Ronald “Ronnie” Ricker Jr. (Wakandhi Duta/Red Lightning) passed peacefully into the spirit world after a long hard fought battle with cancer on December 28, 2014 at the Billings Clinic. Ronnie was born to Marion Shields and Ronald “Jiggs” Ricker Sr. on April 24, 1962. As the oldest, Ronnie was known as the loving, protective big brother. His childhood stories always included baseball and the mischief his brother Randy would get them into.
In 1987, Ronnie found his true calling in life as he became a father to his son Griffin. He spent Griffin’s childhood teaching him his favorite pastimes of fishing, hunting, baseball, building model toys, playing video games, and watching action movies. He never hesitated to take Griffin anywhere with him. Later on in life Ronnie took in and loved his stepchildren Rhea and Jaylen as his own. Like he did with Griffin, he shared his favorite pastimes with them and always provided a loving home for them. Always with them was his oldest grandson Kaniel who he lovingly referred to as ‘ K-Bob’. Ronnie, Rhea and Kaniel could always be found in his truck the Blue Demon going to the next fishing spot, renting movies or getting candy at the store.
One of the most influential experiences of Ronnie’s life was his position at the Fort Peck Tribes Juvenile Detention Center. Ronnie took great pride in his position and care for the kids who walked through his door. He understood the kids as he recognized much of himself in them. He also made important connections with those he worked with and the guards on staff.
Ronnie was a simple man who knew the best thing he had to offer was his love and his time. He had a compassionate heart that left a lasting impression on many people and with the many dogs that he took in throughout his life. He was never afraid to give hugs and he never ended a conversation without saying ‘I love you’ and ‘stay outta trouble’. He had a strong work ethic no matter what his job title was and he made sure to make meaningful connections with the people he worked with. His infectious smile and humor was also a staple characteristic of his and it is one thing that will be missed the most. Lastly, Ronnie’s love for his huge family is insurmountable. He never stayed angry at anyone long and was always a phone call or drive away if anyone needed to talk to him. His presence will be incredibly missed but we are thankful for the memories and life he shared with us all.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his mother Marion Shields; brother Randy Ricker; nephew Terrance Ricker; Maternal Grandparents Julian and Lorene Shields; Paternal Grandparents Joe Ricker and Helen LeCaine; Uncles Clarence Christian Jr., John L. Christian, Arnold Ricker, Joseph Ricker Jr, and Joseph Shields; Aunties Betty Ricker, Celeste Shields, Melinda Shields, and Lucinda Shields; Cousins Andrea Perry, Arnie Fast Horse, Danny Lindsay Jr., Tommy Christian Jr. and Jack Martin.
Ronnie is survived by his father Ronald “Jiggs” Ricker Sr; Children Griffin (Adriann) Ricker, Rhea Ricker and Jaylen Country; Grandchildren Kaniel, Grady & Abigail (Tacoma, WA.); Sisters Betty Ricker and Angela Ricker; Brothers Brian Riley (Portland, OR), Jeff (Jeanette) Ricker (Cheyenne, WY), Albert Ricker (Portland, OR), Johnny (Cassie) Ricker (Austin, TX), Paul (Jessie) Ricker (Portland, OR), Dakota Christian and Cherokee Christian; Uncles Tommy Christian and Julian Shields Jr.; Aunties Barbara Fast Horse, Peggy Ricker, Donna Ricker, Laurie Japp, & Jackie “Tweety” Perry; Grandmother Berle Jordison (Assiniboia, SK); Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, extended family and friends. We apologize for the family members, friends and those close to Ronnie that we failed to recognize.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2015 at the (new) Wolf Point Community Hall. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, January 2 at the (new) Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment will follow at the Chelsea Cemetery in Poplar. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Wake
7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 1, 2015
(New) Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 2, 2015
(New) Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Wake
7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 1, 2015
(New) Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 2, 2015
(New) Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Ronette Natall says
Rest in Peace my Family. You will be greatly missed. I love you & remember the good times in Portland when you came to visit. Safe Travels …………..
Ronette
Ken & Carla Damon says
Griffin and family sorry to here about your father. Our deepest condolences and prayers for you and the family.
Ashley Schwarzrock says
Rest in Peace neighbor.
Kevin & Vicky Schindler says
Griffin and family, our thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time. Ronnie will be missed by all who knew him. His big infectious smile and laugh always brought a smile to us. May God give you strength to get through the days ahead.
Kevin and Vicky Schindler
JOHN & Stacey Summers says
Condolences may you be blessed with comfort & strength during this difficult time.
Brandon Neal says
Sad to hear of Ronnies passing, I hadnt seen or talked to Ronnie in quit a few years. I worked with Ronnie at Buckhorn and i would always play pool with him when the kitchen would close up for the night, he always had a good joke to make you laugh. His big smile and kind demenore will be missed. I had the privilege to call Ronnie a friend. Praying you have a good journey home my friend and prayers for Griffin and the rest of the family.
Sharon Riley MacArthur says
My thoughts and Prayers are with all of my Nieces and Nephews who traveled so far to be with their Brother when he is lied to rest. And to be with their father Jiggs. Is always hard to loose a loved one and especially hard to loose ones child. Love to all Auntie Sharon
Francis & Georgette Boyer says
To our dear nephew Ronnie’s family, Today we are saddened to hear the passing of a very gentle and caring man. God bless you all with peaceful hearts and the endless comfort of
our Lord. Take care, Uncle Francis, Aunti Georgette Boyer and family PEACE
Stephanie says
So sorry to read of your loved one’s passing, please accept my condolences. The promise at Revelation 21:4 has always been a comfort to me, I hope it is for you as well.
JR Draszt says
He will be Greatly Missed by All. I always enjoyed seeing him. Prayers for a safe journey cousin.
Roxanne Gourneau says
I extend our deepest sympathies to the family in the loss of the beloved Ronnie, I was fortunate to known have known him and his deeds were a testament to the compassion and love he had for children. Ronnie was a one of a kind, may God bless him and his family in their time of sorrow,