The Richmond News, June 28, 2023

Ronnie Ross Pierson, 80, of Richmond died unexpectedly on Monday, June 19, 2023, while cutting hay.

Ron was born on March 23, 1943, in Carrollton, the son of Ross and Audrey N. “Aug” (Winfrey) Pierson.

Ronnie Pierson

He was united in marriage to Dotti Jane Skaggs of Richmond on Nov. 22, 1980. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: two sons, Eric Ron Pierson of Richmond, and Patrick Horine Kulkarni Pierson and wife Tracy of Richmond; a daughter, Jill Ann Courter and husband Adam of Blue Springs; eight grandchildren, Katherine Pierson, Josie Pierson, Molly Pierson, Kendal Courter, Pierson Courter, Paige (Sean) Utley, Lexi Pierson and Kain Pierson; a brother, Richard Joe “Rick” Pierson and Elizabeth of Norborne; a sister-in-law, Carole Pierson; and other extended family members and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim Pierson.

Ronnie Ross Pierson was born to Ross and Audrey (Winfrey) Pierson on March 23, 1943, in Carrollton. Ron grew up on the farm in Sugar Tree just outside Norborne. Being a farmer’s son, he and his brother Jimmy stepped into the farming footsteps at a young age. His little buddy, Rick, was born 16 years after Ronnie and his love of children began. Ron adored his brothers as they shared a love of farming and sports, particularly fastpitch softball.

Ronnie graduated from high school at age 17. Ron married Ruth Ann Horine in 1963 and was married for 13 years. They had three children: Eric, Jill and Patrick.

Ron and his best friend Gordon joined the National Guard together and graduated from basic training in 1967, just four months prior to his first son, Eric, being born.

Ron’s entire life involved his inherited love of farming. In the early 1970s, he started Mid-Missouri Seed Co. in Hardin and made a simple life farming until his death, meeting his final hour on his beloved tractor.

Ron met the love of his life, Dotti Skaggs, whom he married Nov. 22, 1980. Dotti was a blessing to him and his children with her kind, sweet soul and deep love for them.

Ron had a particular passion for sports. He impacted numerous kids, coaching and mentoring throughout many years with his “old-school” tactics. He spent several years playing fastpitch softball, spending family vacations snow skiing in Snowmass, Colo., and countless hours supporting his own children through wrestling, baseball, softball, swimming, basketball and anything else they were involved in. He loved coaching young men with his tough-love approach and loved them like they were his own.

But what Ron was most passionate about was his family, including his children and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, and he loved nothing more than being Grandpa and Poppa.

As he reared his kids, he welcomed his children’s friends as one of his own, with countless hours spent at the pond, on the farm or with friends just dropping by because they knew they were always welcome. His most cherished memories were spent with his family and brothers’ families and the time spent telling stories of the past. Ron’s ornery side and fantastic personality made for some great stories, no doubt.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) in honor of his grandson, Pierson Courter. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services was held on Monday, June 26, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and services following at noon. Burial was in Fairhaven Cemetery, Norborne.

Please share your memories of Ronnie with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.