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Ronald Pratt Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Pratt
Sponsored by Frank Gallardo, his son.
Frank Gallardo
May 25, 2025
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you Ron. It's been 20 years and I still miss you everyday.
Love,
Frank
Liz
May 21, 2022
I miss you, I am so grateful of all the wonderful times with all the songs you sang to us, I am so ever grateful to be driving down the road when one of your songs comes on it so takes me back to those great days, thank you for the memories you etched in me forever, I love you
Your niecey Liz
Frank Gallardo
May 24, 2020
15 years today my friend. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Love you my best friend.
Frank
Frank Gallardo
May 24, 2019
Another year has passed my friend, 14 now. I screwed up the math in last year's message. I miss you tons Ron and think of you all the time. Love you Pop.
August 31, 2018
I just found this site. I decided to look up my uncle Ronnie Last time I saw him was when my dad died. I was too young to remember him and aunt Marsha in my younger years.
Frank Gallardo
May 27, 2018
15 years as of last week. I miss you more than ever. Your son, Frank
Frank Gallardo
July 26, 2017
Love you Pop and miss you so much.
Veronica Mulleneaux
June 20, 2005
I was so sorry to hear about Ronnie. I have known Ronnie and Marsha for 46 years. Marsha was my best friend in 8th grade and in high school until I moved away my senior year. Ronnie and Marsha made such a wonderful couple. They were always so excited to see each other. You could see the love in their eyes. The laughter is what I remember most. There was so much laughter in their lives. Marsha’s house was filled with so much laughter and love. Ronnie seemed to belong there with his laughter. They were truly blessed with each other.
The circumstances of our lives took us in different directions but they were always in my heart. When Ronnie got out of the Navy, I heard him sing a song about a place he was been stationed. It was called “We are the Boys from San Miguel.” It was a great song. It still runs through my mind. He had the most beautiful voice. Ronnie, Marsha, my husband and me did many things together in the early years. Once we went out to celebrate an anniversary and the musician came to our table to play for us. When he asked what we wanted to hear, Ronnie and my husband (since they had just gotten out of the Navy) asked the musician to play “Anchors Away.” The man just nodded and walked away thinking that we wanted to him to leave. They really wanted to hear the Navy song.
Unfortunately, we did not keep in touch. Our lives went separate ways. The years went quickly by. Then, about fifteen years ago I had a devastating experience in my life. I had not seen Ronnie and Marsha for about 18 years but when I called, they immediately came to my rescue. Ronnie, Marsha, her brother Bobbie, and her sister Barbara made dinner for me and spent the whole evening making me feel better. Ronnie sang to me and gave me some songs that he had taped for me. I still have them. He was so talented and had such a beautiful voice. It spoke to your soul. I will forever be indebted to them all.
Marsha, my heart goes out to you. May God love you and comfort you in Ronnie’s absence.
Your friend,
Veronica
Butch Anderson
June 16, 2005
I was truly shocked and saddened by the news of Ronnie's passing. We had been so close, Ronnie, Robert, and I, so many years ago. We were the original "Zit Brothers", wore white jeans, white tee-shirts, and white sneakers and were going to be the next Kingston Trio! But, as with many things in our lives, it didn't come to pass, although Ronnie went on to pursue his singing always with the support of his devoted and loving wife, Marsha. I can't remember why we drifted apart, work, famly, and the numerous other interruptions in our lives, I suppose. I will truly miss him. People come into our lives that are important to us, but somehow we disconnect and then when they are gone, it is too late, and the chance to rekindle that friendship in this life is lost forever. I have many fond memories of the past and they will stay with me forever. I can still see Ronnie coming down my street on his Cushman heading for Marsha's, his stepping in when I was getting the snot knocked out of me in a fist-fight in high school, getting together at Marsh's and listening to Johnny Mathis and Ima Sumac, the skit we did at my parent's house for the family.
Ronnie, the world is an emtpier place without you. You and Marsha have the love that very few ever find and cherish.
Marsha, my deepest sympathies for our loss. You are truly one of the most amazing and devoted ladies I have ever known.
With much love,
Butch Anderson
john,cindy&johnny(tall john) pratt
June 15, 2005
We will miss your smile and sense of humor.Who is going to say "time for a hug?" because we could all use one now.Ronnie and Marsha made all of us feel special.Ronnie,you will always be our "OLDER BROTHER"
June 15, 2005
When we met Ronnie and Marsha it was so special.The two of them were a breath of fresh air.You were not strangers,but two loving,caring,people who came into our lives for such a short time,but left a love in our hearts forever.
Robert Price
June 14, 2005
If ever there was a life to honor and celebrate it is the life of Ronald Lee Pratt. Ronnie and Marsha have been my dearest friends for 50 years...we have been like brother and sister since the 7th grade; and my beautiful wife Diane and I have shared a "friendship-made-in-heaven" with Ronnie and Marsha for 36 years. Living, laughing, (so much joyous laughing!) sharing,(good times and bad) and bonding with each other, and becoming as inseperable as brothers and sisters. Ronnie and Marsha have loved each other immensely and unconditionally, over 50 years...their two hearts became one when they married 42 years ago. Ronnie absolutely adores Marsha...he expressed his love in so many ways everyday of his life. He told her he loved her and he kissed her many times everyday, he called her everyday if he could, he left love notes everyday, he helped around the house to make her life easier any way he could, and he waited on the front porch for her to come home almost every day of their married life. One day while waiting on the front porch for Marsha, the little girl next door asked Ronnie, "What are you doing?" and Ronnie replied, with a big smile, "I'm waiting for the love of my life." And that is truly what Marsha and Ronnie were to each other, the love of their life! My wife Diane "is the woman of my dreams" and we have been so happily married for 36 years that is seems like a dream, but I know it is a blessing from the Lord. Just like the love Ronnie and Marsha have for each other, a love so full and strong that it can only be described as a blessing from the Lord. Marsha and Ronnie are God Parents to our three wonderful children, Tiffy, Robby and Traci--and what loving, positive, funny, and amazing God Parents they are --our children have been blessed and changed for the better forever because Ronnie and Marsha are in their lives. Ronnie had such amazing singing and entertainment talent. If the reality shows of today had been around 30 years ago, Ronnie would have been the first "American Idol"...I guarantee it. He was that good!
I believe this about Ronnie Pratt:
-I believe Ronnie is a Guardian Angel for his beautiful wife and family, and for every person that passed through his remarkable life.
-I believe that Ronnie was the "best man" (we were each other's bestman at our weddings) I will ever know and the "best friend" I will ever have.
-I believe the song "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me..." was Ronnie's life theme song--he lived it everyday.
-I believe that everyone who met Ronnie is better-off for the experience; he always made others feel good about themselves, and he always made you feel loved and important. What a heavenly gift!
-I belive Ronne and Marsha have a "love for the ages"--a love/marriage, that was as full of challengs and difficulites as anyone's, and was also truly an "example to go by". Their ability to show their love everyday in words, deeds, and actions; their inability to pass by each other without touching, and their ability to always laugh and enjoy each other overcame all of the marital challenges life brings.
-I believe Ronnie has hugged Jesus, the Almighty Father, and everyone in Heaven at least a hundred times.
-And I believe Ronnie has done a variety of beautiful songs with the "Heavenly Choir", (with a few spotlight solos!) and is now sitting outside Heaven's gate with that infectous, loving, smile beaming across his handsome face, with love radiating from all around him---and every time an angel goes by and asks, "What are you doing Ronnie?", Ronnie answers, "I'm waiting for Marsha, the love of my life."
God bless you Ronnie, Diane and I, and all our children, and grandchildren love you immensely; always have, always will. You live as long as someone remembers you Bro, and you will live for generations to come. I will see you again my brother, and when I do, we can keep each other company while we sit outside Heaven's gate, "waiting for Marsha, the love of your life"; and for "Diane, the woman of my dreams".
We love you "Red".
Your Sis and Bro,
Robert & Diane
Rebecca Micheli
June 8, 2005
dear Ron, I hope you heard me loud and clear at your service man cuz that was really hard for me to say goodbye to ya. worlds can't explain what a beautiful person you are and how much of an impact you've had apon me! You and your wife are the coolest most incredible people on this EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks again RON and you'll always be my theme song
m Quinn
June 8, 2005
Marsha, I just found this site. I am sure that many, many, more people could go on and on about what a wonderful person Ron was (and is). I was very pleased to get to know Ron better, this past Christmas. This was the only lengthy talk I had with him, just him and I. I don't even know what we talked about, but I felt a real connection with the real Ron. He seemed to be basicly at peace in his life, like never before. Know that he is sending his love down to you many times throughout the day, and so is his savior, Jesus Christ. Ron would have never been the man he was without his faith and the love and support that you gave him every day. You were truely blessed to have each other and have been such a blessing and example to everyone you met; with your stedfast love for each other and your love for others and love of life. Mary Ann Q
Marsha Pratt
June 3, 2005
What can I possibly say about my husband, Ronnie. He was the most incredibly handsome young man I had ever seen in my life. He was so gentle with me always. And I wasn't use to gentle. I was told by several that I was very feminine but tomboyish at the same time. I wasn't use to a guy that treated me the way Ronnie did! If I ran too fast away from him playing (he would worry that I would fall and hurt myself).
He was so much fun and over the years we laughed gallons and gallons, with each other and with our best friends, Robert and Diane and our family. His joy was to get a laugh out of you. I remember him making me laugh so hard that I slid down a wall and peed my pants. For him that was sheer joy.
He had the kindest and most fun loving spirit I have ever known. He had the warmest heart and no matter how many times I must have driven him nuts, he was never mean or cruel. Ronnie was so loving. I have never in my entire life known such a loving soul. I am not saying he didn't stand up for himself, friends and family when those times presented themselves. He could be a Pit Bull when it came to anyone messing with those he loved or the underdog. I am so Blessed to have been married to this incredible hunk of a man for 42 years, but you know what? It was not enough! I wanted 42 more years with my beautiful, wonderful, kind, thoughtful, loving, incredible husband.
My Ronnie, when God is ready for me, I will come running into your arms, and like so many other times, we will bang noses and laugh.
I ADORE YOU AND I ALREADY MISS THE HELL OUT OF YOU!!
Your Wife, Marsha
Robert Price
June 2, 2005
If ever there was a life to honor and celebrate it is the life of Ronald Lee Pratt. Ronnie and Marsha have been my dearest friends for 50 years...we have been like brother and sister since the 7th grade; and my beautiful wife Diane and I have shared a "friendship-made-in-heaven" with Ronnie and Marsha for 36 years. Living, laughing, (so much joyous laughing!)sharing,(good times and bad) and bonding with each other, and becoming inseperable as brothers in sisters. Ronnie and Marsha have loved each other immensely and unconditionally, over 50 years...their two hearts became one, when they married 42 years ago. Ronnie absolutely adores Marsha...he expressed his love in so many ways everyday of his life. He told her he loved her and he kissed her many times everyday, he called her everyday if he could, he left love notes everyday, he helped around the house to make her life easier any way he could, and he waited on the front porch for her to come home, almost every day of their married life. One day while waiting on the front porch for Marsha, the little girl next door asked Ronnie, "What are you doing?" and Ronnie replied, with a big smile, "I'm waiting for the love of my life." And that is truly what Marsha and Ronnie were to each other, the love of their life! My wife Diane "is the woman of my dreams" and we have been so happily married for 36 years that is seems like a dream, but I know it is a blessing from the Lord, just like the love Ronnie and Marsha have for each other, a love so full and strong that it can only be a blessing from the Lord. Marsha and Ronnie are God Parents to our three wonderful children, Tiffy, Robby and Traci---and what loving, positive, funny, and amazing God Parents they are--our children have been blessed and changed for the better forever, because Ronnie and Marsha are in their lives. Ronnie had such amazing singing and entertainment talent. If the reality shows of today had been around 30 years ago, Ronnie would have been the first "American Idol"...I guarantee it. He was that good!
I believe this about Ronnie Pratt:
-I believe Ronnie is a Guardian Angel for his beautiful wife and family, and for every person that passed through his remarkable life.
-I believe that Ronnie was the "best man" (we were each other's bestman at our weddings) I will ever know and the "best friend" I will ever have.
-I believe the song "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me..." was Ronnie's life theme song--he lived it everyday.
-I believe that everyone who met Ronnie is better-off for the experience; he always made others feel good about themselves, and he always made you feel loved and important. What a heavenly gift!
-I belive Ronne and Marsha have a "love for the ages"--a love/marriage (that though was as full of challengs and difficulites as anyone's)was truly an "example to go by". Their ability to show their love everyday in words, deeds, and actions; their inability to pass-by each other without touching, and their ability to always laugh and enjoy each other overcame all of the marital challenges life brings.
-I believe Ronnie has hugged Jesus, the Almighty Father, and everyone in Heaven at least a hundred times.
-And I believe Ronnie has done a variety of beautiful songs with the "Heavenly Choir", (with a few spotlight solos!) and is now sitting outside Heaven's gate with that infectous, loving, smile beaming across his handsome face, with love radiating from all around him---and every time an angel goes by and asks, "What are you doing Ronnie?", Ronnie answers, "I'm waiting for Marsha, the love of my life."
God bless you Ronnie, Diane and I, and all our children, and grandchildren love you immensely; always have, always will. You live as long as someone remembers you Bro, and you will live for generations to come. I will see you again my brother, and when I do, we can keep each other company while we sit outside Heaven's gate, "waiting for Marsha, the love of your life"; and for "Diane, the woman of my dreams".
We love you "Red".
Your Sis and Bro,
Robert & Diane
Mandy Childers
May 31, 2005
Dear Marsha! I work at the hotel where you two lovely people stayed when you came to Akron. Everyone who worked there and met you were so touched and inspired by you both. What a happy happy man!My heart breaks for you, but please find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and brought joy to.
Sincerely,
Mandy
Liz Mathes
May 30, 2005
Uncky Ronnie I Know your arms will always be around me.
Linda Reid
May 28, 2005
My Dearest Marsha, today I was truly touched as no one but you can understand. So many emotions for me finally came home.
Life doesn't always happen the way we plan ... but I believe ... life truly happens "as it is supposed to be". The love you and Ronnie shared has touched so many lives and has been such a great gift. And even in his passing, he is still giving. And as you know ... today, Ronnie gave me a gift. A gift that only he could give.
I am here for you now, as I always have been, even though it has been from a distance. I need and want you to be a permanent fixture in my life...as it was always intended to be.
I love you!
Sam Young
May 27, 2005
Ron was a rare person who touched everyone he met at The Arizona Republic with his friendly greeting and warm smile. He always had time to say "Hello" or help out if you needed it. Ron was one-of-a-kind and will be missed. I know the Lord has a special place for him in Heaven. We wish his family God's Blessings during this difficult time. God Bless, Sam Young
Tara Klein
May 27, 2005
When I got to meet my uncle Ronnie, I was so excited. As I got to know him, I knew he was an angel sent on earth. We got to be so close. He was such a fun and loving person. He sure kept me entertained. I'm so glad I got to be with him even though it was for a short time. He taught me so much. Because of him I'm not as shy as I used to be with my singing. We had a lot in common too. Meeting him was one of the best things that ever happened to me. When I found out he died, I was heart broken. But then I thought of it this way: He got to meet his Carol Ann and the rest of the family, now it's time for him to meet his mom in heaven. That was the only way to put me at peace with it all. I'll forever miss him but not forget him. He's in my heart and in my dreams always. I Love you Uncle Ronnie. *Tara*
Kelly Schafer
May 27, 2005
I also worked with Ron at The Republic. Ron was so caring and so genuine. He touched so many of us, and we are truly blessed to have known him. He will be missed and always remembered.
Chuck Vollrath
May 27, 2005
Ron was the bright spot of our day. You knew immediately when Ron was in the area by the upbeat laughter and happiness he shared. Ron and I had so much in common that we loved to discuss. Our time in the Navy, our Viet Nam service, and getting away on weekends to Prescott for that morning breakfast at Zeke's. He'll be missed.
Stuart Maeshiro
May 27, 2005
Ron, everyday I saw you at work made my day richer. Your love for your wife Marsha, family and friends is inspiring. God gives us gifts every day and you my friend are one of the most special.
Every time I told you I was playing a round of golf you would say “ Wait a minute, I’m having a vision, I see a hole-in-one on number 7”. On the day your vision finally comes true I will look up to the heavens with a smile on my face knowing that you will be smiling back at me.
My heart will never forget your smile and I will always hear your laugh!
cathy ramsey
May 27, 2005
I worked with Ron at the Arizona Republic and looked forward to his smile and "good morning Cathy" every day. Ron was truly loved by everyone here and will be missed. I look forward to the day I see him dancing and singing with the Angels.
Linda (Reid) Stevens
May 27, 2005
Marsha, my deepest condolences to you. Ronnie (and you, of course), have burned a permanent place in my heart. He is not gone or forgotten and his bright spirit and soul will shine on us all forever.
Frank Gallardo
May 27, 2005
July of 1985 is when I first had the pleasure and honor of meeting Ron Pratt. I truly believe this man was a godsend and I fully believe we met at exactly the right time in my life. I have never and will never meet another human being who exemplified perfect love of all human beings the way this man did. Few people are able to touch the lives of others; Ron touched EVERYBODY'S life he came into contact with. He always supported me, always loved me and called me his son. Many boys grow up without a father. What a gift; I had two! Ron, I miss you tons, but the memories I have of you will never die. I guess I better work on getting to Heaven, otherwise, I'll never see you again.
Love you always Pop,
Frank
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