Ralph Leland Hants, a well-known figure in the Rio Linda and Natomas communities, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Carmichael, surrounded by friends. He was 80 years old.
Born in Berkeley on November 23, 1944, to Ralph Leland Hants Sr. and Jean Clark Hants, Ralph was the oldest of four boys. The family moved to Sacramento in 1947 before settling on the family ranch in Natomas in 1952. His childhood was shaped by annual two-week hunting trips with his mother, which sparked a lifelong love for hunting and fishing. Ralph graduated from Norte Del Rio High School in 1962.
His knack for mechanical work and his friendly nature were well-known throughout the community. In the 1970s, he became a daily fixture at the local truck stop, where he met new people and helped anyone who needed a hand. His backhoe and mechanical skills were always in demand, and he also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Natomas Fire Department.
Ralph’s dedication to his community became even more evident in his later years. He found a new passion in the Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society, where he served as a director, mechanic, and equipment operator. He spent time each year helping his close friend, Al Taxara, pick fuyus, and he was known for being a dependable friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather John Keller Jr., and close friends Al Taxara and Warren Berg. Ralph is survived by his brothers, David (Ilze), Thomas (Carolyn), and Charles (Laurie). He also leaves behind his beloved Belgian Malinois, Buck, and a long list of cherished friends whom he considered family.
A Celebration of Life was held on July 19, 2025, at the Dry Creek Ranch House in Rio Linda. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society, PO Box 478, Rio Linda, CA 95673, or a charity of your choice.
