Ronald Davis

someone out on their ranch.

His love of horses was something that he never let go. He could be caught working horses with or for someone, and loved his outings with friends riding miles at a time, or going to a local sale barn to watch what was being sold and bought.

The family moved from South Dakota to Loveland, CO, for eight years, and worked whatever odd jobs he could as he had to be careful due to his seizures he had from a young age. Dad loved the mountains and everything that came with it. There, he had many fishing adventures with his brother-in-law Chuck Fleming. It was there he taught Scott how to fly fish. He made many friends in Colorado that lasted a lifetime. Neighbors became like siblings, and their children like their own. Many a time it was the entire neighborhood of kids that were gathered around when dad made his famous crawfish, or crawdads as he called them. Another favorite was his world famous meatloaf and ribs – recipes that will never be duplicated!

After his parents retired to Branson, MO, dad followed suit. He enjoyed the area of the Ozark hills and landed a job driving shuttle bus for Greyline Enterprises. He hauled tourists all over the city. It was here that his “gift of gab” helped him the most. People flocked to him like bees to honey. He relished hearing everyone’s stories about where they were from and always had a story of his own to add.

After Scott and Stacy left home, Ron and Judy moved back to South Dakota where they resided for several more years. When his health started to fail him, he moved down to Ava, MO, and moved in with Stacy and her husband Terry. There he started his new adventure – as he and Terry would go on road trips and to odd jobs.

Dad entered the Heart of Ozark Healthcare Facility in Ava, MO, in 2019. He enjoyed his bingo nights, playing cards with the fellow clients, and fishing.

Ronald “Ron” Dean Davis passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 71 years old.

He is survived by his children Scott (Chrissy) and Stacy (Terry); granddaughter Julie; bonus grandkids Cody and Logan; his wife Judy Davis; brothers Gary, Craig, and Don; several brothers and sisters-in law; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Lou and father Lyle; in-laws Dorothy and Edwin Esterling; two nephews; a niece; three sisters Burial services will be at a later date in Climbing Hill Cemetery. Climbing Hill, IA. Cremation services were conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes, Inc., Ava, MO.

Ron was born in Sioux City, IA, on August 28, 1952, to the late Lyle and Mary Lou Davis. He was the third born of four children. He had fond memories of growing up in Sioux City.

He had a remarkable journey after leaving the Sioux City area. He worked some odd jobs until he ended up in the Gregory, SD, area where he met Judy Esterling. They were married on July 15, 1980. To this marriage they had two children, Scott and Stacy. They lived in White River, SD, area and took in their niece and nephew Harlynne and Tammy for some time.

He could be found tinkering on vehicles with his father-in-law, Edwin, or helping in-law; and one brother-in-law.