The Story of This House
Ron Deffenbaugh, Sr.
Ron Deffenbaugh started with one truck at 15 years old. He built Deffenbaugh Industries into one of the largest waste management companies in the Midwest. His rock quarry supplied materials for some of Kansas City's most recognizable landmarks: KCI airport, Bartle Hall, Kauffman Stadium, and the Kansas Speedway.
In 2007, an accident left Ron paralyzed. Rather than be a victim to his condition, he established and funded the Spinal Cord Injury Repair Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He built this mansion in 2010 on over 100 acres of wooded land in Shawnee, Kansas, fully accessible. Every room.
Ron passed away on August 28, 2014, at the age of 73.
Read Ron's obituary here: https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article1325916.html
"Rather than be a victim to his condition, Ron actively sought to make a difference."
A new purpose
After Ron's passing, the property sat vacant for years. In the fall of 2019, Brad and Ann Botteron toured the estate. Even though it had been empty a long time, they saw something in it. They had been searching for a multigenerational legacy project, something their family could build for the community.
By December 2019, they purchased the property. They chose the name Summit Ranch: "Ranch" as a tribute to Ron, whose estate was known as RDD Ranch, and "Summit" because we can each reach for greater heights.
Summit Ranch became a 501(c)(3) in June of 2020. By the end of 2023, the first kids walked through the doors.
The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh, Sr. Foundation
The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh, Sr. Foundation saw what Brad and Ann were building on their father's property, and they believed in it. The Deffenbaugh Family Foundation awarded Summit Ranch a $100,000 grant to support the work happening here.
Ron built this property for his family. His family made sure it could keep helping others.