Ronald Stephen Raines

Ronald Stephen Raines, “Ron”, was born in San Francisco, California on June 22, 1947, to Ralph and Genevieve Raines. 13 months later, he was joined by a sister, Linda. When Ron lost his father, at age nine, Jane took her two children and bought a home in San Jose, California. Several years later, a stepfather joined them, and a

younger brother, Daniel, was born.

Ron enjoyed sports and band in junior high, but as he grew into a teenager, wrestling became his sport of choice, and music his passion. In junior high and high school, he began arranging popular tunes and led the pep band. So, it was no surprise that his choice of major in college would be music. He attended San Jose State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in music, with a minor in history, and teaching credential. He would teach music.

It was during this time, he met the love of his life, Barbara. She was on a family summer trip to Yosemite with her parents and sister; he was there with college friends. He had just turned 19, and she was almost 17. They were both hiking the trail to Vernal Falls. Upon their descent, he had decided she was something special and asked her parents if they could go to dinner. Their first date was at the cafeteria in Curry Village, Yosemite.

After a year of a long-distance relationship, they were married and parents to Brian. They lived in San Jose State married student housing, as Ron continued his education and Barbara worked at the Post Office. Their marriage showed incredible strength and courage, taking care of a son with significant disabilities, and welcoming Michele into their lives six years later. Ron was worried after having Brian, but Barbara pursued him relentlessly until she got the second child she wanted! When Michele was becoming mobile, Ron followed her around with a pillow, doing his best to protect her for as long as he could.

Ron was an incredible father to his two children, raising them with patience and love. He sat with his son on the couch for hours sometimes, playing and visiting with him and keeping him happy, while Barbara spent time with Michele. They would trade off, always keeping a balance, as Ron spent time teaching his daughter to roller-skate, play the trumpet, and pitch a softball. They played with Legos and rode bikes together to school. Similarly, Ron was an amazing “Papa” to his grandkids, playing for hours with them: pirates, trains… always making time, whatever their interest.

Ron’s career took the family from Del Mar High School in San Jose, to Lodi High School, to LeGrand, where he became the K-12 music teacher, affecting so many young lives and sharing his music passion with them. He had a successful marching band at both high schools, then at the K-8 school in LeGrand, as well as a pep band and choir at LeGrand High School. After 10 years, Ron taught only at LeGrand Elementary, where he finished out his career teaching music, computers, 5th grade, and history. He was also an active member of the Methodist church for many years, leading a brass choir and singing with the children at vacation bible school. He loved to make whatever he taught a fun, engaging experience. As one former student commented recently, “He made me fit in.”

The family moved to Merced in 1989, and Chowchilla in 2003, where Ron and Barbara built a home behind their daughter’s home. Ron and his son-in-law, Greg, spent countless hours golfing and enjoying each other’s company. He retired from LeGrand Elementary in 2007. Ron and Barbara attended many concerts and swim meets, always cheering on their grandkids and supporting them.

From the early 1980s until he could no longer attend functions, Ron was a member of the LeGrand Lions Club. When Barbara joined him in retirement, they traveled the world, finding new ways to contribute to society and serve others through Lions. Ron’s greatest talent and hobby was creating club webpages and teaching others to build and maintain their own club webpages. He also helped Barbara raise 10 puppies for the Lions Project for Canine Companions. Ron was asked to run for district governor of his area, 4A1, for Lions Club and he served in this leadership capacity for the 2015-2016 term. He took his guitar, sound system, and infectious personality to every Lions function, always making laughter and fun a part of the event. Ron and Barbara made countless friends during their time in Lions and only stopped when Ron’s Parkinson’s made it impossible to continue. Even when dementia was setting in, he

still helped set up the sound system at his local club meeting, watched over by a younger fellow Lion, who claimed Ron could still do it better than him!

Ron passed away peacefully with Barbara at his side, on August 12, 2026, in the early morning. She was holding his hand and comforting him, as she did for the years leading up to that day. Their love was always an example to their daughter of what it means to truly support one another. Ron talked about Barbara as if she were the best at everything! He adored her. He will be so missed in this world, but joins his son, parents, brother, and in-laws in the realm of our Lord, all healed and perhaps listening to music and eating hamburgers and french fries with his son on a couch.

Ron is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Michele, son-in-law Greg, grandchildren Matthew and Gabrielle, Jenna and Steven, great grandchildren, his sister Linda, many nieces, nephews and many loving friends and former students.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Community Church, 208 Fig Tree Road, Chowchilla, California.

Please join us in remembering Ronald Stephen Raines by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Raines Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger