Ronald Lee Straughan

Ronald Lee Straughan, affectionately known as Ron or Ronny, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 5, 2026, at the age of 76.   A fourth-generation member of the Straughan family raised in Vaughn, NM, Ron attended Vaughn Schools and graduated from Scottsdale High School in Scottsdale, AZ. While in high school, Ron was an excellent athlete, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track, where he held the state pole vault record for many years.   He continued his education at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM, earning a junior college degree, and later attended the University of New Mexico. While in college, Ron had the opportunity to serve as Senate Page to then New Mexico US Senator Joseph M. Montoya in Washington, DC.  

Ron's professional journey reflected his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He began his career in various roles, including construction and management positions at Big-O Tires and Leonard Tire Company. Together with his wife, Cathy, they purchased and successfully operated a NAPA Auto Parts store in Belen, NM, for many years. After selling the business, Ron followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a Dale Carnegie Training instructor and Associate. Through hard work and determination, he earned the privilege of purchasing the Dale Carnegie southern half of NM territory as an area sponsor, then pioneered the expansion by opening the first American-owned sponsorship for Dale Carnegie Training in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, where he and his team built a thriving business. In 1997, upon the retirement of his father, A. Lee Straughan, Ron acquired the remainder of NM territory, southern Colorado territory, and 13 counties in west Texas. He continued growing the enterprise until selling the business and retiring in 2016.  

After retirement, Ron was frequently asked and honored to deliver motivational presentations and trainings for organizations across the nation. One of his most proud moments was serving as the commencement speaker at the 2017 Vaughn High School graduation, where he enjoyed returning to his hometown and mentoring the graduates.   Ron was a born leader who touched countless lives through his mentorship of colleagues, family, friends, and those facing life's challenges. He served on the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Military Institute Parent Club and the Duke City BMX organization. He played an instrumental role in the development of Duke City BMX, Albuquerque's newest nationally acclaimed BMX bicycle track, providing young cyclists with a premier venue to ride and race. His dedication to developing this project earned him accolades and recognition from NM Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.   Ron enjoyed coaching various softball teams and was an accomplished softball umpire, officiating fast- and slow-pitch games for men's and women's leagues. His skill led to a nomination to umpire a national tournament in Las Cruces, NM, where he received the highest honor by being selected by the players to umpire behind home plate for the championship game.  

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Cathy; his four children, Dennis Smith (Tami), Les Smith (Alicia), Juliann Garcia (Damian), and Alan Straughan (Marie); his sister, Roann Straughan-Sexson (Ron); step-sister, Jalayne Billingham (Paul); step-brother, Brad Jenkins (Carol); fourteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nephew, Ryan Sexson, and honorary family member, Dell Montano.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, A. Lee Straughan and Dorothy Bradley, his stepmother, Rosemarie Straughan, and his granddaughter, Chaztayne Smith.  

The family would like to thank his primary caregivers, Christina and Carmen, for their enduring and compassionate care of Ron.  

A Celebration of Life service for Ron will be held on January 30, 2026, at 10:36 a.m. at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 4601 Juan Tabo NE, with Pastors John Roberts and Damon Stalvey officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

In Ron’s memory and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to one of the following Parkinson’s disease charities:   The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Parkinson’s Foundation Rock Steady Boxing Albuquerque Chapter   The family invites you to share condolences or tributes online via Riverside Funeral Home-Albuquerque