'We Love You So Much, Pa-Pa': Ree Drummond Mourns Loss in Her Family & Pays Tribute to Father-In-Law

• "The Pioneer Woman" star Ree Drummond is mourning a loss in her family.

• Ree shared touching details about her "Pa-Pa" and what kind of a man he was.

• The star and her family faced other devastating struggles during the last few years.

On November 6, 2022, Ree Drummond took to her The Pioneer Woman website to reveal that her husband, Ladd Drummond's father, had died. She announced the sad news about Chuck Drummond, her children's grandfather, and her father-in-law.

The television personality shared that Chuck had passed away on the morning of November 4, 2022. She explained that she'd waited a few days to announce the news because she'd required communication from her husband's extended family.

Ree also wanted to cry and take a few breaths first. The star said Chuck's health had been declining over the past few months, and his family knew he wasn't going to be around for long, with her revealing how he'd died "peaceful in his sleep," adding:

"After feeling pretty miserable for the past two or three months, he was finally ready to go."

Since sharing images and stories about her father-in-law, Ree knew her fans knew him as they'd called him "Pa-Pa." The star said Chuck had raised three sons and taught them about ranching, precisely what he did with his six grandchildren.

The television personality believed the 79-year-old had lived to the fullest and saw everything. She recalled how happy he was when he was working, and his grandchildren knew never to say they were bored around him because he'd give them enough tasks to cure their "boredom forever!"

Ree's father-in-law might be gone, but his family wouldn't forget him anytime soon. The television star also shared her hopes for Chuck's afterlife now that he was gone.

How Ree Drummond's Family Miss Their Pa-Pa?

In the same tribute piece, Ree noted how her late father-in-law had a gruff voice but had a generous and open heart for his family, who meant everything to him. She shared how he'd stayed in touch with extended cousins and organized family reunions.

Chuck also ensured any connections were maintained throughout the years. Ladd's wife recalled how kind Chuck had been to her over the 26 years she'd married his son, and they never had any conflicts.

The late father-in-law gave out Ree's cookbooks to anyone he met, watched her QVC segments, and when she created The Mercantile, Chuck greeted and spoke to visitors for hours. The star said she was grateful that many people met her late father-in-law.

Ree noted how they'd miss Chuck but acknowledged how Tim, his brother, and Ladd would feel the loss harder. In high school, the Drummond's lost their older brother, Todd, and five years before Chuck's death, the family matriarch died.

The Food Network star was glad they had each other and the years of memories dedicated to Chuck. She shared how he'd worked his children hard but probably taught them lessons about hard work, life, and business.

Ree recalled how proud he had been of his sons and would've done anything for them and their offspring. The star promised to post more images of her father-in-law from photo albums and said she didn't know what happened after death but believed he and his wife's souls were reunited in celebration before concluding:

"We love you so much, Pa-Pa. Thank you for living such a full life, and for letting us all be a part of it."

Sadly, the loss of her father-in-law in 2022 wasn't the only challenge the television personality and her family faced. In the past, Ree and her husband have faced death, crashes, brushes with the law, and more.

What Were Ree's Other Tragic Family Struggles?

According to The Sun, Ree's older brother, Michael Smith, died in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, at age 54 in 2021. She shared the news on Facebook among old and more recent photos of them together, writing:

"It isn't possible to sum up the life of someone as perfectly wonderful as my brother Michael, so right now I won't try."

The star said he was seventeen months older than her and described him as her first friend whom she was grateful to have known, of whom she had memories and photos for more than 50 years. She asked for prayers for her parents.

Her sister, Betsy Smith, also mourned their brother's death describing him as wonderful and sweet. She said he was a unique person who would be missed by many who loved him and shared her gratitude for his life.

Betsy vowed to love Michael forever, but in March of that same year, Ladd and his nephew, Caleb, got involved in a car crash. While fighting off a grass fire on their Oklahoma ranch Ladd and his son crashed while traveling toward each other.

In her cookbook, "The Pioneer Woman Cook The New Frontier," Ladd's [Drummond] wife [Ree Drummond] said she was reeling from the tragedy.

The pair didn't have visibility due to high winds, leading to Caleb being rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Ree's husband had to wear a neck brace, while their nephew suffered a severe concussion and some broken ribs, with the star writing on her blog:

"Rather than wish the accident didn't happen, I'm gonna live in a state of gratitude - not just for the guys being okay, but also for the love, kindness, and prayers of so many of you."

According to TMZ, a month later, Caleb was arrested for driving while impaired (DWI) after being found "fast asleep" and "tipsy" in his car. His blood alcohol level was .05, and he also had two misdemeanor charges.

In April 2019, Ladd's daughter, Paige, then 19, was arrested for possessing alcohol under 21 and public intoxication. She was described as drunk and had to pay over $400 in court fees, and both charges were dismissed.

On May 24, 2018, "The Pioneer Woman" star's mother-in-law, Nan, died at age 74 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. At the time, Ree said, "It's a difficult loss for our family, as she was such a rock for all of us."

In her cookbook, "The Pioneer Woman Cook The New Frontier," Ladd's wife said she was reeling from the tragedy. Ree revealed how Nan's death changed territories for the family, and they clung to traditions and memories to keep them going.