Ronald Williams Tompkins

Ronald Williams Tompkins, 95, born November 27, 1930, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in Walla Walla at the Veterans Home.

Born in Walla Walla, Washington, he was the son of the late Veryl Hayden Tompkins and Eva Mae Williams.

Ron graduated from Walla Walla High School and subsequently received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University in 1952. Growing up, Ron was very athletic and excelled at skiing, serving on the ski patrol at Spouts Springs, Oregon. Later, golf became his passion, scoring several holes-in-one at the Walla Walla Country Club.

It was at Washington State where he met the love of his life, Beverly Wilder. Ron and Bev wed in 1951 and had their first daughter, Pamela Jean, in 1952; a year later, they had another daughter, Cheryl Ann. After they were married, they travelled briefly to various Army stations in the U.S., in conjunction with Ron’s military service. In 1954, they moved to the family wheat farm in Clyde, Wash., and lived there until 1967, when they moved to Walla Walla. Ron had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying until Bev decided it was too risky of a hobby.

Ron was active in various organizations, serving as President for the Walla Walla Grain Growers, Walla Walla Country Club, and Prescott Lions Club, and was a member of the Eureka Grange. He enjoyed social clubs such as the Four Seasons and various bridge groups.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, and is survived by his daughters, Pam Molvar and Cheri Baumann; grandchildren, Michael and Laurie Molvar; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Leslie of Spokane. His brother, Robert Tompkins, and sister, Dorothy Kirkpatrick, preceded him in death.

His sunny disposition and in-depth knowledge of farming history will be missed by all who loved him.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on June 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at the Walla Walla Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Christian Aid Society or the Blue Mountain Humane Society, or an organization of one’s choice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.