Ronnie Lou (Nalder) Tucker

Ronnie Lou Tucker passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, in Walla Walla, Washington. She was 87 years old.

Born September 18, 1937, in Walla Walla, Ronnie was the daughter of Lois and Ronald Nalder. A proud Walla Walla native, she spent most of her life in the community she loved. She attended Pioneer Junior High the year it first opened, participating in the naming of the school’s athletic teams and successfully proposing its crimson and gray colors.

At Walla Walla High School, Ronnie was both a cheerleader and a violinist in the orchestra, graduating in 1955. She went on to attend Washington State University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. In 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Terry Tucker. Together, they built a beautiful life over 69 years of marriage.

Ronnie and Terry first lived near Pendleton, Oregon, where they farmed wheat on a Tucker family property and developed lifelong friendships. They spent winter weekends skiing at Spout Springs and summers boating on the Columbia River. In 1968, they built their forever home in Walla Walla, where they would raise their family and live together for the next 57 years.

Ronnie lived with warmth, energy, and a spirit of adventure. She was a graceful and fearless skier, an avid golfer, and a talented home cook. In 1975, she and Terry purchased a condo in Sun Valley, Idaho, where they spent joyful days skiing and gathering with friends and family. Beginning in 1999, they also wintered in Palm Desert, California, enjoying seasons filled with golf and friendships.

Ronnie and Terry shared a deep love for wine and travel, exploring wine regions around the world, including trips to China, South Africa, Europe, Central America, and the Panama Canal, among many others.

Their passion for wine extended to their community as well. At various times, Ronnie and Terry were partners in Reininger Winery, initial investors in the Canoe Ridge Vineyard and Winery, early investors in Pepper Bridge Winery, as well as Forgeron Cellars.

Ronnie gave generously of her time and talents. She was a member of the Walla Walla Junior League, the Walla Walla Country Club, and Shadow Mountain Country Club in Palm Desert. She was a founding member of the Noah’s Ark Social Club and participated in the Portfolio Investment Club. Throughout her life, Ronnie was an avid bridge player participating in several bridge groups.

During the mid-1980s, Ronnie and Terry owned and operated the Red Apple Restaurant in Walla Walla, where Ronnie played an active role in the day-to-day operations.

She had a lifelong love of cats and always shared her home with a feline companion, most recently, her ever-loyal Lupi.

Above all, Ronnie cherished her family. She is survived by her husband Terry Tucker, children: Kelly Tucker (Ann) of Portland, Oregon; Tracy Reininger (Chuck) of Walla Walla; and Jay Tucker (Cyndi) of Walla Walla. She was a proud grandmother to Katherine Bohnet (Hank), Tessa Reininger, Emily Tucker, Sarah Tucker, and Reid Reininger (Kendall); and great-grandmother to Penelope and Harrison Bohnet. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of dear friends.

Ronnie will be remembered for her vibrant personality, generous heart, and adventurous spirit. She was a gracious hostess and natural entertainer, whose home was a gathering place filled with laughter and connection. Her love and joyful presence left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Mountain View Cemetery, reception following.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community College or a charity of the donor’s choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.