WAPATO - On Saturday August 22, 2009 Ralph Conner Sr. passed from this life to his eternal home.
Ralph was born in Wapapila, Missouri on December 27, 1931. He moved to Washington State at an early age and took up farm labor to support his family. Ralph married Betty Kneff on July 4, 1953 in Buena, Washington. He worked for various farmers in the lower and upper valleys and later began to contract labor for many of the same. He and his family also were engaged in operating their own farming operations and various business endeavors over the years. Through the years he became an avid fisherman, enjoying many fishing outings with his sons, father in law and several friends. Later in life he and Betty purchased his dream farm on the Yakima River it began a new chapter in his life. He always wanted to raise cattle and the fulfillment of this dream brought him the most satisfaction. Ralph pursued his dream until his sickness in January of 2006. Ralph spent the remaining years of his life at Emerald Care in Wapato.
He is survived by sons Ralph Conner Jr. (Cyndi) of Yakima and David Conner (Lisa) of Zillah. He is also survived by his grandchildren, David Conner Jr., Darren Conner and Meagan Conner and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings in Missouri and Idaho along with his cousins Leroy Conner (Naomi) of Toppenish, Helen Curtsinger (Jim) and Phyllis Vance (Ed) of Gleed.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Betty Conner, his father and mother, father and mother in law (James and Tressie Kneff) and several brothers and a sister in Missouri.
Ralph always did what he thought was right and stuck to his convictions no matter what others thought, there wasn't any gray area in his world. This is a rarity in today's society, but for Ralph it was a way of life.
Visitation will be held on Friday August 28, 2009 from 1-6 pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah. Graveside services will be Saturday August 29, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Zillah Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.valleyhillsfh.com.
Would like to pay our respects to the family of Ralph Conners. Our thoughts are with everyone at this time. Mary and Rosie Wilson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this day of finality. May God Bless you and yours with the strength that he would give to you. David and TJ Schelert
I am so sorry for your loss. Janice(Roby) Nielsen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this day of finality. May God Bless you and yours with the strength that he would give to you. David and TJ Schelert
