Ralph C. Kelley, 78, formerly of North Platte, passed away Dec. 15, 2012, at the Sutherland Care Center.
Ralph was born Dec. 25, 1933, in Bignell, to Roy and Louise Yanken Kelley. He graduated from Maxwell High School and then was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a Corpsman.
Ralph married Barbara Kostic in 1955. To this union was born a son and daughter, Tim and Deborah. After being discharged from the Army he lived in Colorado for a few years before returning to North Platte. He joined the Union Pacific Railroad, working with the Stores’ Department.
In 1961, he married Kathy Mueller. To this union was born a son, Jeff. The family moved to Hershey. Ralph retired from the Union Pacific in 1984.
Ralph enjoyed playing guitar and played in a band. He also enjoyed visiting with friends and going to the Colorado Mountains. He will be remembered as a fun-loving and carefree man.
Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Wigatow, of Grand Junction, Colo.; sons, Tim Kelley and Jeff (Jackie) Kelley, all of North Platte; six grandchildren, Joshua, Willow, Chrystal, Kevin, Kendra and Robert; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Herb (Jackie) Kelley, of North Platte; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and seven siblings, Helen, Lester, Gladys, Dorothy, Jean, Ruby and Melvin.
A memorial has been established and online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Graveside memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.
Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.