Ramsey Lee Kendall was born in Westover, SD, to Nordine and Carrie (Smith) Kendall on January 16, 1931. As a youngster, he moved to Custer where he graduated high school, achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout, and joined the Custer National Guard in 1947 at the young age of 16. In August of 1950, his unit was alerted for active duty to the Korean War. The unit members were informed of overseas movements and then shipped to Alaska in early 1951.

He married Ardeth Hicks on October 24, 1952. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Philip, SD, where they had four children: two sons, Steven L. and Douglas A.; and two daughters, Karen M. and Rebecca S.

While in Philip, he was deeply involved in the community participating in Boy Scouts, School Board, Fire Department, Ambulance Crew, and many other areas involving the entire community and for the betterment of the community. He was instrumental in organizing the first Philip National Guard unit in 1956 where he worked full time.

After his discharge in January 1975, he pursued a career in insurance sales, income tax preparations, along with being a part-time justice of the peace.

In 1978, Ramsey and Ardeth moved back to the Black Hills, where he sold insurance in Deadwood, Lead, and the surrounding area, until 2005 when he retired and they moved to Rapid City. Ardeth preceded him in death in 2010.

In 2013, he met up with an old friend, Kay Hall, at a funeral, at which time they got together, marrying May 2014. In the three short years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona.

Ramsey Lee Kendall, passed away in Rapid City on June 14, 2017, with his family by his side.

He leaves behind Steven, Douglas (Donna), Karen Hanson, and Rebecca Kendall, along with Pam Kendall and bonus children, Daniel Hall, Bonnie Hall, Lonnie Hall, and Konnie Hall-Grass; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five bonus grandchildren; two bonus great-grandchildren; one brother, Norval G. Kendall; two sisters, Thelma June (Lyle) Koerper and Phyllis A. Boggs(Everett Morsett); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Ardeth and his parents, Nordine H. and Carrie Lee Kendall.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 18, 2017, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 19, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City, SD, with Pastor Erik Grinager officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Being blessed with a cherished man, whose great love for his family was never ending, he will be truly missed.

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