Ralph Wayne Denton

Surrounded by his loving family and lifelong friends, Ralph Wayne Denton, 74, of Twin Falls went home to be with our Lord and Savior on March 27, 2013. Ralph was born July 16, 1938 in Quapaw, Oklahoma to Maude Mae (Pliler) and Ralph Calvin Denton. He was the third of five children and the first-born son. He was a favorite playtoy for his older sisters, and the apple of his grandfather's eye. His family moved to Murtaugh, Idaho when Ralph was nine years old. He graduated from Murtaugh High School in 1955, and went to work with his father drilling water wells throughout Idaho and Nevada. Ralph married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Frances Marie Hoover on September 20, 1958. He worked as a well driller and took over the family business when his father passed, with Frances traveling along with him. Their first-born daughter, Angela, brought a new joy and excitement to his life. Then ten years later, Ralph and Frances welcomed another daughter, Amy, to complete their family. Ralph continued drilling wells, but missed his family when away, so he took a position with U.S. Steel, working with farmers selling fertilizer and chemicals. He managed a U.S. Steel plant in Hansen, then moved to Rangens, Inc. in a similar capacity in the Curry/Filer/Buhl area. After a number of years with that company, Ralph played an active part in the development of Plant Foods, Inc. and devoted his working years to developing relationships with and serving his farming customers. Ralph worked for PFI until his death. Ralph was a very active man. He enjoyed archery, horse-showing, and team roping in his earlier years. He was passionate about raising sheep on the family's acreage, breeding registered suffolks, then 4H lambs for kids in his later years. Ralph was very involved as a 4H sheep club leader, guiding both daughters and granddaughters through the 4H program. He maintained his involvement in the 4H Program after they had grown, serving as a sheep show judge at fairs around the state and region. He eventually became the Superintendent of the sheep barn for the Twin Falls County Fair. Ralph also served two terms on the Twin Falls County Fair Board, with one of those terms as the chairman. Ralph's faith in God sustained him throughout his life and he was devoted to his church, The First Christian Church in Twin Falls, where he served as an elder. Ralph was a stoic, honest, Christian man who lived a life of integrity and faithfulness. Ralph is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances; his daughters, Angela (Jim) Baker, and Amy (Travis) Rothweiler; his two granddaughters, Darbie (Tom) Chocker and Rylie Baker; and his two grandsons, David and Jackson Rothweiler. He is also survived by three sisters (Lela Alexander, Lola Stecklein, and Sharon Ross), one brother (Donald Denton), and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter. A service in celebration of Ralph's life will be held Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the First Christian Church at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of him to the First Christian Church of Twin Falls. Those who wish may share memories and condolences on Ralph's memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.