Ronald Denton Cash

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the loss of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Ronald Denton Cash, 94, who passed into new life, on Tuesday, March 17. A humble man, gentle, kind, and patient, he taught his family the value of hard work and integrity, leading by example.

Born in Bentonville, Arkansas on November 9, 1931 to Hubert and Mabel (Kier) Cash, he was the oldest of three children. In his youth, the family moved to the east bottoms of Kansas City, where he lived many fond memories, which included one special gift received for his fifth birthday – a pony named Starlight.

Through odd jobs beginning at the age of 13, such as setting pins at the local alley and a medication courier for a drug store, he gained confidence to enter the military at 18, proudly serving the Army for four years. Beginning as a code operator in the infantry, he transitioned to military police where he was stationed in Hawaii, notably a favorite memory. After his discharge, he returned to K.C. to marry Mary Katherine Kuhn in 1955, living in Northeast for several years, then moving to the Northland permanently. That move created a life filled with 6 children, which included considerable volunteering, outdoor gardening and lots of swimming, as well as creating family traditions and offering some much-needed advice. Family vacations were always the high point of the summers. A notable spotlight was scouting with the boys, where he was an honorary warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say, named Big Swift Running Brown Bear. And later with his college girls, coaching basketball in a city league.

In 1960 he began a distinguished career with Ford Motor Company, in the transportation division, working faithfully more than 32 years. And after retirement, he continued to support Ford, as a consultant, until traveling the world was far more pleasurable. Multiple trips to Europe, visiting countless countries made for a rewarding 10 plus years. Settling back home, he enjoyed time spent attending activities with grandkids and grandchildren.

Ron’s faith in God was an important part of his life, participating with the Knights of Columbus, and assisting in various activities at church over his nearly 70-year membership at St. Charles Borromeo. There were also the early retirement years volunteering weekly at Sullivan Center. Stewardship was a virtue that he held in high regard, until his very end.

We find peace in knowing our “lessons learned,” will continue to be shared with our own families. He leaves behind Sons, Michael (Cheryl) Cash, Daniel (Kim) Cash, Daughters, Donna Patti, Michelle (Adrian) Faimon, Christine (Richard) Wade, Sister, Carolyn Knipp, and Brother-in-Law, Michael Kuhn. Grandchildren include Tony Patti (Meghan), Jennifer Moore (Luke), Samantha Silvey (Jason), Michael Cash (Katie), Adam Cash, Tammy Cash, Zachary Cash, Ellie Cash, Natalie Cash, Ann Osuna (Jonathan) and Christopher Wade, with twelve great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. Mary, his wife of 66 years, daughter Ann Mary, and brother Joe and parents, presided him in death.

All services will be at St. Charles Borromeo, 900 N.E. Shady Ln. Dr, Gladstone, on Tuesday, March 31. Rosary, led by Rev. Randolph Sly to begin at 10:00, with visitation to follow at 10:15. Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 12:00 with Rev. Joseph Cisetti as presider. Traditional burial and committal service at Resurrection North to follow Mass.

Suggested memorial contributions are St. Charles Borromeo Church, Boy Scouts of America, Tribe of Mic-O-Say (#31764 Bartle Program) and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.