Ralph L. Smith

Ralph Smith, 90, of Twin Falls, passed away on March 24, 2012 in Twin Falls, Idaho. Ralph was born in Twin Falls to Ralph B. and Cora Mussell Smith. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1939 and attended Whitman College, class of1943. Ralph studied pre-law at Whitman and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He entered military service in 1942 with the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He served in the Photographic Center in New York City. As a boy Dad started working in the Twin Falls Title and Abstract Co. His father founded this company upon arriving in Twin Falls in 1907. Dad continued in the title insurance business until his retirement in 1986. He was a life member of BPOE #1183 and a past commander of the American Legion. In May 1946, he married Catherine Madigan in New York City. They raised three children, Veronica (Jim) Hoggatt, Twin Falls, ID, Virginia (Mike) MacBride, Bellingham, WA, and Ralph Madigan Smith (deceased 1994). He married Lena J. Cheney in June 1985. Ralph is survived by his wife Lena, his daughters, Sister Dorothy (Craig) McGee, Seattle, WA, grandchildren Ginger (Jarad) Skaley, Elsbeth Hoggatt and Jesse Gomes Smith. He is also survived by step-children Sandra (Ron) Laine, Livermore, CA, Gail (Tom) Lowman, Gooding, ID and Elwood (Nancy) Cheney, Meridian, ID. He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine, son Ralph, and Sisters Geraldine and Patricia. Dad was a man of many interests and hobbies. From a young age he was an accomplished amateur photographer with his own darkroom. He also enjoyed snow skiing, fly fishing, woodworking and gardening. His sharp sense of humor and extensive knowledge of Twin Falls history will be sorely missed. Many thanks to Terry, Robert, Paul and Sara who were so dedicated in keeping Ralph comfortable during his last days. Funeral services for Ralph will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home Twin Falls Chapel, 2551 Kimberly Rd. at 10 AM. Burial will follow at the Twin Falls Cemetery. Those who wish may share memories and condolences to the family at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the caring direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.