Ralph C. Gipe

POLSON — Ralph C. Gipe, 88, of Polson died on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, at his residence surrounded by his family. Ralph was born Sept. 7, 1916 in Cedaredge, Colo., to L.A. and Sophia Gipe. At the age of three his family moved to a farm in Valley View near Polson.

Ralph grew up on this farm and ended up living there for 72 years. He and his two brothers all attended Valley View School through the eighth grade, and then graduated from Polson High School. After graduating, Ralph worked on construction of Kerr Dam, but his love for farming would eventually bring him back to the family farm.

On the side he worked at the Valley View School as a clerk. This is where Ralph was to meet his future wife, Amelia Borden, the new teacher there. They married May 19, 1942. Ralph and Amelia had three children: a daughter, Doreen, and two sons, Ron and Harlan. Ralph and Amelia took over the family farm in 1942.

Ralph was voted Lake County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1983; he loved to farm. He always said, "A man who tills the soil is as close to God as you can get."

Ralph was president and director for the Lake County Farmers Insurance Company, which was founded by his father and several other farmers in 1928. He was a member of the Polson Community Church where he spent many hours building, joyfully planting, and taking good care of the grounds.

Ralph loved his family, his greatest joys were teaching his boys and grandsons how to fish, hunt, and enjoy God's creation. He enjoyed many wonderful hunting trips into the Bob Marshall and other areas.

His parents, L.A. and Sophie Gipe and brothers Lawrence and Gordon Gipe, preceded Ralph in death.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Amelia Gipe; daughter Doreen Ratzburg and husband Dayle of Ledger; sons Ron Gipe and wife Kathy of Lakeside, and Harlan Gipe and wife Shirley of Polson; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two special friends: Rebecca and Diane.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Lake County Hospice caregivers Awnie Faught and Lynda Edwards.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held on April 30, at the Polson Community Church.

Memorials may be made to the Lake County Hospice or the Polson Community Church.

Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory, Polson.