06/02/2026
Obituary For Ronald Raye Kirby
Ronald Raye Kirby, age 81, of Palo Cedro, California, passed on May 25, 2026.
Born on October 31, 1944 in Calexico, California, Ron lived a life rooted in devotion to God, family, service, and hard work. A man of unwavering faith, Ron and his wife Mary were devoted members of the
Anderson Church of Christ. He faithfully served as an Elder of the church and was known for his generosity, servant’s heart, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to helping others. His faith shaped every aspect of his life, and he touched countless lives through his kindness, guidance, and example.
Ron dedicated his entire professional career to the agricultural industry, a field he deeply loved. Even in
his later years, he remained active in the work he was passionate about, continuing his career as a strawberry plant salesman with Planasa Nursery. His work ethic, integrity, and dedication earned him the
respect of colleagues and friends throughout the agricultural community. He has many strawberry
friends throughout Oregon, California, and Mexico.
Family and faith were Ron’s greatest passions. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Noel Kirby and
“Beth” Kramar; his first wife, Sandra, who passed away on March 25, 1991; and his brothers, Ernie, Keith, and David.
On December 28, 1991, Ron married Mary, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and
service. Ron is lovingly survived by his wife, Mary Kirby; daughters Denise Perkins (Zack), Suzanne Ornelas (Jose), Theresa DeGenaro (Rob); stepdaughter Rachelle Modena (Silvio); and stepson Joe Koster.
He was a proud grandfather to Kristina Mefford, Julia Neal, Jordan Allen, Alexandra Davis, Nicole
DeGenaro, Lucas Neal, Caleb Perkins, Ariel Lee, Marcos Ornelas, Antonio Modena, and Gianni Modena. He
was also blessed to be a great-grandfather to Avery Mefford, Kannon Mefford, and Sutter Davis.
Ron is further survived by his siblings Janet Powers, Karen Triggs, and Lowell Kirby, along with many
beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews who were an important part of his life.
Ron attended community college for two years and carried a lifelong commitment to learning, faith, and
personal growth. He was known by all who loved him as generous, faithful, hardworking, and deeply
caring. He had a gift for making others feel welcomed and valued. He also had a special love for animals and cherished his beloved cat, Ella.
Ron’s legacy lives on in the family he loved so fiercely, the faith community he faithfully served, the
agricultural community he dedicated his life to, and the countless lives he impacted through his kindness,
humility, and devotion to God.
A memorial service celebrating Ron’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at
Anderson Church of Christ, with a reception immediately following.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
