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 Sheriff’s 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. The event will also be held at the Sauk County Fairgrounds in the Commercial building immediately following the service.
A very special thank you to Ricky’s 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 Commercial Building. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.
If anyone would like to send condolences, please e-mail kmeeker2010@gmail.com.
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