Ronald Gess

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ronald Glenn Gess, 51, of Joplin, passed away December 17, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Ronald was born May 6, 1969 in Winnemucca, Nevada. He was a 1987 graduate of Diamond High School. Following high school, Ronald attended the Art Institute of Kansas City for two years to grow in his love of art. 

 He created numerous paintings and sculptures seen displayed at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin and other local facilities. Ronald enjoyed visiting museums and loved animals -- especially his rescues, Snoopy and Kitty. He also loved his family and completely adored his mother. Ronald was intelligent, talented and kind and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Gess; his birth father, Glenn Gilbert; his step-mother, Jenna Gess; and his beloved dachshund, Beau.

Survivors include his loving mother, Vicki Adams, of Cherokee, Kansas; five siblings, Dustin Gess (Angela) of McCune, Kansas, Andy Gess (Carrie) of Joplin, Darren Gess (Lori) of Vinita, Oklahoma, Jamie Lee Gess (Luis) of Florida, and Josh Gess (Katelyn) of Carthage; 17 nieces and nephews; his aunt, Elnora “Nonie” Gess, of Joplin; his two rescue pets, Snoopy and Kitty; and a very special friend, Nancy Jennings, of Joplin.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Parker Mortuary in Joplin with Pastor Alan McCamey officiating. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery with Dustin Gess, Andy Gess, Darren Gess, Josh Gess, Darren Gess Jr., and Justin Shepherd serving as pallbearers. Friends are welcome to send flowers or donate to Spiva Center for the Arts in his memory.

Those in attendance for services are required to wear masks and social distancing will be implemented.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.