Ricky Monevine Eagle Elk was born in Rosebud, SD to Nida Mae Kills In Sight and Edward Jesse Eagle Elk. Ricky grew up in his family home down at the old place in Spring Creek, SD.

Ricky was a strong man who believed in his Lakota ways of life. Ever since he was a young man he went to wiwangwacipi, he was a leader. He was a proud member of the Native American Church. He always had a smile on his face and was truly a man for his people and his way of life. Ricky was a spiritual man who had been blessed to be a father, a grandfather, a brother, a nephew, a relative to everyone. He lived a life full of love and compassion, bravery and courage, and kept true to his Lakota values.

Ricky was preceded in death by his grandparents Ernest Eagle Elk and Bessie (Running Horse) Eagle Elk; his mother Nida Mae Kills In Sight; and father Edward Jesse Eagle Elk; his sisters: Remina Rhea, Ernestine Clarice, and Bridget Armine Eagle Elk.

He is survived by all of his children, his grandchildren, his brother Roger of Mitchell SD, Leo of Naschitti NM, Edward Jesse II of Winner SD, and Regina of Rosebud SD, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.