Ronnie Busby

Ronald “Ronnie” Busby, 82, of Kahoka, formerly of Luray, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2026, at his home.

He was born May 25, 1944 in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of George Shannan “Buzz” and Juanita Marie Nichols Busby.

Ronnie graduated from Scotland County R-1 High School with the class of 1963. After high school he went to work at Sheller-Globe for 43 years retiring in May of 2006.

Ronnie proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve during the Vietnam War era. He entered military service in March 1965 and completed his training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he attended the U.S. Army Engineer School and specialized in Engineer Supply and Parts. He served with the 495th Engineer Battalion and was honorably released from active duty in December 1965, continuing his military obligation in the Army Reserve until March 1971.

On June 30, 1990, Ronnie was united in marriage to Karen Cochenour. Their wedding was especially memorable, as they exchanged their vows on horseback at Burley Bertram’s farm in Clark County, Missouri. Ronnie and Karen shared a special bond and were more than husband and wife; they were truly best friends. Karen preceded him in death on October 15, 2022.

Ronnie was a union steward at Local 444L for 30 years. He was a member of the Missouri Longriders and the Luray Saddle Club. He was also the former mayor of Luray and served on the Luray School Board.

Ronnie loved rodeos, horse races and enjoyed showing horses, trail riding, camping and deer hunting. He looked forward to building a big vegetable garden every year and watching the hummingbirds around his home. He also treasured time spent playing cards with friends, going on wagon rides and trying his luck at the casino. Ronnie never wanted to miss an opportunity for a trip, an outing or a new adventure. He loved being around people, having fun and making memories wherever life took him. More than anything, Ronnie loved life and enjoyed making others smile. His motto was, “I enjoy being enjoyable.”

Ronnie is survived by his daughters, Dawn Wood (Gorden) and Niki Wardlow (Jake); six grandchildren, Shannon, Cheyann, Samantha, Sidney, Blaine and Madison; three great-grandchildren, Rhiley, Cam and Sawyer; and his stepchildren, Linda Scovern, Clint Boatman (Angie) and Jason Boatman (Tina) and seven step-grandchildren, Asia, Seth, Lexy, Koby, Chaz, Takoda and Kyndon. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Bobbie Cochenour and Jerry Cochenour (Brenda); three sisters-in-law, Mary Crader, Shirley Lay, and Glenda Marley (Gary Whitaker); along with several friends, including Susan Sheffler. Ronnie shared a special bond with Monty and Alyce McAfee and Scott and Libby Goben and their families, who were more than friends to him and were like sons to him. They held a special place in his heart and life.

In addition to his wife, Karen, Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; his mother- and father-in-law, Wayne Franklin and Reba Eileene Stott Cochenour; and one grandchild, Gorden Wood, Jr.

A gathering of remembrance will be held from 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, where family will receive friends.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., October 30, 2026, at the Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Arbela with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating. The procession to the cemetery will leave the funeral home in Kahoka at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Moriah Cemetery.