Ralph W. Phelps, 79, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Regional West Medical Center.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, October 29, 2022, First United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Pastor Craig will be officiating. Interment will be held at a later date.
Ralph was born May 22, 1943, in Laramie, Wyoming to Ralph and Helen Phelps. After living for a short while in Riverton and Wheatland, Wyoming, the family moved to Torrington, Wyoming where Ralph completed his schooling, graduating from Torrington High.
Growing up, Ralph enjoyed spending his summers with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He loved spending time with extended family, as being an only child was often lonely. These summers spent in Riverton molded him into the wonderful man that he was.
After graduation, he attended nursing school at West Nebraska School of Nursing in Scottsbluff. Once his nursing training was completed, he enlisted in the US Army where he completed Officer’s training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
Ralph and Joi (Schmunk) were married in Gering, Nebraska on Oct. 27, 1965, the young couple moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where their first daughter, Jill was born.
After an honorable discharge from the army, the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota where Ralph received his training for CRNA from the Mayo Clinic school of Anesthesia. Upon his graduation, the family moved back to Scottsbluff, Nebraska where their second daughter, Amy was born.
Ralph truly loved being an anesthetist. He started in the surgery unit at St. Mary’s in Scottsbluff and his career spanned over 50 years between West Nebraska General Hospital and Regional West Medical Center.
Ralph enjoyed backpacking and fishing in Lander, Wyoming, and overall, fishing was a great passion for him all throughout his life.
Ralph was an award-winning gardener. He enjoyed being outdoors, watching things grow, taking care of them and making his yard more beautiful through hard work and love.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a Shriner, a member of the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, and the American Legion.
What he most loved, was spending time with his family and friends, helping neighbors, tending his garden, and spoiling his beloved dog, Piper.
Ralph is survived by his wife Joi of 57 years, his daughters Jill (Kevin) Hayes, Ethan and Carsen of Gillet, Wisconsin. Amy (Scott) Cloudy, Gabrielle, Xander, Josie, and Ruby of Boerne, Texas. Scotty (Nicole) of Uvalde, Texas.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jackie Henggeler of Ft. Morgan, Colorado, aunt Roasalee Blumenshine of Ft. Collins, Colorado, many cousins, co-workers, neighbors, and friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, in-laws, and many extended loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Riverside Discovery Center. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com. Dugan Kramer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.