Ricki Ramlo

Ricarda (Kusser) Ramlo passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age of 61 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones, who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives fully. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, who was always there for those who needed her the most, offering her support, wisdom, and love in abundance. She was a friend to many and an impactful member of the community. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Ricki was born April 23, 1963, in Huron, SD, the daughter of Richard and Karen (Aesoph) Kusser. She grew up in Highmore, SD, attending elementary school and graduating from Highmore High School in 1981. She was a two-time South Dakota state basketball runner-up. She went on to attend SDSU for one year, then moved to Rapid City, where she worked for a local bank. She moved to Pierre in 1985 and started working with the Department of Agriculture. She and Kirk Ramlo were married on June 25, 1988, in Highmore, SD. They made their home in Pierre where she worked for the SD State Republican Office. She was a part of John Thune’s initial election to the State Senate and she also ran the campaign office for Governor George Mickelson. The family then moved to Webster, SD, where she worked at the county courthouse in the Department of Health. She attained her associate’s degree remotely from Northern State University.

In May 1999, they moved to Jamestown, where she was employed at Jamestown Hospital in the Human Resources Department. While working, Ricki went back to school and received her accounting degree from Jamestown College. Later, she was named HR manager. She then took on additional duties as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2006. 

In 2016, she went back to school to get her master’s degree from Moorhead State University. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and remained COO at the hospital until 2022, when she retired. During her tenure, Ricki was instrumental in the building and planning of JRMC, implemented the Farmer’s Relief Employee Assistance Program for mental health, served as acting HR manager when JRMC received the first “Best Place to Work” award, and oversaw the radiology department, which was the first in the state to get 3D mammography. 

Ricki traveled near and far in her minivan to all her daughter's sporting events throughout their high school and college careers. She was an avid supporter of all her nieces and nephew’s activities, as well. Ricki enjoyed traveling with her family to sunny, warm destinations with a John Grisham novel in her lap. She loved a brightly colored bouquet of flowers on her dining room table. In her retirement, she found a love for cooking and experimenting with new recipes for her family and friends to try. Not unlike her daughters, she had a sweet tooth, particularly for the Pioneer Woman’s chocolate cake, ice cream, and lemon cupcakes. One of her greatest joys was being an active grandma to her beloved grandsons, Henry and Noah. 

Ricki is survived by her husband; 2 children Amber Ramlo (Nate Purcell), Jamestown, ND; Katie (Reid) Pfau, Upham, ND; 2 grandchildren, Henry and Noah Pfau; 2 stepsons, Brandon Ramlo (Brandie) and Jordon Ramlo; step-granddaughter, Teagan Ramlo; mother, Karen Kusser; 3 siblings, Rod (Pandora) Kusser, Highmore, SD; Tammy (John) Lusk, Pierre, SD; and Cheri (LeAlan) Rowse, Fort Pierre, SD; numerous nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friends and caregivers Terri Wolters and Lanna Slaby.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Kusser; sister in-law, Janet Kusser; and her grandparents.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Steps of Hope- Highmore, SD; or the JRMC Cancer Center.