Ronald Edwin Ridings

Ronald Edwin Ridings, age 75, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A Celebration of Life for Ron's South Dakota family and friends will be held February 8, 2026, at St. John's Catholic Church located at 206 West Main Ave., Ft. Pierre, SD beginning with a Prayer Service at 2:00pm followed by the family receiving visitors in Padre Hall immediately following until 4:00pm.

More details will be forthcoming for the service in Arkansas.

All Ronald "Ron" ever wanted to be was a cowboy - woodworking was simply the backup plan. And cowboy he truly was.

Ron was a proud, card-carrying member of the RCA (now PRCA), beginning his rodeo career as a rough stock rider before later becoming a barrel man. Known for his quick wit and playful humor, Ron especially loved joking around with young people, always ready with a smile or a laugh that could light up an arena.

He was born on December 19, 1950, to Roy and Colene Ridings, and grew up in Sherwood, Arkansas. Ron attended Sylvan Hills High School, where, after graduating, he began what would become a lifelong passion for rodeoing and the cowboy way of life.

On December 10, 1973, Ron married Rebecca Ann "Beckie" Mitchell Andrews. Together, Ron and Beckie made their home in Arkansas before moving to South Dakota in 1997, where Ron continued his work in ranching and remained deeply connected to the land and lifestyle he loved.

Ron is survived by his wife, Beckie, and his children: Iris Nichole "Nikki" Johnson of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and Ronald Edwin "Bubba" Ridings II (Michele) of Hartford, South Dakota. He was a proud grandfather to Kady Ann Johnson, Hayes Owen Johnson (Anabelle) of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and Aidan Michael Ridings, Bryce Mitchell Ridings, and Corbin Matthew Ridings of Hartford, South Dakota.

He is also survived by his siblings: Bren Davis (Ken) of Little Rock, Arkansas; Jim Ridings (Vicki) of Sherwood, Arkansas; and sister-in-law: Eva Stobaugh (Barry) of Atkins, Arkansas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Colene Ridings, and his nephew, Hunter Davis.