Ralph Melvin Ross, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, in Delta, Utah. He was born April 5, 1930 in Delta, Utah to Melvin Delcroy “Dell” and Ellen Lorraine Ivie Ross. Throughout his life, he helped his parents on their farm/dairy. He graduated from Delta High, and often talked about the great ‘bummin’ trip through the southwest states he and several friends took right after high school. It didn’t take long they realized a good warm meal and roof over your head is not a bad deal. Ralph moved to Tooele and worked at the Tooele Army Depot. He enlisted in the United States Navy on January 4, 1951, and served during the Korean War. He left as a Boatswain Mate 2nd Class. Ralph loved his country and proudly served. We heard many stories and looked at the pictures of the time his ship wrecked in the Arctic.
Ralph was so worried some young man would sweep his sweetheart, Beulah, off her feet while he was away in the Navy; he sent a marriage proposal in a letter then waited on pins and needles until a letter arrived with the answer “YES”. He came home on leave to marry Beulah Lillie Anderson on June 17, 1953, in Ely, Nevada. Three days later, he was called back to the ship and did not see his beautiful wife until 18 months later. Their only daughter, Susan Marie, was born on June 12, 1957, and she died on June 13, 1957.
Ralph worked at the Tooele Army Depot as Area Foreman until he retired. They moved back to Delta, where both their hearts had never left. Ralph was a great farmer and took pride in the crops that he raised. Ralph was always there if someone needed help. With a cup of coffee and a Marlboro, whether at Top’s City Café or Rancher Café or over the fence, Ralph had a story for anyone having time to listen.
The good ol’ days of Lyman Row, where neighbors took care of neighbors, and all were as close as family, will forever be embedded in the lives of all that were a part of them. We will miss him beyond words and are so thankful for our time with him.
Ralph is survived by his niece: Becky (Keith) Sawaya; grandnieces and nephews: Penny (Kenny) Teeples - their children: Brittnee, Travis, Cassie, Taevin Poulsen; Scott (Tracy) Swasey - their children: Brooke and Beaudee; Cherish (Shawn) Works - their children: Shiane and Braxton; Kirt (Lauren) Sawaya - their children: Konnor, Silas, Nina; Kip (Christina) Sawaya - their child: Sam. Also survived by brother: LaMond (Nellie) Smith, Ferron; sisters: Norma Kruletz; Arlene Dennison (John) White; and Barbara Bonnett, all of Tooele; nieces: Shirley Oliver; and Terri Lynn Dew. He was preceded in death by his beloved, Beulah; their precious daughter: Susan; sisters: Josephine and (Joe) Smith; Donna Eccles; brother: Raymond Ross; brother-in-law: Tony Kruletz; nephew: Dick Ross.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2:00 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary Chapel, 190 S. Center, Delta. Viewing will be held, 1:00-1:50 pm, prior to the service. Burial with military rites will be in the Delta City Cemetery.