Ronald "Ron" Allen Coder

Ronald Allen Coder
June 2, 1945 – December 4, 2025

Ronald Allen Coder, a devoted husband, father, Papa, and respected member of the Yakima Valley community, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025. He was born on June 2, 1945, in Wapato, Washington, to Albert and Ruby Coder.

Ron spent most of his youth in the Yakima Valley, with brief years in Eltopia, Washington, and Oakridge, Oregon. It was during his time in Oakridge in 1962–1963 that he met the love of his life, Patsy Rachor, who would become his lifelong partner. After returning to the Valley and graduating from Granger High School in 1963, Ron moved back to Oakridge that fall to work for Hines Lumber Company. On December 21, 1963, Ron and Patsy became engaged, and on June 5, 1965, they were married in Oakridge—a partnership that grew into more than six decades of love, shared adventures, and countless life experiences together.

Their early years in Oakridge were filled with hard work during the week and joyful weekends spent with family and friends. Many cherished memories were made on the lakes and in the sunshine, water-skiing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Oregon mountains.

In 1966, during the Vietnam War, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Maddox and was honorably discharged for medical reasons in 1967. That same year, he and Patsy returned to Sunnyside, Washington, where Ron worked briefly for the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District before beginning what would become a distinguished 51-year career in public accounting. Ron began at Boyd Olafson in 1968, where he spent nine years, followed by fifteen years with Moyer, Martin & Co. In the final and longest chapter of his career—27 years—he served clients through Proebstel Michels P.S., now Michels & Schilperoort.

Known for his deep expertise, humble manner, and unshakeable patience, Ron assisted generations of families and businesses with tax planning, compliance, estate planning, and general financial guidance. Many remember him not just for his technical skill but for the warm conversations held across his paper-covered desk, accompanied by coffee and his trusted 10-key calculator. His clients were first and foremost his friends, and he treated them like family, forming relationships that lasted decades. As an Enrolled Agent, he represented clients before the IRS and became a highly trusted advisor across the Yakima Valley and beyond.

In January 1972, Ron and Patsy welcomed their twin boys, Darin and Derrick, who became the pride and joy of their lives. Ron was deeply involved in the Sunnyside community, volunteering countless hours and serving in many leadership roles. His community service included:

Youth football coach

Baseball coach (Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion)

Youth sports boards

Sunnyside School District Board

Sunnyside General Hospital Board of Directors

Founding board member, Lower Valley Hospice

Santa Claus at local elementary schools

And many other contributions quietly made over decades

Above all, Ron’s greatest joy came from being Papa to his five grandchildren: Mackenzie, Kaitlyn, Allie, Gabe, and Jackson. He was their biggest fan, attending sports, music, dance, and school events with unwavering devotion. He played with them on the floor when they were little, allowed himself to be dressed up by his granddaughters, and walked with them to the barn and pasture to pet, groom, and ride horses. He taught each of them how to drive a stick shift in his trusty yellow Jeep and remained, as they grew older, their counselor, cheerleader, and steady source of wisdom.

Ron enjoyed a life full of activity, adventure, and simple pleasures. His favorite pastimes included:

Traveling with Patsy to Whitefish, Montana; Sisters/Bend, Oregon; Packwood, Washington; Priest Lake, Idaho; and any destination where they could join Patsy’s twin sister Peggy and her husband Ken

Deer and elk hunting with his “hunting buddies”

Motorcycle riding

Fishing with the grandkids

Riding horses

Working in the pasture and tinkering in his shop

Ron is survived by his wife Patsy; his children Darin (Becky) and Derrick (Kristine), all of Lake Oswego, OR; his brother Mike (Cheryl) of Bellingham, WA; and his five grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Coder and Ruby McDaniel; his father in-law and mother in-law, Harold and Helen Rachor; his grandparents; and his brothers James and Clyde.

Ron will be remembered for his kindness, humility, quiet humor, and steadfast love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—with his guidance, generosity, and the example he set through a life well lived.

He will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

 Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 13, at 11:30 am at the Presbyterian Church in Sunnyside, WA. In Lieu of flowers those wishing to honor Ron may contribute to the American Cancer Society P.O .Box 3682  Seattle, WA 98124 or  Alzheimer's  Association at  5285 Meadows Road #451 Lake Oswego, OR  97035.    Those wishing to sign Ron’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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