Ronald Kelly Rikala, 64, of Sweet Home passed away peacefully at his home on May 27th after a long battle with cancer. His family was by his side as he went to be with Jesus. He was born in Cottage Grove to Elmer George and Eleanor (Zustika) Rikala.

He married Susan Klansnic in 1980 in the Catholic Church in Cottage Grove. They lived in Cottage Grove until 1985 when he and his family moved to Sweet Home.

Ronald was a Timber Faller since he was a teenager for various contracting companies. He did this line of work until he retired in 2018.

He was quite the practical joker and an outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and looking for and picking morel mushrooms. He loved riding his Harley motorcycle, gold mining and most of all spending time with his family.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 40 years Susan Rikala of Sweet Home; daughter Kiley Rikala of Christmas Valley; son Ryan Rikala of Sweet Home; granddaughters: Hailie Rikala, Jovi Rikala; grandson Coltin Rikala; sisters: Nancy Horner of Cottage Grove, Cindy Massey of Eugene, Patsy Rikala of Bakersfield, California; and his beloved dog “Stinker” who was at his side until the end.

He was preceded in death by his mother Eleanor in 1979; father Elmer in 1985; sisters: Bonnie Graves in 2004, Linda Rook in 2016; brother Larry Rikala in 2014; Nephews: James Rook in 2004, Nick Sharp in 2013; and niece Mariah Sharp in 2015. Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. An announcement will be made via Facebook.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.