Robert "Bob" Vernon Niles, rural Wessington Springs, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at Avera Weskota Memorial Medical Center, Wessington Springs, SD. Funeral services will be held at Plankinton United Methodist Church, Plankinton, SD, 10:30 AM Tuesday, October 9, 2018 with burial at Niles Rocky Ridge Cemetery in Rural Wessington Springs, SD. Visitation will be held Monday, October 8, at the church from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Bob was born February 15, 1937, to Vernon and Mildred (Sheldon) Niles. He attended grade school at Wilmarth School and graduated from Plankinton High School in 1956. Bob participated in football and track. As a young man Bob always had a love for horses, which was apparent in his hobby of breaking and training them. His life-long ambition was fulfilled when he took over the farm and ranch. His cattle were always a sense of pride, and it was always important to him to conserve the land and its wildlife.  He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Phyllis Olsen on May 23, 1957. Their union was blessed with four children. One of the things that he was the proudest of was the arena that he built for his children to practice their rodeo events. A team roping league was soon started with many-a late nights spent roping. Thus the name Rocky Ridge was born. Many cowboys and cowgirls learned to rope and tie goats with Bob's instruction. It wasn't all fun and games, so he made his living by ranching and grinding hay. Thus receiving the CB handle "Haygrinder."  In the 80's  Bob bought a truck to haul his own cattle and turned it into a business Niles Trucking that he enjoyed until 2016.  The biggest enjoyment of Bob's later years were the miles he traveled with Phyllis in their motor home. If there was rodeo that the kids, grandkids, or great grandkids were in you could bet the motorhome was there stocked with Grandma Phyl's cookies and Grandpa Hosey's…a loving nickname given to him by his oldest grandchild…Mello Yello. The most memorable trip in the motorhome was the trip to Oregon the summer of 2006 as a graduation gift to Hayes, Culynn, Raya, and Tyann. It was to give the kids an educational experience as well as fun but we think it was grandpa and grandma that got educated!

Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis; Children: Roberta (Bob) Bruns of Plankinton, Vernon (Mary) Niles of Plankinton, Peggy (Larry) Hoffman of Plankinton, and Valerie (Don) Curtis of Mitchell, special nephew Jeff Johnson of Wessington Springs; Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Randi (Charlie) Christensen; Jaxon, Keaton, and Loagon;  Tessa (Gary) Overweg; Halley (Austin), Destiney, Hayden (Mikaela) and Drew; Rustin (Kama) Bruns; Royce, Layce, Tyce, and Chayce; Hayes (Stacie) Niles; Madison, Miranda, and Vernon;  Culynn (Meg) Curtis; Oliver and Margo; Raya (Landon) Nagel; Rhykon and Rhykena; Tyann Curtis (special friend Clay Guardipee); Payleen O'Day; Thomina and Tristan Niles; a very special great great granddaughter, Aaleyah. 2 sisters Margie Fagan of Oregon and Joan (Bob) McCord, White Lake, sister-in-law Kathleen Anderson, Mitchell and brother in law Clyde (Donna) Olsen Plankinton.  One Aunt Dorothy Sheldon Sioux Falls.  Several nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, 4 cousins, and 2 brothers in law, and 1 nephew.

Bob's greatest words of wisdom "It's just a little thing on a Big Ranch."