Ronald Morris Little

Ronald was born October 14, 1942, in The Dalles, Oregon. When he was one year old, his family moved to Spokane following a change in his father’s occupation. Spokane became his lifelong home. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Chuck, and younger sister, Nancy, and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1960. It was there that he met Karen Lee, who would become his first wife and the mother of his four children.

Ronald and Karen married in 1963 and soon began their family, welcoming David, followed by Daniel, Duane, and Darla—the “four D’s”. Ronald attended Whitworth College on scholarship for two years before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Gonzaga University.

During a summer internship, Ronald began what would become a remarkable 39-year career with Washington Water Power Company, now Avista. He worked in the Utility Engineering Department and steadily advanced through the organization, ultimately running the engineering department of Avista. His engineering career was not simply a profession; it reflected his natural curiosity, his love of solving problems, and his desire to understand how things worked.

Ronald later married Grace Gerl in 1999. Together, they built a blended family that brought even more love and meaning to his life with stepchildren Tom, Dan, Chet, Peter, and Elizabeth.

Outside of work, Ronald rarely sat still for long. He had a lifelong passion for restoring cars and was a member of the Spokane Ford V-8 Club. He also volunteered with Spokane Volunteer Diving Search and Rescue. He enjoyed bowling and golf leagues, softball, and just about any opportunity to work with his hands. He was a true tinkerer who could spend hours repairing and restoring electrical motors, electronic equipment, and anything else that caught his interest. If something was broken, Ronald wanted to know why—and, more importantly, whether he could fix it.

His love of learning extended beyond his own projects. Ronald served on the Engineering Advisory Board for Gonzaga University, helping provide guidance and insight into the future of its engineering program.

But of all his accomplishments and interests, Ronald’s greatest source of pride was his family. He always seemed to have time for his children and grandchildren, whether they needed a helping hand, advice, a little financial assistance, some labor, or simply one of his famous—and sometimes sarcastic—life lessons. He had a wonderful ability to find humor in difficult moments. A well-timed joke or sarcastic comment could ease the tension and remind everyone that, somehow, things were going to be alright.

Ronald was curious by nature and never stopped asking questions or seeking to understand the world around him. He enjoyed figuring things out, sharing what he knew, and teaching those around him. His lessons were sometimes practical, sometimes humorous, and occasionally delivered with a healthy dose of sarcasm—but they were always given with love.

Ronald will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, generosity, humor, determination, and willingness to help. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend whose presence made a lasting difference in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Ronald is survived by his brother, Chuck Little; sister, Nancy Little; his four children, David, Daniel, Duane, and Darla (the “four D’s”); their families; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Tom, Dan (JoJo), Peter, Chet, and Elizabeth, along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Little (née Gerl), and his parents, Morris Little and Doris Little (née Cryderman).

A celebration of Ronald’s life will be held at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane, Washington, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A small reception with coffee, punch, and hors d’oeuvres will follow.

Ronald leaves behind a lifetime of memories, lessons, laughter, and stories—and a family who will carry his love and influence with them for generations to come. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.