On September 24, 2022, a soft spoken and tireless skilled worker, Ralph Raymond Ward passed away at St. James Healthcare in Butte, MT, surrounded by his loving family.
Ralph was born on July 24, 1935, in Monticello, Indiana to Jewell Clark and Mary Logan Ward. He was the third born of four children. Ralph later moved to Montana where he met and married Janice Kay Sullivan. They were married on July 24, 1966.
Ralph worked at the smelter in Anaconda, along with several other positions for the ACM and MRI. Ralph retired from the warehouse at MRI in October 1998. After retirement, Ralph loved spending his weekends at swap meets and auctions and enjoying the scenery in the Montana mountains. He enjoyed his daily coffee breaks at BK and McDonalds where he got to visit all the guys. He also spent countless hours in the garage working on his latest auto restoration but would always drop what he was doing when family or friends came to visit. Ralph was always willing to lend a helping hand and never afraid of a tough job. Ralph was liked, respected and a true gentleman!
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Mary, and his brothers, Dwight and Eddie. Ralph is survived by his wife Janice, sister Glenda, children Trudy (Tony), Terri (Larry), Jennifer (Curt), Clark (Sara), grandchildren Shawn (Angel), Missy (Kevin), Rachel (Jeremy), Emily (Nick), Amanda, Ryan (Courtney), Sean, Kaytelin (Brice), Joe, Jason, and Shea, 9 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many great friends.
The family would like to thank all Ralph’s friends and coffee pals for the years of friendship. Tap ‘er Light and rest in peace. Keep the wrenches turning.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, September 29 at 12 pm at the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel with a luncheon to follow.
Memorials in honor of Ralph may be made to the American Heart Association or organization of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ralph.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Ralph and his family.
Colleen says
I am so sorry about Ralph. He was a terrific, hard working, and kind gentleman. Rest In Peace!
Keith L ingram says
I will certainly miss Ralph he was always a joy to run into and ha would drop swap meet flyers off for me. He was a super nice guy and will be missed. My heart goes out to all the family and his friends . Thank you keith Ingram
Lesley says
I remember Ralph very well great man .I especially remember him at my grandparents house on Main Street every Easter 🐣 RIP you will be another angel watching over your family and friends.❤️