Ralph grew up and attended school in Lincoln, Neb. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school, serving in Korea on the USS Mount Baker. He also served in Vietnam.

He earned many commendations including two National Defense Service Medals, Korean Service Medal (K10), United Nations Service Medal, four Good Conduct Medals, Navy Unit Commendation USN-MCB Eleven, Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon for service with MCB Eleven at Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam and Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Valor Designation.

Ralph served in many stations all over the world. Following his retirement, his family settled in Iowa for six years, where he was trained as a mechanic, and then to Hanford, Calif. They moved to Oregon nine years ago.

He enjoyed gardening, cooking and tinkering on vehicles. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Ralph is survived by his wife; three daughters and their husbands: Ann and Pat McLafferty of Beaverton, Sandra Lee Range and Tedd Stobie of Fresno, Calif. and Jacquelyn and Eric Pruitt of Creswell; two sisters, Susan Simpson and her husband Les of Anaheim, Calif. and Mary Putren and her husband Bill of Clinton, Mo.; and eight grandchildren, Mandy, Justin, Quinn, Trent, Braden, Logan, Willow and Autumn.