Cecil Ralph

Cecil Ford Ralph was born April 28, 1924 in Crosby, ND, the 3rd of 13 children of Edwin and Anna Marie Krantz Ralph. Cecil F. Ralph died peacefully August 22, 2012 at the age 88 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Cecil grew up and was proud to call Crosby, ND his home town. After graduating from the Crosby High School in 1942, he joined the U. S. Army and served during World War II as a pharmacy technician. Upon returning home, he attended the University of North Dakota on the G.I. bill and earned a degree in accounting. After college he again served his country during the Korean War at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver. Cecil was a decorated war veteran. After his second honorable discharge from the Army, Cecil took a job as an accountant with Westland Oil Company in Williston, ND. He was active with the Jaycees and the local VFW and soon met Dolores Olson at a VFW dance. It took 3 dances and a little coaxing from Dolores for Cecil to call and ask for a date. Cecil and Dolores eloped on February 14, 1955 to Sidney, Montana and began their life and family in Williston. Cecil was dedicated to his work. After working in Williston for 15 years, he moved in 1969 to the Westland Oil Co headquarters in Minot, ND. In 1978, the company was sold to a Canadian firm so he and his family spent a couple of cold winters in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Flying J Company moved Cecil and Dolores in 1980 to Brigham City, Utah to manage the accounting department. Cecil finished out his career with Flying J and retired in Fort Collins in 1988. Cecil was always active with his church. He helped found the First Presbyterian church in Williston, ND and served as an elder, even filling in for the pastor when needed. Wherever he lived, Cecil served in whatever capacity was needed. Cecil's other true love was bowling. Not only was he a very good bowler, he also gained many friendships at the alleys. Cecil and Dolores shared their enjoyment of bowling after retirement, bowling together in a senior league. In retirement, he remained active walking 5 miles a day, keeping his yard looking good, helping neighbors and volunteering at the neighborhood clubhouse. After surviving his first heart attack, he took the opportunity to help himself and others by joining the Mended Hearts Club and the Attack Pack through the Heart Center of the Rockies. He had great respect and admiration for Dr. William Miller, whose excellent care allowed Cecil to love another 25 years of active life. But the center of Cecil's life was his family. Cecil is survived by his devoted wife, Dolores; his children, Byron (Sue) Ralph of Bismarck, ND and their children Dava and Cody; Perry (Maureen) Ralph of Fort Collins and their children Jeremy and Lindsey; and Judy (Karl) Kromarek of Aurora, CO and their children Nicole, Kayla, Kyle, Jena and Lexi and one great-grandson, Braiden. Also surviving are three siblings, Anita Gabler of Seattle, WA, Donald Ralph of Williston, ND, and Garry Ralph of Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, six brothers, and five half-siblings. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, August 27th at First Presbyterian Church, 531 South College Ave, Ft. Collins. Military honors will conclude the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations please be made to Heart Center of the Rockies or your favorite charity.