Ronald Louis Thyfault

Obituary



Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas. Inurnment will follow services in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Damar.

Memorial visitation will be Tuesday August 4, 2020 6 PM - 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7 PM all at St. Joseph Church.

Ronald Louis Thyfault, 91, died in his home surrounded by his wife of 69 years and family after battling coronavirus for 10 days. His last hours were filled with prayer and singing, two of his favorite pastimes. For a man who survived many careless stunts, it was often said that the Heavens were not ready for his spunky spirit, quick wit and never ending chain of one-liners. In the end, no one could resist his bright smile, warm heart and charm. On July 15th, 2020, he was finally called home. We cant blame them for wanting to bring his loving spirit and warmth to join his parents, Louis and Jeanette (Thibault) Thyfault, and his brother Mose Thyfault and sister Teresa Benoit. His surviving sister Germaine, will have to wait here with the rest of us.



Ronald was born May 19, 1929. He married Virginia Arpin (surviving) June 12, 1951 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Damar, Kansas. Together they lived in Damar building a life around farming and family. His years were filled with milking cattle, raising horses, farming and a lot of wine making, with the patent on wheat wine. We cant forget his love of sports, any and all sports. He was known as an athlete in his younger years and that passion carried on to his last days. The Chiefs winning the superbowl for the second time in his life was icing on the cake. Ronald didnt know a stranger, he could talk for hours with anyone. Those who knew him for a minute or a lifetime were likely called some endearing name such as big butt, squirrel or smelly.



As a father, he taught his nine children diligence and hard work. His ways were often blunt and sharp. As a result, we grew thick skin and a strength of character to stand and think for ourselves. In his era, he witnessed the civil rights and women's rights movement. He was progressive beyond his time. A father to numerous daughters, he instilled in us that we could do anything and that there was no such thing as man's work or women's work at the farm. We all worked.



Ronald taught all of his children -- daughters and sons alike -- to farm, repair machinery, and to be independent and headstrong. (Some may say he taught that a little too well.) In his ruggedness, however, he was not too big of a man to comb and braid a little girl's hair. He lived most of his life as a very strong and active man. He softened greatly as his body began to fail. He said "I love you" and "thank you" sincerely and often. He was extremely grateful for the love, caring and companionship that he was given. He often said and fully embraced the words "Thy Will Be Done" as he put his faith in God to guide him in life and us, as we cared for him in his last years.



Ronald and Virginia together had nine children all surviving: Rhonda Anderson (John) of Grand Junction, CO; Lois Wolf (Richard) of Loveland, CO; Anita Strecker (Delvin) of Salina, KS; Cheryl Dempsey (Justin) of Schoenchen, KS; Lisa Thyfault (Bryan Donaldson) of Scottsdale, AZ; Ronald P Thyfault (Dawn) of Plainville, KS; Kevin Thyfault of Towanda, KS; Melani Ward (Barry) of Belaire, KS and Amy Normandin (Brent) of Hays, KS. His family includes his granddaughter Nicki Lind (Mike) of Hays, KS along with a total 31 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren and two more on the way.



Due to Ronalds COVID-19 status as well as several in the family recovering from the virus a private gathering was held July 16th. A public mass and Christian burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas will be scheduled post-recovery and quarantine of the family.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the wishes of the family and may be made payable to Virginia Thyfault and may be mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements in Care of Brocks-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.



Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com



















Services







Arrangements Are Pending



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601