Ronald Joseph Grant

March 30, 1964 – July 17, 2025

Ron Grant passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.

Ron was born on March 30, 1964, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Ann (Reichlin) and Vergial Grant. He was the fourth of ten children and was raised in Nezperce, Idaho, where he attended elementary school and graduated from high school in 1982. After graduation, he attended the University of Idaho before beginning a long and successful career in the agricultural industry, specializing in harvesting and pesticide application across Idaho and California.

In 1985, Ron moved to Visalia, California, to continue working in agriculture. Just a few years later, in 1990, he met the love of his life, Kari Morris. They married on February 16, 1991, beginning a journey of love, partnership, and family, celebrating 34 years together this year.

Ron had a lifelong love for the outdoors. From a young age, he was drawn to the mountains and found joy in skiing, golfing, waterskiing, hunting, fishing, camping, and trail riding on his dirt bike, especially in the mountains of Idaho and California. While attending school in Nezperce, Ron and his 18 classmates all learned to ride unicycles, a skill that brought joy to many and showcased his playful, adventurous spirit. In recent years, he also developed a love for pickleball, which combined fun, fitness, and connection.

Ron was deeply dedicated and hardworking throughout his life. At a young age operating a combine to harvest fields in Idaho and later in California. Working as a loader and flagger in the crop dusting industry. Also, dabbling in landscaping. In 2005, he transitioned careers and became a scale technician. His passion, integrity, and talent in this industry helped build two successful businesses. In 2021, his most recent company, 3-G’s Scale Services, was acquired by a respected competitor, allowing Ron to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

But true to his nature, Ron returned to work in 2023 with Central Valley Auto Transport, a wonderful family-owned business he grew to love. He developed a new passion for hauling carloads across California, Washington, Arizona, and Texas.

In December 2009, Ron and Kari received their greatest blessing, the adoption of their beautiful son, George, born to Kari’s gracious niece, Jessica. Becoming a father was one of Ron’s greatest joys.

Ron had a deep and abiding love for God, which guided the way he lived, worked, and cared for others. He loved the color green, the outdoors, laughter, and time spent with those he loved. Anyone who met him was drawn to his charismatic, witty, funny, and honest personality. His presence lit up a room and left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

In August 2023, Ron became ill, and in May 2024, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He faced his illness with  unmatched strength, determination, and hope, enduring over a year of chemotherapy and alternative treatments. In May 2025, Ron chose to return to his beloved Idaho, where his roots ran deep and his memories were rich. He spent his final months traveling, visiting loved ones, and cherishing every conversation and moment of his life.

Ron’s final days were filled with love and family, thanks to the extraordinary kindness of his cousins, Mike and Kim Ingram, who opened their home to Ron, Kari, and George. It was there, in the embrace of family, that Ron found peace and rest.

Ron will be remembered for his strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, fierce love for his family, unwavering faith, and joyful heart.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kari; his cherished son, George; and eight siblings:

• Kevin (Lisa Johnson) Grant of Meridian, Idaho

• Julie (Dan) James of Walla Walla, Washington

• Aimee (Larry Boyer) Braun of Boise, Idaho

• Doug (Misty) Grant of Nezperce, Idaho

• Alan (Andrea) Grant of Bristow, Virginia

• Kelly (Elton) Hochhalter of Boise, Idaho

• Kristi (Craig) Sunada of Pearl City, Hawaii

• Greg (Heidi) Grant of Boise, Idaho

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Vergial and Ann Grant of Nezperce, Idaho, and by his brother, Rodney Grant of Lewiston, Idaho (whose wife, Noelle, survives him).

Kari Grant will be organizing a celebration of Ron’s life in Exeter, California, at Whitney’s Wild Oak Ranch https://whitneyswildoakranch.… on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM.  

Mike and Kim Ingram will be organizing a second celebration held in Nezperce, Idaho, at the Nezperce City Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 3:00. 

We will honor Ron by wearing his favorite color, green at both celebrations.

Most will always remember Ron’s favorite line when asked how he was doing?

“Better than I deserve.”

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