Ronald Richard Benitz

1956 - 2024

Ronald Richard Benitz

April 24, 1956 - January 30, 2024

Prosser, Washington - Ronald Richard Benitz, 67, of Prosser WA passed away unexpectedly on 1.30.2024. Ron was born on 4.24.1956 to parents Max and Marie Benitz.

Ron grew up on a diverse family farm on the Roza in North Prosser. He attended Whitstran Elementary continuing to Prosser Middle School and finally Prosser High School where he enjoyed several clubs, School Council, ASB, Band, FFA, Football, Baseball, and Track. He was also a member of the Hoof and Horn 4H Club showing Swine, Steers, Livestock judging and competing in tractor driving competitions at both the Yakima Valley Junior Fair and the Central Washington Junior Livestock Show.

After Ron graduated from Prosser Highschool in 1974. He attended Spokane Falls Community College, studying broadcasting at Ron Bailie School of Broadcasting and served on Student Council. Post-graduation from SFCC, Ron moved to Houston TX to pursue his degree, where he worked at a few radio stations as an account executive and in broadcasting.

Eventually, Ron moved back home, where he worked as a managing partner for B3 Enterprises for many years. Following this, he founded Chem Corp Northwest with Chris Shaffer. They later sold the company, and he began a lengthy career working in Agronomy/crop consulting-sales for Terra International, Simplot, Yakima Valley Grape Co-op, Crop Production Services, Sagemoor Farms, McGregor, Basin Ag, and eventually retired from OVS in 2021. During his career he developed and facilitated a Commercial Acid Blend Fertility Program, redesigned Wagner Lock Tab Grow Tubes for Cool Climate Viniculture and participated in a cold hardiness bud study with Dr. Bob Wample of WSU. Ron was involved in all phases of crop production including the growth and processing of sugar beets, hops, apples, grapes, wine grapes, cherries, mint, asparagus, blueberries and alfalfa covering the lower Yakima valley, Mattawa and Greater Basin areas. Ron held the following licensure: Private Applicator License, Commercial Crop Consultant, and Dealer Manager License. He also had his CDL in Washington State. Ron also recently worked as a medical courier for Incyte Pathology.

In 1988, Ron and Debi were married and eventually welcomed home son, Cameron, and later, daughter, Jenae. Ron and Debi enjoyed attending the Prosser Wine and Food Fair with friends, camping, concerts, and quiet evenings at home together. Ron took pride in supporting his children's adventures.

Ron's passions included sharing his knowledge and teaching others about agriculture, cooking amazing meals, fishing, caring for his lawn, and was a well-known wine connoisseur.

He enjoyed using his interests to better his community by serving and volunteering in his younger years at the Prosser Messiah Lutheran Church where he was an acolyte. He was a Page for the 42nd session of the state of Washington Legislature, a previous member of the Prosser Jaycee's Club, & a volunteer cook at the Bastille Day Picnic. Memberships included the Yakima Valley Grape Producers, The Washington State Grape Society, and The Washington State Horticultural Association. He served as the President of the Big Bend Horticultural Association, Board member on the Tri-City Area Vocational Educational Council, past Pesticide Investigator for Franklin County and was a proud supporter of the Yakima Valley Fair and Rodeo. Ron took pride in being published in various agricultural magazines, was awarded crop consultant of the year many times throughout his career and was proud of the personally funded tour of Viniculture areas in Canada and Australia.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Max and Marie Benitz and brother Max Benitz Jr.

He is survived by his wife Debi Wunderlich Benitz, son Cameron (Emily), daughter Jenae (Trey), brother Alvin (Louise) Benitz, sister Norma (Harlan) Fortner, sister Eileen Wagner, brother in-law Gary (Christie) Wunderlich, and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Extended family Mitchell, Jeff, Marcus, Phil, Alys, Tom, and Connie Freepons. Beloved lifelong friends Chris (Debbie) Shaffer, Dixie Amundson, Keith Lanouette and Willy Suhadolnik.

The family invites anyone who like to attend Ron's celebration of life on Saturday 3.9.2024 from 1:00- 4:00 pm at Smasne Cellars, 500 Merlot Drive Prosser, WA 99350. You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com