Ronnie L. Tanquary

Ronnie Lee Tanquary, 82, born March 17, 1941 to Melvin and Hazel Tanquary in a small room of an old Farmhouse in Franklin, Nebraska. These roots remained a part of his soul. He spent his youth on the Yakima River Fishing, Hunting, Bow Hunting Pheasants, Grouse and Ducks. He had an art of cooking potatoes on hot coals of his campfire to prepare his catch of the day and celebrate the achievement of tying his sister to a tree so she couldn’t follow him. When not on the river, he was walking in the mountains hunting deer and elk or looking for wild mushrooms. He added taxidermy to his skills and was honored with his picture and a coyote in the Yakima Heralds front page. He was a drummer in the marching band ad Yakima High School. He also was a drummer and singer in the bands “The Rebels” and “Cheshire Cats”. He was also and artistic painter mostly did Mountain Scenery. Many Yakima homes were adorned by his work.

As a teenager, he married his sweetheart Helen Mae Adams and had 2 beautiful daughters Rhonda Mae Sandino and Robin LaRue Wilks. He later re-married and had a son Donald Mel Tanquary.

As a young man, his career began lighting smudge pots in local orchards. He then went to work at a fish market “Benoits Sea Food”. He then went to Beauty School and became a well-known highly sought after hair stylist. He became an instructor and then manager of “Mr. Lee’s Beauty School”. He opened his own shop “Ron’s So French Coiffure”. He won several 1st place trophies for the state in hair styling competitions. He later returned to school and completed the telecommunication program at Perry Trade.

He re-located to Medford, Oregon for work and at age 46 was in his prime, when an accident paralyzed his left side. He never considered himself a victim and continued to live his life to the fullest. He lived alone, continued to drive, donating his time serving lunches at the Salvation Army, ringing the bell at Christmas and was very involved in church.

He spent his wonderful life singing and telling jokes to anyone who would listen. His last days were spent singing John Denver with his daughter Rhonda, his favorite was “Some days are diamonds”. His favorite saying was “No one’s getting out alive”. He is and always will be a hero.

He is survived by his sister Betty Delight Maier, 2 daughters Rhonda Sandino, Robin Wilks, 4 grandchildren Jeremy Sandino, Christina Ramirez, Ronnie Grow, Katie Spear, 7 great grandchildren Jayden Sandino, Ariana Sandino, Dominic Sandino, Xyla Roberts, Levi Grow, Lilly Spear, Tyler Spear and nephew Stacy M. Edinger.

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Helen Mae Adams. His son Donald Mel Tanquary, parents Melvin and Hazel Tanquary, brother Billy Fayne Tanquary, grandparents George and Roxy Reams, aunts and uncles Betty and Bob Carpenter, Don and Dawn Reams, several cousins and many childhood friends.

Kiss your mom, dad, and brother on the cheek.

Until we meet again!

A visitation for Ronnie will be held Monday, November 27, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, followed by a funeral service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lepfuneralhome.com for the Tanquary family.