Memorial services for Ronald E. "Ron" Hendricks, 87, of Gann Valley, SD will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 26, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Stephan, SD.  There will be a scripture/rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Stephan, SD.  Burial of the ashes will be in St. Placidus Catholic Cemetery at Gann Valley, SD.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Ron's name may be directed to the Knights of Columbus or the Grassland Coalition at

SD Grassland Coalition
221 N. Main
Box 401
Presho, SD 57568

View Folder Here

Ronald E. (Ron) Hendricks
March 23, 1938 – September 16, 2025

Ronald E. "Ron" Hendricks, 87, of Gann Valley, SD passed away on September 16, 2025, in the pasture he loved so dearly, with his beloved wife Mary at his side.

Ron was born March 23, 1938, in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, to Ralph and Gertie (Kieffer) Hendricks. He grew up on a ranch in Jerauld County, attending a rural school through 8th grade before graduating from Wessington Springs High School in 1956. In 1961, he earned his bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry from South Dakota State University, where he discovered his lifelong passion for soils and grasses.

During his school and college years, Ron worked a variety of jobs, from trucking to ranch work.  While at SDSU, he met the love of his life, Mary Abernathy. The two were married on June 29, 1960, beginning a partnership that lasted 65 years.

After graduation, Ron and Mary moved to Boulder, Colorado, where they built a life together and were blessed with three children. In 1964, Ron accepted a position with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), a job that would become his lifelong career. Over the years, his work with SCS took the family to Walsenburg, Loveland, Pagosa Springs, Lamar, and Monte Vista, Colorado, with each new assignment a step forward in responsibility. His career also led him to positions in Oregon, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, Nebraska, and eventually back home to South Dakota.

In 1982, Ron and Mary purchased the family ranch from Mary's mother. Ron retired from the SCS in 1994, devoting his days to improving the land, raising cattle, and enjoying the ranch life he treasured. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and founder of the Grasslands Coalition.

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Tim Hendricks of Montana, and Rodney Hendricks and his partner Andrea of Pennsylvania and their children Taylor, Noah, and Bella; daughter Kim Hendricks of Tennessee and children Keith and Victoria Haydu, Shelby Haydu, Kacy Haydu, and Sydney Haydu; brother-in-law Jim Abernathy; sisters-in-law Connie Stebbins and Janet Reuer; adopted grandchildren Gabe and Levi; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Margaret; brother Donald; parents-in-law Floyd and Marion Abernathy; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was known for his kindness, his love of the land, and his ability to make and keep lasting friendships. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.