Ronald Paul Rothenberger

Ronald Paul Rothenberger, known as Ron, passed away on August 27, 2026 in Santa Cruz, Calif. at the age of 76. Born and raised in Rawlins, Wyoming on November 29, 1949, he lived a life defined by gentle compassion. Ron always put his family first and brought a smile to everyone he met with his wonderful sense of humor. Ron and his parents moved to Southern California in the late Sixties so he could attend UCLA. He graduated from there with a BA in Economics and worked for 40 years for the State of Calif. as a tax administrator for the Employment Tax Office. Ron met his future wife, Susan, on a blind date in 1972 and the two of them were married in July of 1973. They moved from Southern California to Northern California in 1992 and settled in the town of Scotts Valley, California, where they raised their three children. Above all else, Ron was a dedicated family man. Taking care of his family was always his number one priority. Ron loved music. He formed a band in high school where he played the electric guitar and he continued to play guitar and piano throughout his life. His enjoyment of music brought him a lot of comfort in his last years. Ron also loved to go to Las Vegas and looked forward with much enthusiasm to going there at least twice a year with family members. One of his greatest joys was attending UCLA football and basketball games. He was a true Bruin through and through. Ron’s legacy of love, laughter and compassion lives on in his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan Rothenberger of Scotts Valley; his son, Jason Rothenberger of Scotts Valley; his daughter, Allie Rothenberger of Soquel, California; and his daughter and son-in-law, Amy Rothenberger and Greg Boxer, of Seattle, Washington. He also leaves behind six nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Roland and Thelma Rothenberger, and his brother, Stan Rothenberger. Ron was a good man, lived a good life and will be deeply missed.