seems that the twins had similar inclinations. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Sun 23 Aug 1936 p. 8) "After the fight is over, the crowd probably will be unable to tell which of these young boxers [there was a picture of Donald and Ronald] is the winner as they resemble each other so closely. The twins, Donald (left) and Ronald, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1123 West Laporte street, Plymouth, Ind., will give a four-round boxing exhibit at the National Twins' association reunion next Sunday in Fort Wayne, Ind. They have been training as boxers under Lorie Powell, Plymouth hardware dealer, since they were five years old and have given exhibition bouts in a number of places in this vicinity since last June. The twins, aged eight, attend St. Michael's school in Plymouth. Until five years ago they resided in South Bend."
The 1940 Census placed the Ackles family at 910 W. Laporte St. in Plymouth, Marshall Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 61, was still working as a mason. Larue, 42 was working as a seam sealer in an auto radiator factory, likely McCords. There were still four children at home—Alfred, 16, Ronald and Donald, 12, and Henry, 8.
The attack on Pearl Harbor just before Christmas in 1941, dragged the U.S. into World War II and Noah and Larue's boys were called to action. First to go was Ronald's half-brother Alfred. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 6 Mar 1944 p. 13) "A/c Alfred T. Ackles has been transferred from Keesler field, Biloxi, Miss., to Mississippi State college at Starkville, according to word received here by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, of 1006 South Jackson street. Prior to his induction into the air corps Cadet Ackles was a member of the South Bend Junior Symphony orchestra in which he played as a drummer. He is a member of the school dance band at Mississippi State and also played as a member of the field band while at Keesler field."
On his 14 Jan 1944 WWII registration card, Ronald Delbert Ackles, 18, reported his address as 1006 Jackson St. in Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, and that he was unemployed. Mother Larue Ackles was noted as his nearest relative. He measured in at 5' 8" tall, weighed in at 128 lbs. and had blue eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. Ronald's twin Donald registered on the same day, noted as being slightly taller at 5' 9 ½" and a tad lighter at 125 lbs.
The twins displayed their solidarity and both joined the Army. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 3 Mar 1944 p. 27) "…a set of 18-year-old twins, have been accepted by the army…The twins are Ronald Delbert Ackles and Donald James Ackles, of 1006 Jackson street. Both youths received their final examinations at Indianapolis at the same time. Ronald requested immediate induction, local board clerks stated, but Donald chose to await his call. Donald, however, returned to Indianapolis two days later and also requested immediate induction so he could join his brother."
A month later, there was an update on the boys. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Wed 5 Apr 1944 p. 21) "Private Roland P. Ackles and his brother, Private Donald J. Ackles, have returned to Camp Atterbury, Ind., after visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1006 South Jackson street…Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, Aviation Cadet Alfred T. Ackles is stationed at the Mississippi state college at Starkville and a fourth son, Sergt. Lawrence F. O'Brien, is with a railroad division in India."
With just 13-year-old son Henry still at home, trouble was brewing back at home. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 13 Apr 1945 p. 17) "Divorce Cases Filed. ACKLES—LaRue Ackles, 917 East Fourth street, Mishawaka, against Noah Delbert Ackles; married March 26, 1924, separated March 18, 1945; charges cruelty and asks custody of one child; superior court No. 2."
As Ronald's parents' marriage ended, Ronald's married life was about to begin. He married the girl next door, Betty Lou Koerth on 26 Oct 1946. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 28 Oct 1946 p. 10) "Miss Bette Lou Koerth Weds Ronald D. Ackles. Palms, baskets of white chrysanthemums and lighted cathedral tapers banked the altar of St. Joseph's Catholic church for the wedding of Miss Bette Lou Koerth and Ronald D. Ackles, which took place at 8 o'clock Saturday morning. The bride's parents are Mr. and Mrs. A.J. (Alfred and Marie) Koerth, 1226 East Miner street. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1225 East Miner street, are the parents of the bridegroom. Rev. Philip V. Beaghan, C.S.C., read the ceremony. The couple was attended by Miss Mildred Varga, maid of honor; Donald J. Ackles, twin brother of the bridegroom, best man and the bride's cousin, Caroline Young, flower girl. The bridegroom's brother, Alfred Ackles, and Robert Fox, cousin of the bride, were ushers. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of white nylon styled with a marquisette yoke which gave an off-the-shoulder effect, long pointed sleeves, a full skirt and long train. A crown of illusion held her fingertip veil. She carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums centered with an orchid, and wore a necklace, a gift of the bridegroom…A brown ensemble was selected by Mrs. Koerth and Mrs. Ackles chose deep gray accessories to accent her gray wool suit. Each wore a corsage of pompons. Breakfast was served to 100 guests in the home of the bride's parents, after which the couple left for Chicago and Milwaukee, Wis. They will reside temporarily with the Koerths and will spend the winter months in the south. The bridegroom served in the armed forces for three years."
Ronald's twin Donald jumped on the wedding train two years later, wedding the maid of honor from Ronald's wedding. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 18 Oct 1948 p. 8) "Varga-Ackles. Miss Mildred Varga, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Varga became the bride of Donald J. Ackles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles at 9 o'clock Saturday morning in St. Stephen's Catholic church. Miss Anne Varga attended her sister as maid of honor and the bridesmaids were Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles…Ronald D. Ackles was best man for his twin brother and ushers were …and Henry Ackles."
On a more somber note, besides enduring the death of his first wife Valerie Kemp Dodd in 1915, and the divorces from wives Rena Asbury Fitterling, Edna Viall Casselman and Ronald's mother Larue, Ronald's father had moved into a trailer, had abandoned his lifelong work as a self-employed mason contractor and had gone to work for Bendix Corporation, a manufacturer of brake systems for cars and trucks. Tragically for all concerned, on 26 Jan 1950, Noah "Bert" Ackles purposefully ingested tincture of iodine and died at age 67. Ronald's mother Larue was the informant on his death certificate. After his death, Larue relocated out west, got a job as a registered nurse and eventually married fourth-husband Robert Poinier. She died on April Fools Day, 1 Apr 1973 at age 76.
Life went on. The 1950 Census came due and caught up with Ronald and Betty, still living with Betty's parents Alfred and Marie Koerth at 1226 Miner St. in South Bend. Alfred Koerth was working as a supervisor at an auto factory. Ronald, 24, was working as a welder in an auto factory, likely Studebaker Corp., which was based in South Bend. Ronald's wife Betty, 24, was working as a clerk for a car insurance company.
In the spring of 1969, Ronald would have received the sad news of his half-brother Alfred's death in Guyana, South America, while serving as a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army where he died on 11 Apr 1969 at age 45. His death was noted as "non-hostile; died of illness/disease."
Happier times followed. (From: The South Bend Tribune – 29 Oct 1971 p. 14) "Couple Honored With Dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles, 1616 Vernerlee Lane, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by taking a trip through the southern states. Friends honored the couple Tuesday evening at a dinner in the Wooden Keg Restaurant. The couple was married Oct. 26, 1946 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church by Rev. Salvator Fenneli. Mr. Ackles is a brickmason foreman for the Carl Reinke Construction Co." Ronald had left the auto factory and was following in the footsteps of his mason father Noah. Sometimes, Ronald's work took him to great heights. (From the South Bend Tribune – 13 Aug 1986 p. 17) "[photo] Towering task. Ronald Ackles of Verkler Contruction, South Bend, cleans an area of the bell tower at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Bend, before beginning to patch it. He was repairing the tower and steeple."
Ronald and wife Betty would enjoy forty-two years together before death parted them, first claiming Ronald on 18 Apr 1989 at age 61, victim of lung cancer.
Ronald's twin brother Donald proved to be of sturdier stock, not passing until six years later 2 Nov 1995, he also claimed by lung cancer. What can I say…they were twins.
Ronald's wife Betty Lou was in no rush to follow him into the light, and delayed her exit until her eighty-fourth year of life, passing on 12 Aug 1984. No children are mentioned in either her or Ronald's obituaries.
Ronald was the first of twins born to Noah Delbert Ackles and fourth-wife Katherine Larue (nee French) Obrien Mathews Ackles who married on 26 Mar 1927 in Lake Co., Indiana. Ronald's twin Donald arrived a few minutes later on 14 Jan 1928. They would eventually be joined by brother Henry Earl but they were already in the good company of a variety of half-siblings (Thelma, Irma, Carmen) and step-siblings Lawrence Fletcher Obrien, Alfred Thomas Mathews, Cecil and Homer Fitterling, Irene and Cortlin Casselman, and Chester and Ethel Dodd.
There were most certainly some fun times during Ronald's youth. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 8 Jul 1929 p. 15) "…This is the last week for receiving entries for the third annual Tribune Playland baby parade to be held in Playland park…To date about 100 children have been entered and every indication points to a very successful affair. The latest entries are the following: … Ronald and Donald Ackles, twins, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1607 Marine street, born Jan. 14, 1928 in South Bend, … Ronald and Donald are the second pair of twins to be entered in the parade. Alfred Ackles, also a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born Aug. 7, 1923, in Hammond, Ind ... Carmine [sic] Virginia Ackles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, born in South Bend July 13, 1914 …"
Ronald's family appeared together on the 1930 Census, living at 374 Sibley St. in Hammond, Lake Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 48, was still working as a mason contractor. Larue, 33, was keeping house, tending to her son Alfred Matthews, 6, and the twins, Ronald and Donald, 2. Also there was a lodger. The following year, son Henry Earl joined the family on 4 Oct 1931.
The year 1934 brought a horrific loss with the suicide of Ronald's half-sister Irma Bernice McGirr on 6 September due to phenol / carbolic acid poisoning. She was only 27.
It seems that the twins had similar inclinations. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Sun 23 Aug 1936 p. 8) "After the fight is over, the crowd probably will be unable to tell which of these young boxers [there was a picture of Donald and Ronald] is the winner as they resemble each other so closely. The twins, Donald (left) and Ronald, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1123 West Laporte street, Plymouth, Ind., will give a four-round boxing exhibit at the National Twins' association reunion next Sunday in Fort Wayne, Ind. They have been training as boxers under Lorie Powell, Plymouth hardware dealer, since they were five years old and have given exhibition bouts in a number of places in this vicinity since last June. The twins, aged eight, attend St. Michael's school in Plymouth. Until five years ago they resided in South Bend."
The 1940 Census placed the Ackles family at 910 W. Laporte St. in Plymouth, Marshall Co., Indiana. Noah Ackles, 61, was still working as a mason. Larue, 42 was working as a seam sealer in an auto radiator factory, likely McCords. There were still four children at home—Alfred, 16, Ronald and Donald, 12, and Henry, 8.
The attack on Pearl Harbor just before Christmas in 1941, dragged the U.S. into World War II and Noah and Larue's boys were called to action. First to go was Ronald's half-brother Alfred. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 6 Mar 1944 p. 13) "A/c Alfred T. Ackles has been transferred from Keesler field, Biloxi, Miss., to Mississippi State college at Starkville, according to word received here by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, of 1006 South Jackson street. Prior to his induction into the air corps Cadet Ackles was a member of the South Bend Junior Symphony orchestra in which he played as a drummer. He is a member of the school dance band at Mississippi State and also played as a member of the field band while at Keesler field."
On his 14 Jan 1944 WWII registration card, Ronald Delbert Ackles, 18, reported his address as 1006 Jackson St. in Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., Indiana, and that he was unemployed. Mother Larue Ackles was noted as his nearest relative. He measured in at 5' 8" tall, weighed in at 128 lbs. and had blue eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. Ronald's twin Donald registered on the same day, noted as being slightly taller at 5' 9 ½" and a tad lighter at 125 lbs.
The twins displayed their solidarity and both joined the Army. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 3 Mar 1944 p. 27) "…a set of 18-year-old twins, have been accepted by the army…The twins are Ronald Delbert Ackles and Donald James Ackles, of 1006 Jackson street. Both youths received their final examinations at Indianapolis at the same time. Ronald requested immediate induction, local board clerks stated, but Donald chose to await his call. Donald, however, returned to Indianapolis two days later and also requested immediate induction so he could join his brother."
A month later, there was an update on the boys. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Wed 5 Apr 1944 p. 21) "Private Roland P. Ackles and his brother, Private Donald J. Ackles, have returned to Camp Atterbury, Ind., after visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1006 South Jackson street…Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Ackles, Aviation Cadet Alfred T. Ackles is stationed at the Mississippi state college at Starkville and a fourth son, Sergt. Lawrence F. O'Brien, is with a railroad division in India."
With just 13-year-old son Henry still at home, trouble was brewing back at home. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Fri 13 Apr 1945 p. 17) "Divorce Cases Filed. ACKLES—LaRue Ackles, 917 East Fourth street, Mishawaka, against Noah Delbert Ackles; married March 26, 1924, separated March 18, 1945; charges cruelty and asks custody of one child; superior court No. 2."
As Ronald's parents' marriage ended, Ronald's married life was about to begin. He married the girl next door, Betty Lou Koerth on 26 Oct 1946. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 28 Oct 1946 p. 10) "Miss Bette Lou Koerth Weds Ronald D. Ackles. Palms, baskets of white chrysanthemums and lighted cathedral tapers banked the altar of St. Joseph's Catholic church for the wedding of Miss Bette Lou Koerth and Ronald D. Ackles, which took place at 8 o'clock Saturday morning. The bride's parents are Mr. and Mrs. A.J. (Alfred and Marie) Koerth, 1226 East Miner street. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles, 1225 East Miner street, are the parents of the bridegroom. Rev. Philip V. Beaghan, C.S.C., read the ceremony. The couple was attended by Miss Mildred Varga, maid of honor; Donald J. Ackles, twin brother of the bridegroom, best man and the bride's cousin, Caroline Young, flower girl. The bridegroom's brother, Alfred Ackles, and Robert Fox, cousin of the bride, were ushers. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of white nylon styled with a marquisette yoke which gave an off-the-shoulder effect, long pointed sleeves, a full skirt and long train. A crown of illusion held her fingertip veil. She carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums centered with an orchid, and wore a necklace, a gift of the bridegroom…A brown ensemble was selected by Mrs. Koerth and Mrs. Ackles chose deep gray accessories to accent her gray wool suit. Each wore a corsage of pompons. Breakfast was served to 100 guests in the home of the bride's parents, after which the couple left for Chicago and Milwaukee, Wis. They will reside temporarily with the Koerths and will spend the winter months in the south. The bridegroom served in the armed forces for three years."
Ronald's twin Donald jumped on the wedding train two years later, wedding the maid of honor from Ronald's wedding. (From: The South Bend Tribune – Mon 18 Oct 1948 p. 8) "Varga-Ackles. Miss Mildred Varga, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Varga became the bride of Donald J. Ackles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ackles at 9 o'clock Saturday morning in St. Stephen's Catholic church. Miss Anne Varga attended her sister as maid of honor and the bridesmaids were Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles…Ronald D. Ackles was best man for his twin brother and ushers were …and Henry Ackles."
On a more somber note, besides enduring the death of his first wife Valerie Kemp Dodd in 1915, and the divorces from wives Rena Asbury Fitterling, Edna Viall Casselman and Ronald's mother Larue, Ronald's father had moved into a trailer, had abandoned his lifelong work as a self-employed mason contractor and had gone to work for Bendix Corporation, a manufacturer of brake systems for cars and trucks. Tragically for all concerned, on 26 Jan 1950, Noah "Bert" Ackles purposefully ingested tincture of iodine and died at age 67. Ronald's mother Larue was the informant on his death certificate. After his death, Larue relocated out west, got a job as a registered nurse and eventually married fourth-husband Robert Poinier. She died on April Fools Day, 1 Apr 1973 at age 76.
Life went on. The 1950 Census came due and caught up with Ronald and Betty, still living with Betty's parents Alfred and Marie Koerth at 1226 Miner St. in South Bend. Alfred Koerth was working as a supervisor at an auto factory. Ronald, 24, was working as a welder in an auto factory, likely Studebaker Corp., which was based in South Bend. Ronald's wife Betty, 24, was working as a clerk for a car insurance company.
In the spring of 1969, Ronald would have received the sad news of his half-brother Alfred's death in Guyana, South America, while serving as a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army where he died on 11 Apr 1969 at age 45. His death was noted as "non-hostile; died of illness/disease."
Happier times followed. (From: The South Bend Tribune – 29 Oct 1971 p. 14) "Couple Honored With Dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. Ackles, 1616 Vernerlee Lane, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by taking a trip through the southern states. Friends honored the couple Tuesday evening at a dinner in the Wooden Keg Restaurant. The couple was married Oct. 26, 1946 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church by Rev. Salvator Fenneli. Mr. Ackles is a brickmason foreman for the Carl Reinke Construction Co." Ronald had left the auto factory and was following in the footsteps of his mason father Noah. Sometimes, Ronald's work took him to great heights. (From the South Bend Tribune – 13 Aug 1986 p. 17) "[photo] Towering task. Ronald Ackles of Verkler Contruction, South Bend, cleans an area of the bell tower at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Bend, before beginning to patch it. He was repairing the tower and steeple."
Ronald and wife Betty would enjoy forty-two years together before death parted them, first claiming Ronald on 18 Apr 1989 at age 61, victim of lung cancer.
Ronald's twin brother Donald proved to be of sturdier stock, not passing until six years later 2 Nov 1995, he also claimed by lung cancer. What can I say…they were twins.
Ronald's wife Betty Lou was in no rush to follow him into the light, and delayed her exit until her eighty-fourth year of life, passing on 12 Aug 1984. No children are mentioned in either her or Ronald's obituaries.
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