Ralph was born June 29, 1926 to Casper and Inga Nybo. Ralph graduated from Custer High in 1944; he enjoyed playing Baseball for the Pine Hills team, where lifelong friendships remain. He married Ida Fredricksen in 1951 and quickly turned the town girl into a cowgirl. They farmed and ranched together, raising registered Polled Hereford cattle and registered quarter horses. Their racehorses won several big derby´s around the state. Ralph was an original member of the Cow Capital Turf Club. He also served on the boards of: ASCS, Soil Conservation, and was a member of the Eagles.
As a couple, Ralph and Ida were dedicated to family, friends, and neighbors where their hospitality was unmatched. After a stroke in 1986, Ralph was grateful for Ida, and many friends who enabled him to remain on the ranch and carry on the legacy of raising horses. Although his physical body limited him, this Norwegian could not be beaten at cribbage, and enjoyed beating the best of his friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2011 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Burial will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one´s choice.
Lolly, Jerome, Chantel & Adam HummeI says
My memories of Uncle Ralph are many. When I was 7 years old, I lived with my Uncle Ralph and Aunt Ida for over a year. Even at the age of 7, Uncle Ralph would have faith in my abilities to steer the truck in the right direction- straight as I would like to remember. He tossed bales of hay to his cows, yelling “come boss!” They would come from over hill and dale to Ralph´s cow talk. At age 7, I thought he was the strongest and the smartest guy I knew. I still do. My uncle never stopped working that ranch. From sun up to sun down, he never stopped. I look back as an adult and wonder how he made time for me-but he just did. My Uncle Ralph used to take me hunting for rocks. I thought every rock was an agate. Ralph would always try to teach me which rocks were really agates. He has been a constant presence in my life for 49 years. That´s who this man was. Every morning he would carry me on his back through that strawberry colored mud to ride with the Bonine family to school. Uncle Ralph, Aunt Ida and I fed those cute calves bottles. He always gave me a chance to be part of everything he was doing. I loved him with my whole heart. My memories are extensive; I have too many to say. However my greatest memory of all is one of Uncle Ralph´s character- devoted Husband, hard worker, honest- a man of the highest integrity. I am just so privileged to say that he is, and will always be, my Uncle Ralph.
I love you, always. Lolly
P.s. And, oh yeah, the best ear wiggler you would ever wanna meet!
Marvin Nelson says
Ralph was a man whom we all loved and respected, and anyone would be proud to be called his friend. He was a very good baseball player and could hit that ball a “country mile.” We sometimes played under strange conditions, using “cow pies,” sagebrush and cactus plants as bases. We shared many memories and I will never forget his smile and quiet demeanor.
Rest in peace, old friend.
Sherry Allison says
I first met Raph ans Ida when I was teenager. We worked cattle, halter-broke colts, went to horse sales, and went to horse races. They made me feel like family and I will greatly miss Ralph. Also my thoughts and prayers are with Ida.
Sherry
Teresa Jenny says
I have many great memories of Ralph. Ralph and Ida lived next to my grandpa in the Pine Hills. When my dad and I would haul cattle out to the Pine Hills we would stop by to see Ralph and Ida. Ralph would always tease me and as a child I never knew quite how to take him. He would shake his finger at me and wink and then I knew he was just teasing. Peace to Ida and the family.
Teresa Jenny
Lynn Holland says
Ida, sorry to hear about Ralph. Thinking of you and your family.
Stu & Anita Hillis says
we are so very sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. I always considered him one of the good guy’s, his sence of humor, always welcomeing us into their home for coffee and a visit, and most of all listining to his stories about his and Ida’s life together. He will be missed.
Dotty Watts says
Dear Ida, What a sad time this is for you. I have thought of the two of you so often, will always remember what a fun couple you were. What a wedding you had! Take care, Love you, Dotty Cauthron Watts
Barb (Bonine) Holcomb says
Ida, I just hear about Ralph’s passing. My deepest sympathies; I’m sure you miss him. I have many memories of you both and playing with Lolly when she visited in the summer. I remember sitting in your kitchen using a corner shelf as a table when I was little during a branding. It was the first time I had ever eaten sour cream. You convinced me it was good and you were right. You and Ralph were always so nice to us. I think the last time I saw him was in 1982/83 when he was in the hospital and I was working there as a candystriper volunteer. You will always be in my mind the best neighbors a kid could have. God Bless, Barb Bonine Holcomb