Ralph R. Haney passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Ralph was born in Williston, N.D. on June 20, 1945. Born to Harvey and Ethel Haney, he was the fifth of seven siblings, arriving 15 minutes before his twin brother Paul, which he made sure everyone knew that he was the oldest of the two.
Ralph was raised in Williston, where he built many lifelong friendships. As a young man he developed an interest for riding motorcycles, participating in many hill climbs, and at the age of 17 decided it was a good idea to drive over the America State Bank roof which was in the shape of an arch! At 18, he started his employment in the oil fields of North Dakota, which would eventually evolve into his life in the piping industry. When he was 23, along with a friend, Ralph was on his way to Seattle, WA to work in the shipyards, when their vehicle broke down in Helena, MT., which then began his life in Montana. He gained employment with Hill Plumbing, working as a helper for 3 years before joining Local 41 Plumbers and Pipefitters, working at England Plumbing and Heating.
While in Helena, he met and married Linda Swanson in 1970, along with her two children, Rhonda and Larry, they had two children together, Robert “Bob” and Kristen. They later divorced.
Throughout his career, he traveled extensively, working in ID, WA and NV, before coming back to MT in 1997 to work at the ASMl(REC) plant in Butte, where he met Marianne Hawe, and they were married on July 4,1998. While working for Local 41, Ralph had the privilege of becoming part of the brotherhood and family of the union, which he proudly embraced, working until his retirement at the age of 62.
Ralph had many hobbies, such as bowling, hunting and photography. But going fishing with his family was the hobby he enjoyed the most. He truly loved woodworking, making anything and everything out of every piece of wood, branch or twig he could find. His one of kind knives, walking sticks, lamps and keychains always had intricate carvings, making each one unique. Ralph was always excited to show you his newest creation, never not having a new carving with him!
He also had a passion for older cars and sport cars, having owned a Cutlass 442 and 71 Chevelle when he was younger, with the most recent one being his 2013 Corvette Convertible, which he loved zipping around town in the summer at the lightning speed of no more than 30 miles per hour!!
We will greatly miss his stories, his never ending advice and his superb supervisory skills of any and all projects we were doing!
He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Laura Jane, Duane “Robert”, Barbara and his twin brother Paul, his 1st wife Linda, son Larry and stepdaughter Susie.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Marianne Haney, his brother Harvey “Leroy” Haney and sister Arlene Guttormson.
He is also survived by his son & daughter-in-law Bob and Kim Haney, daughter Kristen Haney, stepchildren Ken (Theresa) Hogue, Lavonne (Ken) Pearson, Ray (Zinda) Hogue, and Kevin Hawe and Pat Hawe, his grandchildren Jayshn (Dwight) Haney, Ciela Haney, Joe, Zach and Kaleb Powers, Michael and Andrew Hawe, Stephanie Smith and Kaitlyn McKinney. Numerous nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, with the latest addition being his birthday twin, Emery Summer, and many loving friends and family members.
The family would like to thank everyone at HoneyBee Hospice, especially Krystan Lester for all her caring support.
A Celebration of Life will take place on September 13th, 2025, at the East Side Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter Butte, MT at 2:00.
Always remember nothing else matters but Honor and Respect. ~ Ralph Raymond Haney.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations or memorials to the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter, Butte MT 59701.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Ralph and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Ralph.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday September 13, 2025
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday September 13, 2025
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
Share
Add your thoughts and memories.