RALPH F. SMITH

Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home

Ralph was born September 1, 1919, in Astoria, Oregon. Ralph passed away peacefully at home March 14, 2011, in his favorite chair. They have lived in Pasco since 1950. His parents farmed in Oregon and Washington, where Ralph grew up. He was in the Air Force during WWII. After the service, he went to the University of Washington and WSU. While at WSU he met the love of his life Trula Selph in 1949. They were married 12/27/1950.

Ralph and his father Frank started Smith Truck & Tractor in 1949. Smith Truck & Tractor sold International Harvester Farm Machinery, Trucks & appliances. Later changing brands to Allis Chalmers Tractors and Gleaner Combines. Ralph's son Kirk worked at the dealership during summer breaks from Western Washington University, joining the dealership full time in 1979. Ralph & Kirk sold the business in 2004.

In 1970, Ralph made an Agricultural People to People trip to Europe, visiting parts of Denmark, The Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Germany and Switzerland. It was booked as an informative, educational goodwill mission dedicated to improving relations between America and Europe.

Ralph was active in the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Pasco/ Kennewick Rotary Club and the Pasco United Methodist church.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents Frank & Lydia Smith and his brother Clarence Smith. He is survived by His wife Trula of Pasco, his son Kirk and wife Gail of Pasco, his daughter Carolee Birge of Kennewick and one grandson Billy Birge III of Finley.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union St., Kennewick, with burial to follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.

The family invites you to sign their on-line guest book at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.

Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home in Pasco is in charge of the arrangements.