On the afternoon of January 13, 2021, Ralph “Buzz” Clifford Mason passed away at his home after a short illness, while surrounded by his whole family. Ralph was 74 years old.
Ralph was born December 27, 1946, in Glendive, Montana, the son of Clifford and Laura (Reed) Mason. He grew up in Glendive, Montana. Ralph was a very social person who made friends easily. His friends and family called him “Buzz”. He finished high school when the Vietnam War started. He was drafted into the Army. Ralph was extremely proud of his services as an aircraft and helicopter repairman mechanic. His entry into the service was January 17, 1968. He left for Vietnam Thanksgiving Day 1968. He was honorable discharged January 15, 1971. After returning to the states he returned to Glendive, Montana. Shortly thereafter, Ralph reconnected with Susan Enghusen. They moved to Miles City to start their lives together in marriage on November 13, 1971. From this union he had two children, Kelly Rae and Elizabeth “Betsy” Mae. He loved spending time with them. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and celebrating all events with family.
Ralph made his main career as a package delivery driver for UPS here in Miles City. He thought of his co-workers as friends and extended family, spending many happy moments with them hunting, fishing and picnicking. He gave 22 years of service to UPS, making lots of friends of his customers along the way. In the fall of 1994, Ralph had a horrible accident that left him unable to work. He retired at that time and was able to concentrate on being Grandpa to his three grandkids. They meant the world to him. There wasn’t a day that passed he didn’t call to check on them and his daughter or an event he was eager to support them in. Family was everything to him.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Laura Mason and his son Kelly Rae Mason. Ralph is survived by his wife of 49 years Susan Mason; daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” and her husband Jesse Schell; granddaughter Courtney Cheyenne Mason, grandson Taylor Austin Schell, granddaughter, Breanna Susanna Schell; his sister Judy Casey; three nephews: Tim, Tom and Ted Casey and their families and a niece Shelley Casey and her family.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com or mailed to 3407 Batchelor Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Charitable donations can be made to the VFW or VA Medical Assisted Living in his honor.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday January 21, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday January 22, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
After Funeral Service
Friday January 22, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday January 21, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday January 22, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
After Funeral Service
Friday January 22, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Dave Schott says
Sue, Betsy, and family. I am sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I still think of you from time to time and wish that Kelly was still around to talk about old times. I have many fond memories.
Tom and Kathy Strub says
Our deep condolences. May you find peace from God and comfort from your memories
anna jones says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Addie Hudak says
I always enjoyed visiting with Ralph everytime I saw him. Thoughts and prayers with the family, during this difficult time.
Jessie Leidholt says
To Ralph”s dear family I want to express how sorry I was to read of his passing. He was really a nice guy and a pleasure to know.
Marcy Parks says
Sue, Betsy, and Courtney, I am so sorry! Love, hugs, and prayers for all of you!
LaRae Tangen says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sue, Sending prayers and condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Jean Jones says
I’m so, so sorry. May your memories bring you comfort.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Eileen remembers working with Ralph at the Glendive hospital in the early 60’s. Vern remembers sharing a beer with Ralph in Wahpeton in 1966. Good people leave behind good memories and Ralph was the best. He will truly be remembered. Thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and Becky.
Mary Rose Bovee says
Will miss his waves while delivering the Miles City Star.
ken&agned drane says
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing he was a good friend for many years he will be missed by so many our thoughts and prayers will be with the family in your time of sorrow
Ron & Shirley Mackney & family says
Sue, Betsy and family. So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. We will always remember all the good times we had with your family around the card table at Dale and Ida Mae’s house. Ralph always kept things lively! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
To. And Barb Finneman says
So sad to here about Ralph. I always enjoyed working income taxes with him. Thoughts and prayers for you and family Sue.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Sue,Betsy, and family, our deepest sympathy at your loss. Ralph will be missed, we enjoyed a lot of visits with him. He will be missed by many, especially his sense of humor, he could brighten anyones day. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lloyd Wind says
Sue and Betsy
Sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. While my time around him was fairly limited, i recall him as being quite outgoing and fun. Of course that was 40 years ago.
I hope you have many good memories of times past and keep them with you.
I think of you two often and hope you are well.
Beth Brunk says
Ralph was an awesome guy. I enjoyed his humor whenever I saw him.
Chris Young says
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Many memories of the two of you. Prayers go out to you
Pam Rogge says
Sue, Betsy, and family, my prayers and condolences on the loss of Ralph. As Shirley M. mentioned, there were many good times had at Dale and Ida Mae’s over the years. I cherish those memories. Take comfort in the good times your family had. Take care and God Bless!
JOLENE TAYLOR says
So so sorry I hope our prayers can help in your loss
Avis Anderson says
Dear Susan and family, It has been many years since DCHS in Glendive, but I still remember you and Ralph as “a couple”. I don’t know where the years of gone but here we all are. God bless and be with you all in the days ahead. You will miss him, but God is good and the memories are sweet.
Linda Frank says
Family of Ralph: I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was such a good friend in our high school years.
Although we lost contact through the years I always remember him as a kind and true friend. And funny – always made you laugh when down. Please know I am thinking of your family and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you are going through this sad time. Linda (Thomson) Frank