Ronald A. Smith

Ronald Alvin Smith, 85, of Cle Elum, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 5, 2024. A potluck-style Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 at the Upper County Senior Center.

Ron was born on April 7, 1939 in Yakima, Washington to Alvin & Phoebe (Reeder) Smith. His family moved to Seattle when he was young and he grew up in Ballard where he attended Ballard High School while also working at Acme Plating after class. He joined the United States Army in October 1961 and served for just under three years before his honorable discharge in the spring of 1964.

While serving in the Army Reserves, Ron would spend the weekends working for Lynnwood Plating and visiting his aunt. She owned a duplex, lived on one side and rented the other. It just so happened that she was renting the other side to a beautiful young lady named Barbara Ringhoffer. Over the course of his visits, Ron was smitten and he and Barbara hit it off and began dating. They eventually married on August 23, 1963.

Ron had a long and successful career in the sporting goods business, first as a partner in Sports Outfitters in Everett and later owning and operating Northwest Tackle until his retirement in the mid 2000’s. In retirement, Ron kept busy making “Welcome” signs that he sold at bazaars and farmers markets, first as “Woodworkers on the Hill” and later “Blue Pine Signs”.

Ron is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters Jeanne King and Julie Rancourt; son-in-laws Edward Rancourt and James Lee; sister Mary Warstler; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Marcy Lee, granddaughter Jade Lee, and his sister Edna Nedrow.

Memorial contributions in Ron's honor are suggested to Life Support, PO Box 264, South Cle Elum, WA 98943 or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com