Ralph “Thunder” Maynard

Ralph “Thunder” Maynard passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2025, in his sleep in Thoreau, NM. He is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, who he had been married to for 58 years; his youngest daughter Kelsi Maynard from Thoreau, NM; and his oldest daughter Sharmyn Munoz, son-in-law NM State Senator George Munoz, two grandsons, Zane and Landon Munoz, and great granddaughter Zoei Munoz from Gallup, NM.

Ralph, the youngest of four children, grew up on a ranch near Dupree, South Dakota. Growing up, Ralph and his two brothers and many great friends grew up ranching and hunting. Some of Ralph’s greatest childhood stories include his beloved South Dakota friends who became family for life. 

As Ralph’s rodeo career took him to the National Finals Rodeo four times in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he met the most amazing families and friends across the country. Some of the greatest cowboys of all time were Ralph’s closest friends. 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 with the Elkins brothers starting Continental Jewelers employing over 500 Navajo Silversmiths. By the early 1980s, Ralph became a Rodeo Stock Contractor. This evolved into his most 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. “Thunder” as his cowboy friends refer to him, was one of a kind and we are sure Ralph is having one hell of a Cowboy Reunion in heaven!

Ralph Maynard’s funeral will be at 12:30 on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Sunset Memorial Park (3599 W Rt 66, Gallup, NM). The grave site service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the Gallup Elk’s Club (1112 Susan Avenue, Gallup, NM) from 2:00-5:00 pm. Family and friends will enjoy food, beverages, country music, and old/funny stories about Ralph. Please honor Thunder by wearing Western attire.