Ronald Arvo Maki

April 16, 1940 – October 17, 2026

Ronald Arvo Maki, 86, passed away at home with family by his side on October 17, 2026. He was born on April 16, 1940, in Ironwood, Michigan, the firstborn child of Arvo and Helen Maki. He was later joined by sisters Joyce and Karen and a brother, Richard, who died at a young age.

Ron grew up in Ironwood and graduated from high school there. After graduation, he entered the United States Air Force, where he served for four years. During his service, he met Alvin “Fritz” Luiten, who introduced Ron to his sister, Coletta.

Ron and Coletta married in Odessa, Washington, on December 9, 1961. They welcomed their daughter, Ronette, on December 17, 1962, in Ironwood. Her name was a combination of both of theirs.

After Ron’s discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Spokane, Washington, where he attended barber school. He was then hired at the Cougar Barber Shop in Pullman, Washington, where he worked for 15 years. In Pullman, Ron and Coletta grew their family and raised their children. Their son Richard, named after Ron’s brother, was born on April 19, 1965, and their son Ryan was born on June 20, 1968.

Life in Pullman included following Cougar athletics, playing cards with friends, and participating in bowling leagues. Ron also became a basketball referee and coached women’s softball. He took great pride in his children and enjoyed attending their sporting events, school functions, and extracurricular activities.

Ron changed careers in 1978, joining the U.S. Postal Service. He especially enjoyed working at the counter, where he could visit with people. His final position with the Postal Service was as postmaster in Republic, Washington.

After retiring, Ron and Coletta moved to Kennewick, Washington, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Retirement did not suit Ron, so he worked in mosquito control for a couple of years before taking his final job as a security guard at Columbia Crest Winery. It became his favorite job, and he continued working there until he was 78.

Ron enjoyed all sports, fishing, camping, yard work, playing pinochle, and trips to the casino. He loved outings for ice cream, a good steak, and—of course—plenty of salt! His family, including his extended family, meant the world to him, and he loved them all deeply.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Arvo and Helen; his brother, Richard; and his sisters, Joyce and Karen. He is survived by his loving wife, Coletta; his daughter, Ronette, and her husband, Kent; his son Richard and his wife, Kim; and his son Ryan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ryan and his wife, Kristine; Jayson; Brock; Richelle and her husband, Kyle Harvey; and Ashlynn; and his great-grandchildren, David, Ryker, Brynn, Kori, Kayla, Jameson, Scotty, and Walker, with a baby girl on the way.

Ron is now at peace and free from pain. He can walk once again!

A military burial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 S. Union St. Kennewick, WA 99338. A celebration of life will follow at The Living Room Community Church, 1409 S. Garfield St., Kennewick, WA 99337.