Ronald Ray Tharp

Ronald Ray Tharp, 67, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on April 22, 1958, in Hamburg, Iowa, to the late Herbert Lewis Tharp Sr. and Georgia Maxine Tharp (Farson), Ronald grew up on farms in Atchison County. He graduated from Tarkio High School in 1976 and later moved to St. Joseph, where he built a life centered around family, friendship, and hard work.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Ronald retired from Omnium after many years of service. He took great pride in providing for those he loved. In his free time, he enjoyed cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, listening to good music, caring for animals, and spending quiet moments outdoors feeding the squirrels. He also found joy in occasional visits to the casino, where he was known to hit a jackpot or two. Above all, Ronald will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, quick wit, and love of puns and pranks. His distinctive laugh and warm spirit touched everyone who knew him.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lisa Rygalski; stepchildren Chris Guess (Brittany) and Andrea Fry; grandchildren Tariah, Davin, Makobe, Raylynn, Anniston, Evie, and Roman; and great-grandson Jateo, all of St. Joseph. He is also survived by his brother Herbert L. Tharp (Diane) of Holly Springs, North Carolina; sister Beverly (Tharp) Bowman (Jay) of St. Joseph; sister-in-law Carolyn Tharp of Des Moines, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his twin brothers, Larry and Gary Tharp, and his nephew Ian Tharp.