Ronnie K Smith

Memorial services Sunday October 26th at 1:00 PM in the funeral home, Burial in Stockton Cemetery
Ronald Keith Smith November 22, 1938 - October 21, 2025
Ronald Keith Smith -known to many as Ron, Ronnie, Papa, or Grandpa Ronnie - was a man whose smile answered to every name he was given.
He was born in Toppenish, Washington, in the Yakima Valley. At the age of seven, he and his mother boarded a train bound for Missouri, where they settled on a small farm outside Jericho Springs. His father, Bob Smith, stayed behind to finish his work and soon joined them, reuniting the family.
Ron graduated from Stockton High School in 1957, and two years later, on September 3, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna.
The couple began their life together in St. Louis, where Ron attended pharmacy school and worked for Eastern Airlines. After the birth of their first child, Shawn, they returned to their hometown of Stockton, where Ron worked for Carrender Drug before discovering the career that would define his life.
In 1973, he became a cook at The Red Barn Restaurant- a decision that sparked a lifelong passion for cooking and hospitality. Ron, Donna, and another couple soon became co-owners of The Red Barn, where Ron poured his heart into every plate and every person who walked through the door. He loved the hum of the kitchen, the laughter of customers, and the joy of creating good food for good people. Cooking wasn't just his work-it was his way of giving.
Over the years, Ron and Donna also managed restaurants for Silver Dollar City, worked for Shoney's, and later for Mexican Villa. He also spent time at the Devil's Pool Restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge. Through it all, he remained happiest when serving others - whether behind a restaurant counter or at his own kitchen table.
Ron and Donna were deeply active in their church community in Stockton, where they found fellowship, faith, and purpose. Ron often volunteered his time at church camp during summer vacations, joyfully lending his hands wherever they were needed.
Beyond his career and faith, Ron's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and an exceptional grandfather. Countless teenagers from Stockton, Greenfield, Lockwood, and Dadeville found their first jobs under his guidance at The Red Barn, where he taught them not only how to work, but how to laugh, care, and live with kindness.
Ron is now reunited with his beloved wife, Donna; their son, Shawn; his parents, Louise and Robert (Bob); and his infant brother, Eugene.
He leaves behind his daughter, Marla Fritz; his son, Kevin Smith, and wife, Constance; and his brother, Mike Smith, and wife, Carmen. His legacy continues through his grandchildren - Tiffany Sarmiento and husband, Fernando; Nick Smith and fiancée, Eryka Ohlert; Chanel Smith; Sydney Smith; Ireland Smith; Elvis Fritz; Bono Fritz; Aubrey Jacobs and husband, Dustin; and Chad Harper and wife, Ashley. He is also lovingly remembered by his nine great-grandchildren: Alejandro, Santiago, Rexi, Sebastian, Heath, Hannah, Emery, Arianna, and Liam.
Ron and Donna gave their family gifts that shaped every part of who they are -the values of hard work, integrity, generosity, and faith; the example of love, kindness, acceptance, and forgiveness; and the strength to endure life's hardest and darkest times. They were ahead of their time in the truest sense. Even in a small Missouri town, they created a home filled with books, art, music, and cuisine - a world that celebrated curiosity, culture, and the belief that every person is valuable and equal, no matter their color, gender, ethnicity, or religion. They showed that family isn't only who you're born to, but also who you open your heart to along the way.
Ron's laughter, generosity, and love for cooking will be forever missed, but never forgotten. He filled every home and every heart with warmth.