Obituary of Ronald Clayton Kimmi Ronald Clayton Kimmi, 82 of Cortez, Colorado passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Southwest Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love of family.

Ron was born on April 5, 1944 in Horton, Kansas, to Clayton Warren and Ruth Hazel (Coffelt) Kimmi. He graduated from Everest High School before attending Highland Junior College in Highland, Kansas. In 1965, Ron proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. During his service, he spent two years stationed in Japan before being assigned to San Diego, California, where he served as a parachute rigger, working alongside SEAL Team One. His time in the Navy instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism, disciple, and service that remained with him throughout his life.

On July 12, 1968, Ron married the love of his life, Susan Roundtree. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work and serving others.

Throughout his career, Ron worked for Wonder Bread, City Market, Holsum Bread, Pepsi, U.S. Foods and Zanio’s. He especially enjoyed route sales because it gave him the opportunity to meet people, build lasting friendships, and brighten someone’s day with a smile or conversation. Ron never met a stranger, and his kindness and genuine interest left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Ron was a man of unwavering faith and dedicated service. He was an active member of Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church. He believed strongly in serving his community and volunteered with Hospice, was a dedicated 4-H leader and gave countless hours to the Boy Scouts. He was also a proud Mason and Shriner, organizations that reflected his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Nothing brought Ron greater happiness than spending time with children, especially his grandchildren. He treasured every opportunity to encourage them, teach them, laugh with them and simply enjoy being together with his faithful granddog Tauge, who always brought a smile to his face.

Ron will be remembered for his generous spirit, unwavering faith, infectious smile, quick sense of humor, and his remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. His legacy of kindness, service and love will continue to live on through all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years. Susan Dianne (Roundtree) Kimmi of Cortez, Colorado, his children, Clay Kimmi (Randi) of Windsor, Colorado, DeAnna McCarty (William) of Bayfield, Colorado, Brad Kimmi of Bradenton, Florida, his cherished grandchildren Colton and Morgan (children of Clay), Jillian, Jaiden, Jacelyn (children of Brad), his beloved granddog Tauge (DeAnna’s dog) and his brother Philip Kimmi (Cheryl) of Lenexa, Kansas. He had many nieces and nephews that were also loved.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Warren and Ruth Hazel (Coffelt) Kimmi, his sister Connie Wilson, his niece Cynthia Oaks, and his father-in-law Elvin Roundtree.

A Military Honors service will be held on Tuesday August 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Cortez Cemetery (all is welcome), followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate a life that was truly well lived. A reception will follow with snacks and stories.

Ron will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family, friends and all whose lives he touched.