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.