Ralph McKelvy, 95

Ralph Monroe McKelvy, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 95 on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Ralph is survived by his children, Michael (Betty) McKelvy of Ketchikan, Alaska and Virginia (Wayne) Dorsey, Gregory Rose and Debra Greene, all of Post Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Rob Dorsey, Jake Rose, Jessica Lusby, Jamie Spranget, Michelle Bushnell, Michael Greene, Daniel McKelvy, Steven McKelvy, and Daniel Rose. Also surviving him are several great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ina (Vance) McKelvy, three brothers, Raymond, Earl, and Leonard, and three sisters, Lilla, Ruth, and Margie.

Ralph was born on September 2, 1927, in Irondale, Washington. In 1930, the family moved to Belfair, Washington and lived on a small farm. He spent many happy days fishing the Union River. Ralph attended school in Belfair, graduating from the 8th grade, he went on to attend high school in Port Orchard, Washington. In 1944, he joined the Merchant Marines and received an honorable discharge in December 1945.

Work was an integral part of his life, starting in the 6th grade working for Evergreen Parking Co. for two years. During high school, he worked at the Bremerton Shipping Yards. During his young adulthood, he worked in the logging industry, but construction and running heavy equipment were where his heart and soul were. Ralph was employed by N.A. Degerstorm of Spokane, Washington for 33 years, retiring in 1994 as Job Superintendent of the Getchel Mine in Winnemucca, Nevada.

He was first married to Lois Jacobs in 1946 and they had a son Michael McKelvy. In 1950 Ralph married Bonnie Hewlett. In that union, Debra was born. In 1956 he met and married his soulmate and love of his life, Geneva Rose. They shared 50 wonderful years together before she passed in February 2006. In 1956 they made their life and home in Post Falls, Idaho.

In 2008 he met Mildred Prater and enjoyed her companionship, traveling, and dancing, until her passing.

Ralph was a member of the Eagles, Kootenai 24 Masons, the Shriners, and local #370.

Visitation is Monday, August 28, 2023, from 11am to 1pm with Funeral Service at 1pm at English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls. Interment Evergreen Cemetery.

Donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W Prairie Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815