Ronald L. Robb

Ronald L. Robb, 87, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born October 16, 1927 in Topeka, the son of Arthur and Sarah Baxter Robb. Ron graduated from Topeka High School. He was an Army veteran of WWII. After completing his war service, he graduated with a BA Degree in Business from Washburn University.

Ron married Jane Reilly in 1952 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on May 20, 1995. He later married Beverely "Pudgie" Benton in 1996. She preceded him in death on September 24, 2013. Ron was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Arthur D. Robb and John F. Robb. Survivors include two children, Brady (Suzanne) Robb of Topeka, Becky (Dick) Dickinson of Wakarusa, step-son, Kent Roenbaugh, step-daughter, Lori Roenbaugh, 4 grandchildren, David (Natalie) Wolfe, Chris (Natalie) Wolfe, Parker Robb and Piper Robb and 1 great-grandson, Holden Wolfe.

Ron started out in business with Davis-Welcome and later formed a business partnership with Ed Love and Bob Taggart creating the real estate company of Love, Taggart and Robb. Love, Taggart, and Robb was involved in residential development and sales, as well as the development of many apartment buildings, duplexes, and shopping centers in Topeka. Brookwood Shopping Center, 21st and Belle Shops, and Campus Center are still owned and managed by the Robb Company.

Ron was involved in many community boards and activities. He served on the boards of directors of the Topeka Board of Realtors, Topeka Home Builders Association, Washburn University Board of Regents, Stormont Vail Hospital, First National Bank, Kansas Lung Association, American Lung Association and Topeka Country Club. He was also involved in Boy Scouts, the 4-H Foundation, served on church boards for First Congregational Church and was a member of investment clubs in Topeka and Kansas City.

Ron loved the land, farming, and ranching. He worked on his farm in Wakarusa to preserve the native prairie grasses. In 2006, he was awarded the Grassland Award from the Shawnee County Conservation District in recognition of those efforts. Ron enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was an avid hunter, golfer, and tennis player. He was part of a regular tennis group that played tennis every Monday evening for over 40 years. Ron and his first wife, Jane enjoyed entertaining and travelling with friends. Being active was important to Ron and Pudgie, his second wife. They enjoyed working on the farm, playing golf, and hosting many casual parties in the country for their friends and family.

The family would like to express deep gratitude for the many caregivers from ComfortKeepers. Their kind support and care allowed Ron to stay at home for as long as possible. The family also thanks the staff at Stormont Vail Health Care and The House at Midland Care for their care and support during his last days.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2015 at First Congregational Church. Private inurnment will take place at a later date in Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made in memory of Ronald Robb to the Topeka Community Foundation, 5431 SW 29th St., Ste. 300, Topeka, KS 66614 or to the organization of the donor's choice. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.