Ronald Ridings

Ronald “Ron” W. Ridings, American patriot, loving husband and father, aged 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Harrisburg, Oregon on January 1, 2025.

Ron was born in 1938, in Pasadena, California to Virgil C. Ridings and Juanita P. Myers Ridings Grimm. He married Vicki Walls (Wheeler) and they had a daughter, Tami Dawn. After that marriage ended, he married Gloria “Cookie” Harper and they had three children together, daughter, Margo Rand, son, Shaun Dave, and son, Stacy Dean. Ron met the love of his life (his ever-lovin’ wife) Peggy Sue McDaniel in 1982. They were married in 1984 and were blessed with their daughter, Nicole Maree. They celebrated their 40-year wedding anniversary in 2024.

Ron moved to Florence in his teens and attended Florence High School. He left high school early, hitchhiked to Eugene, rode a bus to Portland and joined the Navy, where he was a Seaman 1st Class and served as a Signalman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La CVA 38. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1959. Ron was proud of his time in the Navy and his service to this country.

Ron began his career in law enforcement in the early 60’s in Florence, Oregon working for the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). He liked to tell the story of when then Sheriff Harry Marlowe heard Ron and his best buddy, Daryl Hinderlie, had horses. Sheriff Marlowe asked them if they would like to be the first Horseback Patrolmen on the Florence beach. The answer was “Hell yes!” and they both jumped at the chance to patrol the dunes on horseback. Ron was an LCSO Deputy for 15 years. He was the first Records Sergeant in Lane County and former deputies would still joke with him about his red pen. After leaving the sheriff’s office, Ron bought a fishing boat and worked in the fishing industry off the Oregon coast. He returned to law enforcement when he was asked by the Lane County District Attorney to come to work as a Criminal Investigator in the DA’s office. Ron had an impressive law enforcement career, he won numerous awards and enjoyed sharing his stories about “catching the bad guys” with friends and family.

Never one to sit idle, after leaving the DA’s office, Ron worked as a charter/tour bus driver, armed guard/driver, dump truck driver, and semi-truck driver hauling containers. He became an owner/operator in 1990, buying his own semi. He made many life-long friends in the trucking business. He retired in 2013, renewed old friendships, made new friends, spent time with family and enjoyed his hobbies, hot rods and customs, and completing his “old town” on the back of his property.

Ron loved his animals and he had many over the years. He especially loved his cat Joe and his truckin’ dog Tara who remained in his heart forever.

Ron is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Nicole (Jon) Shannon, daughter Tami (Dean) Wass, and son Shaun Ridings. He was preceded in death by his son Stacy Ridings and daughter Margo Van Drew. He is survived by six grandchildren: Aaron Middleton, Lindsay Middleton, Trevor Van Drew, Marie Van Drew, Tahira Kertula and Parker Ridings; two bonus grandchildren: Annie Van Drew and Katie Van Drew; six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; his sister Valerie Bye, brother Gary Grimm, and sister Kathy Metzler. He was preceded in death by his brother Matt Ridings.

In Ron’s words, he had “a life well lived from beginning to end.” A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal rescue organization of your choice in Ron’s name.