YERKES, Ronald (Ron) Wilson

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, February 09, 2013 Ronald Wilson Yerkes Ron passed away on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia; his daughter, Kimberly; grandchildren, Adam, Melissa, Malorie and Jenelle; great grandchildren, Hunter, Harmony and Brian; and sister, Caroline. He is preceded in death by his son, David; father, Miles; mother, Della; brothers, Myles and David; sisters, Evelyn, Jean, Eleanor, Marjorie and Suzanne. Ron was born in Greensburg, Pa., on Dec. 30, 1932, the youngest of nine children. He attended Williamson Trade School prior to serving in the United States Army between 1953 and 1955. Following his service, he moved to California, where he met and married Patricia Ann Ferguson on March 28, 1958. A year later their daughter, Kimberly, was born and two years later a son, David. Ron spent most of his career working as an engineering designer for Xerox. After an early retirement, he and his wife bought and operated a garden center in Northern California before moving to Prescott Valley, Ariz., in 1991. Ron was a long-time member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley. Per his request, there will be no service. Ron will be remembered as a good and loving husband and father, and a gentle, soft spoken man of great character. He left us with a treasure trove of wonderful memories. From summers spent camping, to holidays spent with our large extended family, to weekend barbecue's sitting around the redwood picnic table he made, to watching him create one of his beautiful wood carvings, and having him present at our special family events like weddings and births. We are grateful for all the years we had together. Now with hearts full of love and grace, we return to God one of his most precious children. Sunrise Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. Please visit www.sunrisefuneralhome.com to sign Ron's guestbook. Information provided by survivors.