Ralph Donald “Donnie” Sanner
Ralph Donald “Donnie” Sanner, age 81, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, in Richland, Washington. Born on June 14, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Ralph lived a life rich with purpose, service, and love.
Raised by his grandparents, Nellie Rae and Ralph “Doc” Sanner, Ralph was nurtured with deep affection and guidance that shaped his lifelong commitment to family and community. He began his education at Bayview Elementary and Downing Junior High before graduating from Richmond High School in California. His academic journey continued at Contra Costa Junior College in Richmond followed by the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned both his AA and BA degrees. He later pursued a Master’s degree in School Psychology at Eastern Washington State College in Cheney from 1974 to 1977.
Ralph proudly served his country as a Specialist Fourth Class (Sp4 E4) in the U.S. Army with Headquarters Company of the 3rd Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany from 1966 to 1967. His dedication to service extended beyond the military into education and community development. Over the course of his career, he worked as a Preschool Coordinator and School Psychologist from 1980 until his retirement in the early 2000s. He also served as an adjunct professor and was deeply involved in local youth sports.
A passionate soccer enthusiast, Ralph coached Hanford High School’s varsity girls’ soccer team to a first-place finish in 1989 and a second-place national ranking – a remarkable achievement that reflected his commitment to mentoring young athletes. His love for sports extended to football – he was a devoted Raiders fan – and maintained a lifelong passion for soccer from high school through professional levels.
Ralph’s adventurous spirit led him across North America and Europe. He explored Alaska, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, France, Amsterdam, and traveled extensively throughout California, Oregon, Guam, Washington, and as far east as South Dakota. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in bear hunting, bird hunting, turkey and deer hunting, hiking the Sierra Mountains of California and the Blue Mountains of Washington. He also enjoyed fishing and visiting museums that celebrated history and diverse cultures.
Faith played a central role in Ralph’s life. A devout Catholic who renewed his baptismal vows in 1964, he read the Bible cover to cover and sought to live by its teachings. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus (1st and 3rd Degree), the Legion of Mary (in San Pablo, CA and Richland), and volunteered regularly at church events such as Sausage Fest. He formed enduring friendships with many priests over the years including Monsignor Champoux, Fathers Hannon (CA), Peter Adoko-Enchill, Jim Northrop, Eduardo Chavez, Van Nguyen among others.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Bernadita “Bennette” Sanner; sons David Sanner and Daniel Sanner; daughter-in-law Meggin; and grandchildren Danny, Isaac, and Rose. He cherished his family deeply and always sought to nurture their strengths with unwavering support.
He is also remembered by his grandmother Nellie Rae and grandpa Ralph Sanner, Joline and Carl Buscemi; siblings Rosemary Harvey, Cynthia and Sonny Kellogg, Teresa and Kristopher Buchholz, Melissa and Mike Mussano, Rebecca and Bill Birka, and Samantha Moe. His uncle Robert Carr and nephew Robert Carr and Lynda Rae Carr. His extended family includes numerous loving in-laws Teresita Marzetta, Florence and David Conrad, Veronica and Antonio Garrido, Mary Camacho Hill, Frances and Frank Bigler, Barbara and John Diaz, Anthony and Martha Camacho, Simon R. Camacho, Clara Camacho, Elizabeth Camacho, and Teresita Marzetta. His mother and father-in-law are Olympia and Simon R Camacho.
Throughout his life in Richland and West Richland’s Tri-Cities communities – and later in Port Townsend – Ralph was known for his gentle demeanor that earned him the affectionate nickname “teddy bear.” Friends from Flamingo Road and St. Mary Star communities recall him fondly for his warmth and humor.
His contributions to local infrastructure included helping spearhead the Bombing Range Sports Complex and advocating for protective fencing at Flat Top Park to ensure children’s safety – testaments to his enduring commitment to community well-being.
Ralph lived by simple yet powerful principles: “Don’t go to bed angry,” “Leave the best, leanest legacy,” and “When communicating always start with a positive – nice hair, smile, uniqueness – and you’ll never go wrong.”
May Ralph Donald “Donnie” Sanner’s memory be a source of comfort to those who knew him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched – with kindness in action, faith in practice, and love at heart.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on December 20, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Stevens Drive. Military Honors and blessing after mass at Einan’s Sunset Gardens 915 Bypass Highway. Potluck following at 4549 Ruth Court, Richland at Dan’s house.
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Ralph Donald “Donnie” Sanner