Ronald Eugene Massey

Ron was born on March 28, 1933, to Lorren and Mildred Massey in rural Jefferson, South Dakota. The fourth of seven children, he grew up working on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love of agriculture and collected countless stories of farm life. He attended a one-room rural schoolhouse and graduated from Elk Point High School in 1951, where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America.

Shortly after graduation, Ron proudly enlisted in the United States Army. He served eight years in the Army and Army Reserves as a member of the Signal Corps during and after the Korean War.

In 1955, after completing active duty, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Mary. Together they celebrated 70 years of marriage in May 2025, a testament to their enduring love and devotion. In 1969, Ron and his family moved to Washington State, where he worked as a machinist until his retirement in 1998.

Retirement allowed Ron to return to South Dakota where he spent several months a year helping on his son’s farm and enjoying his grandchildren. Even in his 90s, Ron could be found climbing into tractors, talking about combines, and sharing his passion for farming.

Beyond farming, Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, sharing his love of golf with his grandson and early morning coffee with his buddies. He was a faithful member of Bethesda Lutheran Church and a longtime member of American Legion Post #0234.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his three children, Jeff (Ann) Massey, Jolene (Kevin) Pearce, and Carla Massey (Brian Prater); grandchildren Daniel Massey, Samantha (Michael) Hartog, and Gage Weaver; and great-granddaughters Charlee and Stella Hartog. He is also survived by his sister Donna Erickson and sister-in-law Karin Massey.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lorren and Mildred Massey; sister Leona Sanderson; and brothers Arvin, Ellis, Keith, and Kenneth Massey.

Ron’s quiet strength, calming voice, and kind heart left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at: Bethesda Lutheran Church 23406 56th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA