Ronald James Pederson

Ronald Pederson, 75, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away sur- rounded by loved ones on Friday, January 22nd, 2021, after a short, unexpected battle with pancreatic cancer. Ron was born on September 30, 1945, and grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where his two sisters and their families still reside. He married the love of his life Janetta in 1989 in Las Cruces, NM. He was technically minded, and pursued and was awarded a PhD in mechanical engineering. He taught mechanical engineering at Texas Tech University in Lubbock TX, and then in 1985 took a position at New Mexico State University here in Las Cruces. He was loved by his students and was a kind and supportive mentor as the advisor for the ME department at NMSU. While at NMSU, he led the design and build process for the Society of Automotive Engineer's Mini Baha competition for many years with his students. Ron loved the Land of Enchantment. He spent his free time enjoying the outdoors. He loved four wheeling in his truck and later his Jeep, and also riding motorcycles - either on the road on his Honda Goldwing or in the desert on his dirt bike. Ron enjoyed building all sorts of projects and tinkering in his garage shop. He built many clocks and model airplanes. Ron was involved with the Mesilla Valley Model Aircraft Club, and served as their Treasurer for ten years, where he was truly appreciated by all the members. He loved the water, especially the ocean, and traveled to the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean with his wife Janetta. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Adeline Pederson, and his son Rollie Pederson. He is survived by his loving wife Janetta of Las Cruces, NM; daughter Jerrilyn and Thomas Conway and their sons Cole and Gage of Albuquerque, NM; daughter Jeni and Kurt Hudgeons and their daughters Bailey and Jordyn of Dripping Springs, TX; and sisters Shirley Scholten and Susie Mundt and their families of Sioux Falls, SD. The family will plan a future Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Freedom Church of Las Cruces, at 1122 Sixth St, Las Cruces, NM 88005.