Ramsey L. Kendall

Ramsey Lee Kendall, age 86, Rapid City, S.D., passed away in Rapid City on June 14, 2017, with his family by his side.

 

Ramsey Lee Kendall was born in Westover, S.D., to Nordine and Carrie (Smith) Kendall on Jan. 16, 1931. As a youngster, he moved to Custer where he graduated high school, achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout, and joined the Custer National Guard in 1947 at the young age of 16. In August 1950, his unit was alerted for active duty to the Korean War. The unit members were informed of overseas movements and then shipped to Alaska in early 1951.

 

He married Ardeth Hicks on Oct. 24, 1952. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Philip, where they had four children, two sons, Steven L. and Douglas A. (Donna) Kendall, and two daughters, Karen M. Hanson and Rebecca S. Kendall.

 

While in Philip, he was deeply involved in the community participating in Boy Scouts, school board, fire department, ambulance crew, and many other areas involving the entire community and for the betterment of the community. He was instrumental in organizing the first Philip National Guard unit in 1956, where he worked full time.

 

After his discharge in January 1975, he pursued a career in insurance sales, income tax preparations, along with being a part-time justice of the peace.

 

In 1978, Ramsey and Ardeth moved back to the Black Hills, where he sold insurance in Deadwood, Lead and the surrounding area until 2005 when he retired and they moved to Rapid City. 

Ardeth preceded him in death in 2010.

 

In 2013, he met up with an old friend, Kay Hall, at a funeral, at which time they got together, marrying May 2014. In the three short years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona.

 

He leaves behind Steven, Douglas (Donna), Karen Hanson and Rebecca Kendall, along with Pam Kendall and bonus children, Daniel Hall, Bonnie Hall, Lonnie Hall and Konnie Hall-Grass; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five bonus grandchildren; two bonus great- grandchildren; one brother, Norval G. Kendall; two sisters, Thelma June (Lyle) Koerper and Phyllis A. (Everett) Boggs; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by Ardeth and his parents, Nordine H. and Carrie Lee Kendall.

 

Services were June 19,  at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City with Pastor Erik Grinager officiating. 

 

Interment, with military honors was at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

 

  Being blessed with a cherished man, whose great love for his family was never ending will be truly missed.

 

   Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals. com.