Ronnie "Ron" Wilbur Ragsdale of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, at the age of 85. He was born August 15, 1940, in Grandview, Washington, the son of Clarence and Edna Rummel Ragsdale. Ron was a US Army veteran serving from 1959 until 1962, in Korea and Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington. He married Joanne Klein on August 15, 1964, in Sunnyside, Washington. Ron attended Eastern Washington University from 1963 until 1967 earning a degree in Radio – Television. He worked in advertising and public relations for several years, before pursuing a degree in journalism and education at the University of Washington. He was a teacher for 25 years in public schools in Bremerton and Port Orchard, Washington. Ron enjoyed watching football, basketball, baseball, hockey and collecting trading cards. He coached youth sports throughout his teaching career.

In 1968, Ron and Joanne embraced the teaching of Baha’u’llah. He was an active member of the Baha’i Faith the rest of his life. He endeavored to live his life in service, both to the Baha’i community and the community at large. Ron loved traveling with his wife, and they traveled extensively in retirement. Some of their favorite trips were to Iceland, Scotland, Norway, China, and Tibet. He loved music, especially blues, and attended many music festivals across the South. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and doing puzzles.

Ron and his son, Sean, shared a love of sports and travel, and they enjoyed debating politics. Sean enjoyed having his dad coach his youth basketball and baseball teams. Other favorite memories include, camping throughout the Pacific Northwest and going to numerous professional baseball games together, including a cross-country trip to see the Chicago Cubs and a trip to Boston and New York with Jonah. Ron was a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and the University of Arkansas.

As a father to his daughter, Ron was loving and endlessly supportive. He and Sytarih "Snus" bonded over the curiosity and simple joys of life, traveling together, discovering new coffee shops, hiking, camping and father-daughter shopping trips. The trips became cherished traditions, whether exploring somewhere new or enjoying the quiet moments outdoors, they found joy in the same small wonders of life. His encouragement and open warm presence shaped a relationship filled with trust, laughter and a deep appreciation.

Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joanne; children, Sean (Julie) Ragsdale and Sytarih (Doug) Milsom; grandchildren, Jonah Ragsdale, Savannah Ragsdale, Dov Milsom, and Zev Milsom; sisters, Dee Mireau, Donna Bischel, and Lynne Eickstadt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother, David Ragsdale.

His family is thankful for all of the love and support Ron received throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Ozarks.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Ronnie will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Sara Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home, AR, with Dov Milsom, Douglas Milsom, Sean Ragsdale, Jonah Ragsdale, Charles Sands, and Donnie Park as pallbearers. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and Alley-White American Legion Post #52 Honor Guards.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.