Ron Capps passed away peacefully on April 12, 2019 at the age of 79. He was born in Yakima on December 5, 1939 to Albert and Mertice Capps. Ron was raised in Yakima along side his twin brother Don and sister Bev.
Ron graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1959, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, baseball and basketball. He enlisted in the Army National Guard on October 15, 1959 and was honorably discharged in September 1965.
He married Janet Wilmoth July 3, 1964 in Yakima, and they were married 54 years. Together they had three daughters: Juli, Tami and Jenni. Ron was employed at Napa Genuine Auto Parts, Boise Cascade and retired as a Purchasing Agent from Michelsen Packaging in 2005. In their retirement years they traveled to Maui, Arizona, Nashville and Palm Springs and other various places where surely he had his clubs with him.
Ron’s love of sports continued throughout his life. He was a member of the Yakima Bowling League for over fifty plus years with two perfect 300 games. He won Yakima City in teams and doubles with his twin brother Don. Ron also participated in many National bowling tournaments. Ron played competitive fast pitch softball and served on the Yakima Softball Association Board, where he was an eight-time all-star and inducted into the Yakima Softball Hall of Fame in 1977. He was a Member of Yakima Elks Lodge #318, where he thoroughly enjoyed playing in many golf tournaments and he loved helping with the junior golf program.
Ron’s passion of sports was passed down to his daughters. He proudly coached, spent many hours running drills in the family back yard and happily drove us to practice at 5 a.m. Most of our family vacations consisted of mom and dad traveling to multiple cities for our tournaments. We could always count on “Dad” being on the sidelines cheering us on. He was our #1 fan. Dad also instilled in us “girls” the importance of a strong work ethic.
He was so proud of his grandchildren and treasured the time he spent with them, on the side lines of their sporting events or just talking about their life journeys.
Ron was kind hearted and a friend to whomever he came across. He had numerous friends he cherished spending time with whether it was at the golf course, bowling alley or just going out to lunch. Ron also enjoyed spending time at home with his dog, Beau.
He will be dearly missed by family and friends. Ron is survived by his wife Janet Capps, Daughters: Juli Schiessl (Tyson) of Issaquah WA, Tami Bennett (Steve) Of Yakima WA, Jennifer Freisz (Kenny) of Yakima. Several nieces and a nephew. Grandchildren: Kylie, Dylan, Jaelyn, Kaden, Coen, Amanda, Katie and Great Grand Daughter Kimber Jo. Twin brother Don Capps (Sandy) and sister Bev Harding both of Yakima WA. He was proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Mertice Capps.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Yakima Elks Golf Course (318 Golf Course Loop Rd. Selah WA. 98942)
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in honor of Ron be sent to Yakima Elks Junior Golf Program, Nob Hill Lanes/Eisenhower Bowling Team or any charity of your choice.
