Ricky Dale Smothers
Ricky Dale Smothers , Age 56
Ricky Dale Smothers passed away peacefully the evening of Wednesday April 28th, 2021 with his loving wife of 25 years, Pamela Kathryn Smothers, at his side.
Ricky was born June 17, 1964 in Black River Falls as the youngest of 3 to Dale Henry Smothers and Darlene Faye Kinyon. Ricky served 4 years with the Marine Corp. from August of 1982 through December 1986. He spent over 15 years with the Millston Fire Department alongside his father, uncle, and brother. When he moved his family to Baraboo, he continued his service with the Baraboo Fire Department for an additional 10 years where he met lifelong friends and created countless memories. Ricky retired from the Federal Correction Institute of Oxford after 25 years of dedicated service. To keep himself busy during his retirement, he took on a Prisoner Transport Officer position with the Sauk County Sheriffs Department, a security/maintenance role for the Tanger Outlet Mall for 4 years, followed by a maintenance position at NJoy.
Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Dale Henry Smothers; his brother, Rocky Allen Smothers; maternal and paternal grandparents; aunts; uncles; cousins; and close friends. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; and he passes on his legacy to his 4 children, Miranda Smothers, Katie (Brent} Rick, Shawna (Gunnar Yeager) Meeker, and Austin Smothers; 2 children that he embraced as his own, Mary (Koa Lansford) Grogan, and Mitchell (Colt) Kirk; along with his 5 grandchildren, Francesca, Zoey, Aiden, Kalekoa, and Loki.
To sum up the life of Ricky Dale Smothers in just a couple sentences is next to impossible and to say Ricky was a good man is an understatement. The best word to describe him is dedicated, not only to his family and friends, but to his coworkers, job, and services to others. The only thing he put before his time as a firefighter and his time in the Marine Corp. would be his love for his friends and family. Ricky D Smothers leaves us as a proud marine, a heroic fireman, a loving husband, and a cherished father and grandfather.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a monetary donation to the Baraboo Fire Department or the Baraboo District Ambulance Service. Masks are not required but are welcome if you so choose. The family would like to extend an invite to all friends and family for a celebration of life event. Theevent will also be held at the Sauk County Fairgrounds in the Pavilion immediately following the service.
A very special thank you to Rickys Dr. Logan and the UW Cardiology team for giving Ricky such compassionate care. And to the EMS, Fireman and officers present at the time of his death, your work and dedication to your patients does not go unnoticed.
Memorial Services will take place on Saturday May 8, 2021. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with military honors at 1:00 p.m. and a service following directly after military honors. All services will be held at the Sauk County Fairgrounds in the Pavilion.
If anyone would like to send condolences, please e-mail kmeeker2010@gmail.com.
Condolences
David Parker May 01, 2021
Friend Westfield , Wisconsin
I had the privilege and honor of working with Ricky while he was a officer at FCI Oxford. Ricky, was always very helpful to all his fellow officers. He was a man who always had his brothers back. Thank you Ricky for your sacrifice and service to our wonderful country. As a Marine, Firefighter, and Correctional Officer. We are praying for you and your family during this time. Rest in Peace Brother..
Julie Young April 30, 2021
Someone who loves yall Katy , Texas
There are no words that could express my sorrow for each of you. Condolences, love and hugs to yall! Rick was one of a kind!!
allen Jones, May 01, 2021
Friend WI. Dells , Wisconsin
Pam and family I am sorry for your loss and I hope that you can find comfort through friends and prayer. I considered Rick to be one of the best people I have ever met in my life. The Goodness within Ricky was like a bight flame and he used it to light up the world, such a great human being.
Teddy Edgecomb May 01, 2021
Coworker RINCON , Georgia
Ricky, was the true example of an angel! I really enjoyed working with him while working at Oxford Correctional facility. He was always there to lead you in the right direction. What a true angel you are, Rest in peace. Your brother Teddy Edgecomb,
Diana Biesek May 01, 2021
None Hillsboro , Wisconsin
I don't know your family. Thanks for his service to our country ..
Dianna & Russ Krist May 02, 2021
Friend Troy , Illinois
Russ and I had the pleasure of working with Ricky at FCI Oxford.. What a great mentor and friend to all. So sorry for you loss! Many condolences.
John Roebuck May 02, 2021
Friend Yukon , Oklahoma
I had the honor of working with Rick at FCI Oxford..Great respect for Rick..sincere condolences to his family . Thank you for your service and may he rest in peace.
DAVID BENSON May 02, 2021
Friend / Co-Worker Westfield , Wisconsin
Worked with Rick for many years at FCI Oxford. His integrity and devotion to duty and co-workers were an impeccable attribute. It was a honor to work with him. SFMF Brother! Dave Benson
Robert Cupp May 02, 2021
friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I had them privilege of working with Rick at FCI Oxford of over 20 years. Rick was a dedicated Correctional Officer who always had everyone's back. In the event of an emergency, he would be one of the first to respond. I also talked to Rick frequently in Baraboo after retirement and I enjoyed our conversations and considered him one of my very good friends. Robert Cupp, FCI Oxford Retiree.
Mark Emond Sr May 03, 2021
Fellow Marine/Co-worker Montello , Wisconsin
As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 To Rick's family, I worked Food Services, so the first time I worked custody overtime, Rick was THE one to show me "the ropes". He was a very genuine, kind, and caring person about it. The good Lord richly blessed me to have worked and spend the little time we had to talk at work. What a great fellow Marine! I will keep Rick's family in my prayers. God be with you till we meet again. Respectfully and with comfort, Mark Emond Sr
Klaus Wischki May 04, 2021
Co worker Bradenton , Florida
You lived well Rick. You worked hard and had your share of some hard fun. You always made people around you feel like a best friend. Will miss you my friend.
Marc Hubbard May 05, 2021
Friend, Former Co-worker Mauston , Wisconsin
My condolences to you on your loss. Ricky was a great guy and co-worker at FCI Oxford. He will definitely be missed.
Dean Gleason May 06, 2021
BOP Retiree Adams , Wisconsin
My condolences go out to the family. Ricky will be greatly missed by all, he was an amazing person and co worker. He was the one you could always go to for support, both on and away from FCI Oxford.
Randy Williams May 07, 2021
Coworker Yazoo City , Mississippi
Condolences to the Smother’s family as you all know he was a great man and great coworker. Rest In Peace brother.
Mark Emond Sr April 27, 2022
Fellow Marine/Co-worker Montello , Wisconsin
God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall to the bottom of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2 Dear family of Ricky Smothers; a dear friend, fellow Marine and fellow employee of FCI Oxford; There are not enough words to express the comfort I hope you can find in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Easter has reminded us of what Jesus has done for us suffering, dying on the cross for our sins, rising again on Easter Sunday and ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us so that when we die we can be with our loved ones that fell asleep in Him! I pray for you and your family often, that you can find the comfort of knowing that those who fall asleep in Jesus are already with Him and when we believe in Jesus, we will be with them one day! God's continued blessings and comfort to you, Ricky Smothers family! God be with you till we meet again! Respectfully and Sincerely, Mark Emond Sr