Ronald Ford
June 25, 1950 ~ February 7, 2017
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Ronald J. “Ron” Ford, 66, of Gettysburg, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Avera Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls.
A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2017 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.
Ronald J. Ford was born June 25, 1950 in Mobridge, SD to Milton “Bud” and Alice (Rieger) Ford. He attended school in Selby, graduating in 1968. Following high school, Ron enlisted in the United States Army. He served a tour in Germany, working as a medic. Upon his honorable discharge, Ron returned to Selby where he farmed for Ray Ruzsa.
In October of 1980, Ron was married to Julie Hodgson for eighteen years. They made their home in Gettysburg where they had their two children, Carrie and Kelly. Ron went to work for the Potter County Highway Department and later for Quiett Farms, where he was working at the time of his death. He loved his time outdoors, whether planting or harvesting, farming brought joy to his life.
Ron was a very quiet man. He enjoyed being at home, fishing or spending time with his friends and family. He was a 40+ year member of the Selby American Legion Post #100.
Those left to cherish Ron's life are his children: Carrie Ford, Canby, MN and Kelly Ford, Aberdeen; sisters: Jane (William) Gomez, Hemet, CA, Beverly (Willard) Wolff, Aberdeen and Sharon Neumiller, Rapid City; brother, Sherman Ford, Minneapolis, MN; special friend, Joyce Wickersham, Gettysburg and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Alice Ford; and infant brother, Duane Ford.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Ronald's arrangements.
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Ron we are sure going to miss having you at all our family events. You were so kind and patient, fun and full of stories. You were such a huge part of our mother’s happiness. She loved having you in her daily life and we loved watching the two of you together. So sad you had to leave so soon but you will always be in our hearts.
Along with you Ron, you took a piece of our hearts. Everyone in this family loved you & enjoyed spending time with you at all of the events. There was something dynamic between Joyce & you. Please keep looking over Joyce-cee and be by her side every step of the way. She still needs you. You may be gone, but never forgotten.
Ron will be greatly missed. He brought a lot of joy to our whole family. I am especially thankful for the happiness he brought to our mother for the last 16 years. RIP Ron.
The world lost a fun-loving, hard-working, honest man. R.I.P. Mr. Ford. You will be missed.
There is an empty space in the Class of 68 today. We, even after all of these years, are bonded together. Ron will be missed by me and our classmates. Rest in peace my friend. My sincere sympathy to the family, co-workers and friends.
To Ron’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ron and I were classmates in Selby and he was always such a good friend. I had actually planned to visit him at the hospital on Wednesday.
we will miss you Ron Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers
Growing up having you as a neighbor was great you were always so nice to me. I remember going to your house and you always had coins strewn around and you could tell me about their importance and what you were planning to do with them. I feel honored to have had you in my life. Rest easy old man. To Carrie and Kelly, I love you both and my heart aches for you.
Ron will be greatly missed by Joyce and her family. He was such a kind, friendly, helpful person.
Your life was too short but you brought such joy to those of us who knew you. You made our family trips to the Dakotas so enjoyable. Rest in peace my friend.