“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, as well as many friends, including those who became like family to him. He will be deeply missed.
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