Ralph Carlat, age 93, of Broadus

For I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13). As he lived these words so too another of the last of the “old-time cowboys” has made his way to Heaven.

Ralph Clifton Carlat passed away peacefully in the morning hours of August 3, 2015, at the Powder River Manor. Ninety-three years ago, a journey of a lifetime began for Ralph. The oldest son of Lester T. Carlat and Jennie Maude Palmer, Ralph was born on August 27, 1921 in Miles City, MT. As the oldest child, he became the role model, quiet leader and friend to his three younger brothers and sister. He attended schools in California, Wyoming and graduating from Powder River High School in 1940. As a side note, Ralph, playing the tuba marched in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. Ralph enjoyed southern California because he then attended Pasadena Junior College majoring in Business.

With the coming of WWII Ralph enlisted in the Navy in October of 1942. He proudly served his tour of duty aboard the supply ship in the South Pacific. After the war Ralph returned home to Montana where he began working for his Dad in the Sonnette area. He later purchased a ranch where he raised Hereford cattle.

Ralph was a quiet shy man. Yet, in the spring of 1978 Ralph, while working in Wyola, WY, where he was summering his cattle and working in the hay fields is where he met Charlotte Louise DeMooy Wojcik. It wasn’t but a short time in the same year they married in December. Thirty-six years they have been married. In 1979 Ralph and Charlotte bought the ‘Broadus Homestead’ located at the mouth of Baking Powder from his brother Robert Carlat. They continued to raise cattle until they purchased some bum lambs from Harold Drane, consequently the sheep took over. One day while delivering wool to the wool pool in Belle Fourche Ralph noticed that some wool was getting a better dollar, he inquired as to why. Learning it was a particular breed of sheep, Ralph and Charlotte traveled to New Mexico to bring back a starting flock of this breed; American Cormo sheep.

Ralph’s pastime was spent reading and enjoying sports. He particularly enjoyed attending the local high school basketball games. He attended as many as he could. Even with failing health he would be excited when his niece, Lisa, would take him to the games this past season. Ralph was an avid reader. He liked the National Geographic and Smithsonian magazine and every day the Billings Gazette newspaper and the weekly Examiner.

At about 2007 Ralph began to spend the winter months at Powder River Manor. Then in the fall of 2009 he decided to remain there year round.

Ralph was a caring easy going individual. He liked being alone, doing things as an individual but his favorite time was with family. Whether it be the August get-together (as most of them had birthdays in this month), brandings or just hanging out this was most gratifying.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; Gerald and Clarence.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte of the family home; step-daughters Rebecca McEuen (late Dennis), Eve Smith (Richard); step-son Warren Wojcik (Pam); sister Carolyn Bull (Gary) and brother Robert Carlat (Charlene) and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2015 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Monday August 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com

Should friends desire, memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to the Henry Malley Memorial Library or charity of your choice.

Service Schedule

Visitation

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday August 9, 2015

Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home

101 East Wilson

Broadus, Montana 59317

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Graveside Service with Full Military Honors

11:00 a.m.

Monday August 10, 2015

Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery

Cemetery Road

Miles City, MT 59301

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