It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Ralph Galen Smith announce that he passed peacefully at home, with family by his side on July 25, 2018, at the age of 84.
Ralph was born to Louis and Edna (Fredholm) Smith on December 10, 1933 in Topeka, Kansas, the youngest of five boys. The Smith family moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri where dad attended primary school, and later relocated to Caldwell, Idaho, where he graduated high school. Growing up on farms during the Depression, dad understood the value of hard work, and carried that principle with him his entire life.
After graduation, dad proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Seattle to live near his brothers and began his career with City Light. In 1969, Ralph married the love of his life, Catalina. Soon after, he and Catalina moved to the Beacon Hill neighborhood, where they started their family, raised their two daughters and were parishioners at St. Peter Parish. Dad's interests included gardening, sports, reading and puzzle solving.
Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers Duane, Paul, Ivan and Loren. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Catalina, and their two children Rachel (Ben) Saunders and Kaye (Danny) Jacobs; grandchildren Nia, Grace, Christopher and Franklin, and many nieces and nephews.
Dad will be remembered lovingly for his quiet strength and solid character, but most of all, he will be remembered for his love of his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He led a humble life, and will be sorely missed.
A rosary and viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 2 and Friday, August 3 at Yarington Funeral Home, 10708 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 4 at Noon at St. Peter Parish, 2807 15th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, with a reception afterwards in the parish hall. Burial will follow at Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th St Shoreline, WA 98155.
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