September 29, 1944 – July 14, 2025
Ralph “Thunder” Maynard passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on July 14, 2025 in Thoreau, NM.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, who he had been married to for 58 years; daughters Kelsi Maynard and Sharmyn Munoz; grandsons Zane and Landon Munoz; and greatgranddaughter Zoei Munoz.
Ralph, the youngest of four children, grew up near Dupree. Ralph and his two brothers grew up ranching and hunting. Some of Ralph’s greatest childhood stories include his South Dakota friends who became family for life.
Ralph’s rodeo career took him to the National Finals Rodeo four times in Oklahoma City, OK. Ralph stayed in touch with his friends from across the rodeo trail throughout his life.
Ralph lived in South Dakota, Cody, WY, Gilbert, AZ, and eventually moved to Thoreau, NM, where he became a businessman. In the early 1970s he and the Elkins brothers started Continental Jewelers employing over 500 Navajo silversmiths. By the early 1980s, Ralph became a rodeo stock contractor. This evolved into a successful family business making trophy belt buckles. Maynard Buckles is still owned and operated by the Maynard family, with Kelsi continuing his legacy, in Thoreau.
Handsome, humble, charismatic, funny, and gentleman are words that best describe Ralph. He loved meeting new people and helping anyone he could. He was a smart entrepreneur with excellent work ethic and people skills. He balanced his life well with family, friends, work, and play. Ralph was a ringleader among his friends; he enjoyed life to the fullest and was proud of the life he built for his family.
Hunting, fishing, horse racing, playing cards, and watching the Cowboy Channel and Minnesota Vikings were Ralph’s favorite hobbies. He loved helping young kids learn to rodeo, especially teaching dozens of boys to ride broncs. All will miss his charm, wit, and friendly phone calls.
Ralph Maynard’s funeral will be at 12:30 on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Sunset Memorial Park (3599 W Rt. 66 in Gallup). The graveside service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the Gallup Elks Club (1112 Susan Avenue) from 2:00-5:00 pm. Family and friends will enjoy food, beverages, country music, and stories about Ralph. Guests are asked to honor Thunder by wearing Western attire.