Ronald "Ronnie" Edward Yowell

Ronald (Ronnie) Edward Yowell, 85, passed away tragically on January 6, 2026, in a motor vehicle accident in Yuma, Arizona. He was born the youngest of three children on August 3, 1940, in San Diego, California, to Elinor and Dudley Yowell. Born during a family vacation, Ronnie was brought home to the family farm in Gadsden, Arizona at three days old.

As a youth, Ronnie attended Gadsden Elementary School. He was active in 4-H showing cattle at the county fair with his brother, Kirby. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. In 1952, Ronnie met the new girl in school, Rita Baxter. Ronnie later attended Yuma High School and graduated in 1959 largely due to Rita's algebra and English tutoring skills. After graduating, Ronnie moved to San Diego where he worked in the shipyard as a welder.

In May of 1960, Ronnie and Rita tied the knot and marked the occasion with a wheelbarrow push down Main Street Somerton. Three years later, Ronnie and Rita welcomed their first daughter, Whitney and soon after welcomed their second daughter, Candace.

Ronnie started his entrepreneurial journey working as a beekeeper, farm hand, well driller, and custom cotton picker. After the passing of his father-in-law, Ronnie became increasingly involved in the family farm, building a lasting legacy for years to come. Everything Ronnie touched turned to gold and thanks to the 4 Sisters (Montie Lee, Dennis Monypeny, Davie Brooks, and Gary Pasquinelli, he was able to retire at the age of 45.

Ronnie was not one for sitting still. In 1994, he built his own summer retirement home in Pinetop, Arizona, where he and Rita spent every summer. Ronnie's retirement was spent doing what he loved most: fishing, hunting, and bargaining at yard sales. Known for his legendary fishing skills, he earned the nickname "King Fisher" after 38 years on the waters of the Sea of Cortez in El Golfo. Among all of Ronnie's hunting achievements, his Desert Bighorn sheep hunt remains one he cherished the most; however, his Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep kill was his favorite story to tell. In 2018, Ronnie received the Yuma Valley Rod & Gun Club Lifetime

Membership Award in recognition for his dedication and contributions to the club. His good luck never wavered even when yard selling in the White Mountains. He bargained items down to $5

knowing very well he could turn around and sell them for hundreds. Ronnie made most of his deals at his office, the Circle K parking lot, and drove away with his infectious laugh knowing he got the better end of the deal.

Ronnie took great pride in his three granddaughters and attended every livestock show, ballet performance, or any milestone event-unless, of course, the tide in El Golfo was perfect.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rita Yowell, and his beloved dog, Lulu; Daughters Whitney (William) Sims and Candace (Lee) Ott of Yuma, Arizona; Brother, Kirby (Linda) Yowell of Phoenix, Arizona; Grandchildren, Bailee (Jacob) Snyder, Dr. Jacey Sims (David Nickerson), and Dr. Hailee Sims of Yuma, Arizona; In laws, Sharon (Kelly) Hughes of Yuma, Arizona, and Janice (Daniel) Nowell of Tempe, Arizona; 2 great granddaughters; and 7 nieces and nephews.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Elinor and Dudley Yowell, and sister, Claudia Watt.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Legacy Event Center at the Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma, AZ 85365.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the White Mountain Nature Center, the Yuma Valley Rod & Gun Club, or Yuma County 4-H.