Ronald Joseph Yetter

Ron "Boom Boom" Yetter took his final checkered flag on Sunday, July 28, 2024 while surrounded by his loving family. Ronald Joseph Yetter was born in Watsonville, California on May 13, 1937 to Joe and Marjorie (Dias) Yetter.

Ron attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and Salinas High School. In 1957 he married the love of his life, Ladine Pugh of Watsonville. They were married 67 years and raised four children.

Throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Ron was a constant presence at Salinas Speedway, Watsonville Speedway, San Jose Speedway, Alviso, Merced Speedway, Petaluma, the old Palm Beach Speedway and other tracks. Ron raced sportsmans, sprint cars and super modifieds. One night at the Merced Speedway, the announcer nicknamed him Ron "Boom Boom" Yetter. A name that became an endearment that lasted his whole life.

Ron leaves behind broken hearts in his family that adored him and is thankful for all the things he taught them throughout their lives. There wasn't any mechanical issue Ron couldn't repair. Throughout his life he raced cars, flew airplanes, rode motorcycles, and built multiple street rods. Ron and Ladine spent many years showing their award winning cars at car shows across California.

Ron is survived by his wife, Ladine of Watsonville, Ronnie (Linda) of Meridian Idaho, Lee (Cheryl) of Watsonville, Rhonda Yetter of Sacramento, and Manny (Deana) of Hollister, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, adopted son Lorenzo Nava, and his best friend of over 60 years, Ed Lewis. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe and Dan Yetter, and his grandson Danny Yetter.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 24, 2024 at the Casserly Community Center from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Friends and family with street rods are encouraged to drive their hot rods.

The Yetter Family would like to thank Hospice of Santa Cruz for their outstanding care, support, and guidance during Ron's final days.

Published in The Pajaronian · July 31, 2024