Ronald Luther Snowbarger

Ronald Luther Snowbarger, 84, passed away on October 9, 2024, in Yuma, Arizona. Ron grew up in Englewood, Colorado, graduating from Englewood High School in 1958. He proudly earned a B.A. and M.A. in music education from Colorado State College (University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley. Ron spent his career in music education, with a brief stint in Nebraska and Kansas, before moving to Yuma, in 1966 where he taught junior high band for 27 years at Woodard Junior High. He received multiple honors and awards during his time at Woodard and felt honored to share his love of music with younger generations.

Ron held a passion for history and partnered with fellow community members to co-author a book on Yuma history (“A Prayer, A Poultice, A Pall: Life and Death in Yuma Arizona Territory”). Ron was an active and devoted member of Yuma First United Methodist Church. He derived great joy from singing or playing his French horn with multiple ensembles throughout his lifetime. He also enjoyed traveling, with notable trips to the Soviet Union, London, Alaska, and throughout Colorado. For Ron, the most important aspect of his life was his family. He loved deeply and will be greatly missed.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Ariel Snowbarger; his sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Dick McGuire; his sister-in-law, Eileen Snowbarger; and his nephew, Ray Snowbarger. He is survived by his brother Gordon Snowbarger and his sisters Alice Staples (Jim) and Betty Keddington; multiple nieces and nephews; multiple grand and great-grandnieces and nephews; and multiple cousins. Ron also held special affection for his adopted Yuma family, Juan and Esmerelda Bermudez, and their children.

At his request, no services will be held. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Littleton, Colorado at a date yet to be determined. Donations in his honor may be made to the American Heart Association, Yuma First United Methodist Church, or any organization that supports music education for youth.