Ronald Royce Prather, Sr. was born in Bethany, Missouri to George and Arthena (Harold) Prather. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Story Medical Senior Care, Prairie Rose in Nevada, Iowa.

Ronald graduated from Maxwell High School in 1958, where he excelled in track and was an active member of FFA. On April 7, 1962, he married Ruth Ann Jacobs, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage filled with love and devotion.

He grew up surrounded by six siblings: Larnie Prather, Iola Williamson, Elbert Prather, Gretchen Kirchner, Sue Abrams, and Wilber Prather. Ronald was a proud father to three sons—Ronald Jr., Charles, and Michael—and a loving grandfather to six grandchildren: Tim, Theren, Tiffany, Samantha, Brandie, and Shane. His joy multiplied with eight great-grandchildren: Brilee, Colton, Vivian, Bentley, Archer, Sylas, Lyla, and Cora (expected to arrive next month).

Ronald spent much of his life farming quietly in the Nevada area. After retiring from farming, he worked for the Nevada school system, where he was affectionately known as "Popeye" by students and staff. He also spent several years in Braddyville, Iowa, helping his sisters Gretchen and Sue, before returning to Nevada.

He found happiness in simple pleasures—fishing, gardening, chocolate chip cookies, and western movies and television shows. Ronald was well known for his sense of humor and practical jokes, always bringing laughter to those around him and enjoying being on the receiving end of a joke just as much.

Ronald is survived by his wife Ruth; siblings Elbert, Gretchen, and Sue; his three sons; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

His life was a testament to love, family, and joy. As we remember him, "we can shed tears for his passing, or we can smile because he lived."

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Story County Senior Care facility. All the people who got a chance to know Ronald as a Friend, Neighbor, Colleague, and Jokester. God Bless you all.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada.  Family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with caring for Ron and his arrangements.  Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.