Ronald Lee Sawyer

Ron was born in Lubbock, Texas, on June 24, 1946, to Rufus and Peggy Sawyer. After graduating from high school, Ron joined the Marine Corps and proudly served his country from1968 to 1975.

When Ron found himself stationed in Yuma, Arizona, he flourished among the warm and welcoming people, and in the gorgeous desert landscape. He made Yuma his forever home. Ron married his soulmate, Lou Sawyer (Frank) on August 31, 1973, and they shared more than 40 happy years, raising a family and enjoying life’s adventures together.

Ron loved the rodeo and bull riding, and he could be as tough as any bull he ever met. He would have ridden those bulls forever, but Lou eventually put a stop to that. Still, Ron lived his life accordingly, facing every challenge with courage and determination, and holding on for as long as he could. You would never see Ron without his cowboy hat and boots on. And, true to the Western tradition and culture he loved, Ron always wore his trusty Wranglers — starched heavy, of course.

Ron loved the Yuma community and never met a stranger. For more than 30 years, he worked at Alexander Ford, where customers and co-workers alike became his extended family. Ron was a wonderful father, and a generous and trusted friend. He was a good listener and a witty raconteur, whose stories never failed to delight and amuse.

Ron never tired of giving back to his community and, for many years, contributed his time and talents to the Yuma Jaycees, the Silver Spur Rodeo and the young people of 4H. Ron loved racing his Jeep on Competition Hill at the Imperial Sand Dunes and long days boating on the Colorado River. He was an avid and gifted woodworker, and he loved to rebuild cars. He was a celebrated grill master, and no one ever left his barbecues hungry. He cherished every day with family and friends at his ranch in Yuma and his mountain retreat in Heber-Overgaard.

Ron was blessed to find love again with Mary Worthen, when loss brought both of them together as companions for the rest of his life. Ron and Mary shared a decade of happiness together, building memories.

Ron was pre-deceased by his parents and his wife, Lou. He is survived by his children Michelle Hull (John) and Donna Sawyer (Art Magana), grandchildren Jaxon, Xavier and Gabriella Magana, sisters Gwen Breece and Trudy Durrett, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Ron loved Country and Western music, so to quote George Strait, “the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say, and this is where the cowboy rides away.” Ron has taken his last ride. He will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Ron’s Life on December 13, from 1p.m. to 4p.m. at 13482 S. Ave 4E Yuma, Az. 85365