Ridgely Niver "Ridge" McKinley

After spending his last day of this life surrounded by family visiting, sharing, and listening to stories, teasing and jokes, Ridge McKinley took his last breath on the morning of September 27, 2025, and immediately joined Sarah in the presence of their Savior.

Dad was born to Patrick and Nell McKinley on July 28, 1934, in Sheridan, WY and was welcomed by and became a constant companion to his big brother Ron. He graduated from Sheridan High School then attended Bob Jones University for a semester before deciding he would rather be a U.S. Marine. He enlisted in 1954, and rose to the rank of Sgt. He did a tour in Japan before his discharge in 1957. Ridge was fiercely proud to be an American and of his service to this country as a Marine. Upon the completion of his enlistment, he returned to Sheridan.

Dad's life forever changed after meeting a cute little Texan named Sarah, whose dad was coming to be the new pastor at Calvary Baptist. They quickly became inseparable and married on June 28, 1957. Over time they added three sons and a daughter to their family.

He worked predominately as an auto body man, most of those years at Cook Ford and Sheridan Motors. Ridge was a competitor and was passionate about whatever activity he was involved in from motocross, bowling, golf, and most recently ping pong and shooting pool at the Senior Center and with the Dayton Gang.

Ridge was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah and his son, Greg. He is survived by his children, Trent (Leslie) of Shell, WY, Brett (Marilyn) of Wheatland, WY, and Sharilyn (Ronnie) of Ballantine, MT, 11 grandchildren, Josh, Desiree, Cortney, Emilee and Zach, Travis, Tyler, Jessica, Andrew, Jacob and Jeremy, and 8 great grandchildren, Connor, Lexi, Athena, Jaden, Liam, Tori, Katya and Sarai.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sheridan V.A., Ridge's home care nurses Faith and Mikki, his care team in the Sheridan Memorial Hospital and ER during his recent stays. In particular, the incredible respiratory department, nurses Stephan and Judah, Emma Dunn, Robin Horsley, and Dr. Schamber. Their care and compassion were stellar.

You not only touched Dad's heart but also ours.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.