Ronald “Ronnie” Hill was born on January 19, 1943 in Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of Leonard and Evelyn (Bateman) Hill. He lived in Cottonwood, South Dakota with his mother and Bateman grandparents. Then they moved to California.
When he was in the 3rd grade they moved back to South Dakota at the LC-Ranch which was the Crew Place. He then moved back to California for a few years and later moved back to the Interior, South Dakota area he made his home with his great aunt and uncle, Jessie and Leslie Crew.
Ronnie graduated from Interior High School in 1962. As a young man he worked on the Crew Ranch and for other ranchers in that area. He also broke horses and worked for the Jackson County Highway Department.
He was united in marriage to Lana Lester on June 17, 1964. They made their home in the Interior area. Their main home was in Interior, but they travelled from place to place while Ronnie was working in the heavy equipment construction business.
On July 16, 1965 they had their first daughter, Teresa Hill. On August 17, 1971 they had their second and last daughter Kori. In 1990 the family moved to Whitewood where they have since resided.
Ronnie continued construction work until his retirement in February 2016. Some of his hobbies included fishing, hunting, and trapping. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Lana Hill of Whitewood; two daughters, Teresa Hill of Whitewood and Kori Grass of Rapid City; three grandchildren, Keeva Grass and Kolton Grass of Rapid City and Kindra Grass of Whitewood; two great-grandchildren, Kenton Grass of Rapid City and Donita Holt of Whitewood; four step-brothers, Edward Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada, Darcy Smith of Custer, Jerry Smith of Chadron, Nebraska, and Charles Smith of Custer; one step-sister, Nancy Hill of Indiana; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one step-brother, Kenny Hill; his mother and father-in-law, Tessie and Aubrey Lester; and his great aunt and uncle, Jessie and Leslie Crew.
Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 23, at the Interior Fairview Cemetery, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Refreshments and fellowship will follow at the Interior Community Center.
Guest Book
I will always remember Uncle Ronnie as a good husband, dad, grandpa and uncle. He was such a hardworking man. Lana I can't count how many places I visited you guys as you followed his jobs around the country. He never let any grass grow under his feet. It it did, he'd be out mowing it. He is loved by many and will be missed. Love and prayers to you Aunt Lana, Teresa, Kori and your families.
~ Deanna and Paul Clayton
Orangevale Ca. (8/20/2016)
We are so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
~ Paul and Linda Harvey
Interior, SD (8/20/2016)
I am sad to hear The news of Ronnie leaving us. My times with Ronnie were during the 1960s era The summer of 1963 I started working for the Crew family with Ronnie. He and Lana and I shared many good laughs together over the next few summers. Lana, best wishes to you . God Bless .
~ Glen Papenfuss
Kasson, MN (8/21/2016)
I will always remember Uncle Ronnie as a good husband, dad, grandpa many places I visited you guys as you followed his jobs around the and uncle. He was such a hardworking man. Lana I can't count how country. He never let any grass grow under his feet. If it did he would be out mowing it. He is loved by many and will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to you Aunt Lana, Teresa, Kori and your families.
~ Deanna Clayton
Orangevale Ca. (8/20/2016)
We are going to miss our friend Rod and all the great times we had together through the years. He is with God now and no more pain and suffering. He left us with so many good thoughts, we will never forget him. Our love and sympathy to Lana, Teresa, and Kori and families.
~ Ron and Marilyn Gartner
Interior SD (8/20/2016)
We extend our condolences. You're in our prayers.
~ Mae Whirlwind Horse & family
Interior, SD (8/23/2016)
We are so sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Let it be a comfort to you that he is at peace now.
~ Gerard and Faye Knorr
West Bloomfield, MI (8/20/2016)
Thoughts and prayers to all of you. May you keep happy memories in your hearts.
~ Steve and Kathy Brown
Sturgis, SD (8/20/2016)
Worked with Ron at S&S trucking such a nice guy loved to tell stories about his younger days so sorry to hear of his passing Prayers to the family
~ Lauren Kidd
BELLE FOURCHE (8/19/2016)
Our deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed the couple years that we lived at Interior and got to know you folks. Ron will missed. Take care and cherish the memories.
~ Richard and Linda Vavra
Nisland, SD (8/23/2016)
was shocked to hear about Ron's passing and so soon after his brothers please accept our sincere sympathy . Inia. and kids
~ Inia Hill
Osgood, Indiana 47037 (8/24/2016)
I had the pleasure of working construction with Ron in the late 70s and early 80s. He was a skilled and reliable hand. A really good man. My sincere condolences on your loss.
~ Fred White
Tacoma, WA (8/20/2016)
Lana and Family. So sorry to hear of Ronnie leaving us.. Will always remember Ronnie as a hard working honest guy who had never a harsh word and a pleasure to be around.. Blessings to you and the family.... :(
~ Larry Abrams
Myrtle Beach SC (8/20/2016)
Dear Lana and all of our South Dakota family, I know Ronnie is now is a better place, but your home won't be the same without him there. We were so glad that we were able to spend some time with him last week. We look forward to seeing you in the fall. Sending our love and prayers, Phil and Deb
~ Deb Tuggle
Littleton, CO (8/22/2016)
Our deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed the couple years that we lived at Interior and got to know you folks. Ron will missed. Take care and cherish the memories.
~ Richard and Linda Vavra
Nisland, SD (8/23/2016)
My condolences to Lana, and family.God Bless
~ Ray Wilhelm
Rapid City,S.D. (8/22/2016)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Kami Bush
Omaha, NE (8/23/2016)
Prayers for you and your family.
~ Gerald &Judy Neis
Rapid City, SD (8/21/2016)
Ronnie was a good guy, who took good care of all the women in his family, he will be greatly missed by his friends as well as family. Hoping I can get off work to attend the funeral and hug everyone, if not our thoughts are with you and I will see you as soon as I can. Love you Hill family.
~ Ansel & Teresa Wooden Knife
Interior, SD (8/20/2016)
my sincerest sympathies. i didn't know Ronnie, but his dad, my uncle Leonard kept him "in" our hearts through the years. seems like you have a wonderful collections of friends and family with loving support around you. this picture sure does look like his dad and our Aunt Lethia. find comfort in memories.
~ Sandy Hill
Moores Hill, In (8/24/2016)
Aunt Lana, Teresa, and Kori---sorry to hear of Uncle Ronnie's passing. He was truly and honorable, hard working man with a big heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with y'all.
~ Tim and Peggy Lester
Austin, Texas (8/20/2016)