Ralph Sappington

1952 – 2007

On March 24, 1952, the Lord gave us a great jazz musician, a loving husband, father and friend to all. Ralph Clayton Sappington was born in Oakland and lived in Los Angeles, and was raised by his grandparents. Ralph married the love of his life, Rhonda Jean Higgins on Oct., 20, 1974. They had three children together, Will, Becky and Jody. They lived in Los Angeles until 1991, when Ralph and Rhonda moved their family to Billings to be near Kathy Honaker when she left L.A. to return home. While in Billings, Ralph served in several churches in music ministry, including a decade at American Lutheran serving with Prs. Rafftery and Omland. Most recently, he was a music director at First United Methodist, serving with Pr. Tim Hathaway and was involved in several music and writing projects with his good friend A.J. Kalanick.
Ralph lent his musical talent to numerous projects and events, from community theater and fund-raising events, to individual recording projects and the production of children's stories that touched the lives of many. Ralph also helped shape the lives of hundreds of young musicians, through private lessons and as an adjunct instructor at RMC. But one of Ralph's greatest legacies lies within the musical ministry he performed in South Africa. In assisting with the foundation of the Athlone School of Music in Capetown, he traveled there in 1996 and 2000, taking with him a troop of musicians and teachers, and was planning another trip for the spring of 2008.
Ralph played and recorded with many people over the years, including The Righteous Brothers, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Don Ellis Band, Will Ferrell's father Mr. Lee, The Temptations, The Mills Brothers, Cartune, Carter James, Out of the Blue, Stan Getz, Stevie and the Saints, Glynfiddle, Ronnie Bedford Band and The Usual Band
Ralph was also an accomplished composer, having pursued his education at the California Institute of the Arts in musical composition and literature. Over the years he wrote in such diverse styles as jazz, rock, pop, country and big band and is a published liturgical composer. Recently he was honored with three compositions published in the Lutheran Book of Worship.
Many people often saw Ralph running on the streets of downtown Billings or having coffee at his favorite spot, Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, which he referred to as his office.
On May 12, 2007, with his family and friends at his side. The Lord called his faithful servant home.
Ralph is survived by his wife Rhonda Sappington; son, William Sappington (Kaia), daughter, Rebecca Stinger (Dorian); son, Jody Sappington; granddaughters, Parker Sappington Stinger and Evangeline Sappington; his sister in Christ, Katherine Honaker; sisters, Robin Sappington, Jody Rose Sappington; brother, Tim Sappington and Stepmother Yvonne Sappington. Ralph was preceded in death by his brother Ron Sappington.
Memorial services will be at First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N., at 1:17 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16. Dahl Funeral Home is in charge.
Ralph, like most musicians, did not have health insurance. In lieu of flowers, his friends have requested that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, may do so by making all contributions in the name of the "Ralph Sappington Memorial Fund". Contributions may be sent at this time to the:
Ralph Sappington Memorial Fund
c/o First Interstate Bank
401 N. 31st St.
Billings, MT 59101.
You taught us about life! You taught us that true happiness is in helping others and that reaching your dreams is only as hard as making them possible and then living it. You taught us that life is not something to get through, but a continuous journey to enjoy. That love and laughter light the path for us to follow. You opened our eyes and our hearts and taught us that even in silence you can know love. You have provided us with great lessons. It is now our duty to light the path and share with others the gifts you shared with us.