“The best we can do is remember … as they lived, bringing life and love and joy to those who knew them.”
— Ronald Reagan
Obituary
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ralph “Rich” Richard Treffts, who was born on March 19, 1944, and passed away on August 26, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Rich lived a life that was uniquely his own. Growing up in St. Louis, he was fascinated by cowboys and the American West and began riding horses at an early age. In the late 1960s, he spent time working on ranches in Wyoming, where he grew his lifelong love of horses and the Western way of life.
Rich was a cowboy in the truest sense of the word. Horses were far more than a hobby to him—they were a passion. He spent much of his life working and training with horses and riders, and he possessed an extraordinary ability to do almost anything with or on a horse. He often spoke fondly of the ranches where he worked, the people he knew, and the experiences he had during those years. He also loved Western cowboy music, particularly the songs of Marty Robbins and Chris LeDoux.
Rich's working life was as varied as his interests. He spent much of his career as an automobile loader, loading cars onto over-the-road tractor trailers and trains. Because that work was often seasonal, he took on many other jobs over the years, including driving trucks and operating heavy equipment in Oklahoma.
One of his most memorable experiences came when he worked as a wrangler at Spear-O-Wigwam, a dude ranch high in Wyoming's Big Horn Mountains. Rich spent four months working there alongside his 14-year-old son, who worked for his room and board. It was a great experience for both of them and became one of the many special memories they shared.
Rich was funny, jolly, and a natural storyteller. He loved talking with people and sharing stories about his life, his experiences, and the many people he had known. Those who knew him also knew that once Rich got into a good conversation, it could sometimes be quite difficult to bring it to an end. He simply enjoyed people. He was kind, never angry, and always willing to spend time talking with someone or lend a helping hand.
Rich was a Christian and had a deep interest in the Bible, particularly the prophecies concerning the end times. He enjoyed studying and discussing his faith and the things he believed Scripture revealed about the future. He also had a strong interest in politics and was never afraid to share his opinions. His strong opposition to communism was an important part of his political convictions.
Some of Rich's closest friendships came later in life. His friendship with Bong began when they started dating, and although their relationship eventually became a very close and lifelong friendship, Bong introduced Rich to Vietnamese food, culture, and a wider circle of Vietnamese friends. Rich took great joy in those friendships and genuinely cared about the people he came to know through them.
Above all, Rich loved his family. He adored his son, his daughter-in-law, and his two grandsons, Mason and Rylan, who brought him great pride and joy. Although he didn't get to spend as much time with the boys as he would have liked while they were growing up, he treasured his yearly visits and the calls and text messages they shared.
Rich had a soft spot for animals, too. He always liked dogs and was adept at training them. In his later years, some of his most regular visitors weren't human at all. He enjoyed feeding the raccoons that came to his back porch, and they became a familiar and entertaining part of his daily life.
After a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, Rich passed away peacefully at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis on August 26, 2026. He was surrounded by his son, Bong, his “adopted granddaughter" Brandy, and several close friends who were important parts of his life. He was not alone, and those who loved him were with him at the end.
Rich will be remembered for his independent spirit, his love of horses and the cowboy life, his strong convictions, his Christian faith, his sense of humor, and his willingness to talk with just about anyone. Most of all, he will be remembered for the kindness he showed to people and the love he had for his family and friends.
Rich lived a life that was uniquely his own. He followed his own trail, loved his horses, cherished his family and friends, and never seemed to run out of stories to tell. After a long ride, Rich has reached his final roundup. His earthly trail has come to an end, but his faith remained with him to the end. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
He is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons, Mason and Rylan; his sister, Jeanne, and brother, Robert; his niece and nephew, Mellissa and Matt; and many dear friends, including those who became like family to him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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I always thought Richard was born into the wrong era and place. He was a cowboy from the age of 1 year 9 months (see Christmas photo above) when he got his toy horse, which he would ride around the house incessantly. To me Richard was a horse whisperer. He seemed so in tune with his horses. I remember him telling me about the time one of his horses died. He had to dig a big hole, put it in and euthanize it. He was feeling very emotional and when he returned to the other horses, they surrounded him, pushing together as if in a group hug, sensing his grief.
Richard had chronic asthma his entire life, which caused him to miss a lot of school. As he got older, these problems did not go away but were compounded in his last years by pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal disease that gradually suffocates you. I never heard Richard complain about his situation. He was always very matter-of-fact about it and, to me, he showed real courage in dealing with his debilitating health issues.
He will be greatly missed and deeply loved by his big sister.
We had a lot of the same interests with animals and did alot of trading . I raised Doberman pups and Rich bought one from me . ( THOR ) Years later Rich bought a female and when SHEBA had A litter , I bought one of his pups . Rich trained his dogs , speaking German for commands .
We did a lot of trail riding , very long rides . He took me places that I would never be able to find with a map ! He was always pointing out what I did was wrong or right . He taught me more than I will admit . ( I thought I knew how to ride , but I learned .)
We did a bit of horse trading , as well . I sold him Poco Joe, as a weanling stallion. He was Crystals father . CRYSTAL was the Ol' gal he used to teach children to ride . Lucky was Crystals offspring . When Rich had to return to Wyoming , Lucky was just 3 weeks old . I kept Crystal and Lucky for five months , until Rich returned . They were a bit spoiled .! I , of course had nothing to do with that ! ( That's what my 3 kids were doing behind my back ,LOL ) In 2008 , Rich needed a place to put his horses . I told him that a farm was for sell , less than a mile from my house . He bought it , and stayed long weekends , working or riding the horses . The neighbors were fascinated with Rich . They would watch him interact with the horses and KNEW he was a good guy .
Rich was always kind and considerate towards everyone . He would help his neighbors with things needing done and they always returned the favor .
Rich was a teacher , A mentor and a down to earth REAL FRIEND ! He was a COWBOY and loved the Cowboy way of life . He lived the CODE OF THE WEST .
We shared the love for the Western music .Sons of the Pioneers , Marry Robbins , Frankie Lane , the Corral singers and others .
Well , Rich , HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU ! Your sure had A great impact on my life the last 55 years . I will truly miss your presence , but our memories will remain in my heart . Thank you for everything you have taught me and most of all , for being my friend ! Love you COWBOY !
I have good memories of him teaching me equestrian skills.
He will be missed and heaven has gained an angel.
Me and my familywill always treasure the memory we share , they laughter , kindness , he bought warming , happiness into our life . His absent leave a big emptiness in my heart that will never be replaced .
I will remember him with love and gratitude, and how wonderful person he is .
Rest peacefully, my long life, dearest friend .
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that he embodied throughout his life.
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