John Ronald Ricks (“Ron Ricks”), 63, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, returned to his heavenly home on March 12, 2026. He was born on October 1, 1962, to Lloyd and Jean Ricks. He grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and graduated from Skyline High School in 1980, where he met his forever sweetheart, Shelli, in seminary. Ron and Shelli were best friends who fell in love and became soul mates. Ron attended Ricks College before faithfully serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the Guatemala City Mission, which became one of his most cherished life experiences. Shortly after returning home from his mission, Ron and Shelli were married in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity. They experienced many incredible joys together in life.

They also courageously faced many years of health issues for Ron, which they lovingly battled together. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all of the loving care Ron received at EIRMC, as well as the Idaho Kidney Center.

Ron had a great sense of humor and was known for his quick wit. He was a man of many talents, hobbies, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Ron owned Allstar Limousine, Bonneville Security, and Custom Closets. He was a professional clown who loved to twist animal balloons. He enjoyed various creative works, including writing, woodworking, and drawing. One of his greatest interests was in-depth studies of the scriptures and the Come, Follow Me curriculum. Ron also served in the Army, where he attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, studying Korean.

Anyone who knew Ron knew what an incredible and unwavering testimony he had in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He faithfully served in many callings and was an exemplary of giving his trials to the Lord, patiently enduring, and finding gratitude and joy in any circumstance. He leaves an incredible hole in our hearts, but a legacy and wisdom that will impact us all for generations to come.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Shelli; his children: Keenan Ricks, Shay (Mariana) Ricks, and Trystan (Daniel) Heaton; and his cherished grandchildren: Sofia, Rachel, Samuel, McKayla, and Johnny. He is also survived by his siblings Rand Ricks, Ryan (Janet) Ricks, Rick (Raegan) Ricks, Robyn (Ken) Child, and Rebecca (Mike) Lasswell, as well as his mother-in-law Bobbie Rose, sister-in-law Stacey Collier, brother-in-law Ryan (Jenny) Rose, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, E. Lloyd Ricks and A. Jean (Hart) Ricks; his sister, Ruthanne (Hal) Gines; his sister-in-law, Colleen Ricks; and his father-in-law, Duane Rose.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2025 Jennie Lee Dr., Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends and family from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

Until we meet again at our Savior’s feet, our dear husband, father, and grandpa -- we lubba lubba lubba you.