Ralph Leroy Phelps, 76

Ralph Leroy Phelps, 76, formerly of Kalispell and Ryegate, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006, at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber surrounded by family after a long courageous battle with emphysema.

Ralph was born Oct. 24, 1929, on a farm 14 miles south of Redstone, a son of Jasper Phelps and Jenny Severson Phelps.

Ralph married Virginia "Ginny" Ruggles on Sept. 4, 1955, in Plentywood. They farmed and ranched together in Redstone, then moved to a farm in Ryegate in 1968. After selling the farm in Ryegate, Ralph was janitor and bus driver for Ryegate School. In 1992 they moved to Kalispell and from 1992 to 2002, Ralph was janitor at Evergreen Junior High School in Kalispell. After retirement in 2002, Ralph moved to Big Timber.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bryon; an infant daughter; and his wife, Ginny.

Survivors include his brother Jerry and Dona Phelps, of Redstone; sisters, June and Phil Loucks of Ennis, Marion Hoyt of Bigfork; sons, Bryce and Nora Phelps and Jim and Shelley Phelps, both of Billings; daughters, Joanne and Bill Boles of Kalispell, and Lynette and Travis Shepard of Big Timber. He is also survived by five grandsons, Justen, Dylan, Landon, Sam and Seth; three granddaughters, Cristine, Jenna and Madison; and two great-grandsons, Wyatt and Cody.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Peden and the staff at Pioneer Medical Center who brought peace to Ralph and comfort to his family.

A graveside service to remember Ralph and celebrate his life will be held at 1 p.m. at the Ryegate Cemetery with Pastor Al Baglien of the Big Timber Lutheran Church officiating. A reception will follow at the Ryegate Senior Center.

"May God be with you. We love you Dad."

Arrangements are by Stenberg Funeral Home.