Ron Rarick

April 29, 1933 – June 1, 2026

Ronald Rarick (Ron) was born in Liberal, Kansas to Donald and Gertrude Rarick. He was raised in a loving household that included aunts and uncles during the difficult depression years. Although his parents’ marriage did not last, his mother married Robert Davies, a local cattle rancher so Ron became a cowboy herding cattle and taking care of all the duties of a working ranch. In his teens, he became a cadet at New Mexico Military Institute. Although he was not happy about leaving his friends, he came to enjoy the military life and even went on to ROTC when he enrolled at Kansas University majoring in accounting. He remained an avid “Jayhawk” throughout his life. After graduation he married Sharon Lynn Turner. They had two daughters, Teri and Lori, but divorced when the girls were small. Later, living in Phoenix, he married Susan Martin. They had two children, Rhonda and Bob. His children have remained his joy throughout his life. Ron had a varied career as an accountant and stock and commodities broker. He kept up with the vagaries of the stock market until his final years. In 1980, his life made a dramatic turn as he gained sobriety with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was to remain sober for the rest of his life and was happy to share his sobriety when needed. His marriage to Susan didn’t last but during his early years of sobriety he met Judy in an AA meeting. They were married in 1982 and remained married for the rest of his life. When Judy was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor, Ron moved with Judy to pastor churches in the Midwest before returning to the California they both loved.

Ron loved many things in life. He loved flying his Beechcraft Sundowner. He and Judy shared many adventures in it. He loved cruising and visiting other countries. He loved playing golf. He loved Judy, his children and grandchildren, his sobriety, the local fellowship of other AA members, and his cats, Thelma and Louise. Most of all he loved Jesus and 1st Christian Church in Lompoc. He was baptized as a teenager and never quit believing he was God’s kid. On May 31st he went to sleep and woke up in heaven. He leaves behind his wife, Judy, his children, Teri, Lori, Rhonda, Bobby and four grandchildren. He also leaves three stepsons and five step grandchildren as well as the many friends who enriched his life.

A memorial service will be held July 11, 2026, at 11:00am at 1st Christian Church of Lompoc. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to 1st Christian Church Lompoc or Valley Haven Day Program in Lompoc.