Ronald W. "Ron" Smith, 77, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Ron was born to Eugene and Mary Smith on July 22, 1945 in Dundalk, Maryland. He spent his childhood in Dundalk along with eleven brothers and sisters.

He joined the Air Force in July, 1962 and served four years in Rapid City, SD where he met his wife Patricia Jean Bowen. They were married in Essex, Maryland on March 31, 1967.  On April 16, 1972 they welcomed their first daughter Nicol Renee. They moved back to Rapid City in 1973 and welcomed their second daughter Kara Jean on March 15, 1976.

He Worked at Ellsworth Air Force Base for over 30 years as a Civil Servant and was in the National Guard for 30 years.

During his life he enjoyed watching his daughters play soccer, then later in life, watching his granddaughter play. He loved collecting coins, listening to music, watching Fox News and being with family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Pat, as well as his daughters Nicol Rodriguez of Rapid City and Kara (Shayne) Tines of Rapid City.  He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren; Parker (Kacie) Tines, Ashlin Tines and Timothy Rodriguez Jr. Additional survivors include brothers, Richard and Donald Smith and sisters, Lee Horstman and Janie Claridge. He was preceeded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses on the 7 ^th Floor at Monument Health - Rapid City Hospital who took care of him.

Arrangements are with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home of Rapid City.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service to be held Friday, January 20, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Knollwood Heights United Methodist Church.  Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m.   Burial with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. Black Hills National Cemetery.