Ralph Dale Moss

Ralph Dale Moss, 96, of Grand Junction, CO, passed away on Sunday, July 7th, 2024. Ralph was born in Menlo, Kansas, to John S. and Susie Nellie (Cork) Moss. He moved with his family to Palisade, CO, where he graduated from Palisade High School in 1946. Ralph served bravely in the US Navy during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, retiring after 20 years of service with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After retiring in 1969, Ralph returned to Palisade where he cultivated peaches, owned a backhoe business, served as the town foreman for Palisade, drove for Avis, and worked in real estate. He was deeply involved in his community, a proud member of DAV, Good Sam's Club, and a devoted member of Palisade Church of the Nazarene, where he also volunteered at the food bank. Ralph was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3981, serving as Quarter Master and Commander, a charter member of Fleet Reserve Branch 244 with 50 years of continuous service, and an Honor Guard at the VA cemetery. Ralph married Theona Flannigan on September 14th, 1985, and they made their home in Palisade. Together, they enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, John and Susie Moss, sister Bernice Kaiser, brother Harry Moss, and son Ralph John Moss. He is survived by his wife Theona, sister Ruth Nelson, daughters Marie (David) Hall, Nancy (Ralph) Eighmy, Janice Hall, Jayne Moss, and Kim (Paul) Howard, son Richard Moss, as well as stepchildren Nick (Brenda) Flanagan and Connie Flanagan. Ralph also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Monday, July 22nd, at Palisade Church of the Nazarene, followed by burial at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction at 1 pm.