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Ralph Donisthorpe Obituary
His memorial service is 10 a.m. Friday in the Cloyd Chapel, followed by inurnment in the Lewistown City Cemetery. Cloyd Funeral Home and Cremation Service is handling arrangements.
Ralph was born Dec. 2, 1924, to parents Arthur and Edith (Harris) Donisthorpe in Lewistown. He grew up on the family ranch near Christina, attending Christina and Winifred elementary schools, and graduating from Fergus County High School. After high school, Jack entered the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. On April 23, 1950, Jack was united in marriage to Clara Hartman in Great Falls. Jack and Clara farmed and ranched, raising registered Hereford cattle in the Christina area. In 2000, they retired and moved into Lewistown.
Jack always was up for a game of cribbage, poker or pinochle with family or friends. He enjoyed collecting Coke products and attending auctions. He was an avid baseball player and fan who loved the Detroit Tigers and the Lions football team. Later in life, Jack began golfing with his kids and grandkids. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Eagles, American Legion and American Hereford Association, and the former president of Fergus Farm Mutual. Jack adored his wife of 62 years, Clara, and his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Clara, of Lewistown; children Art (Lisa Medvec) of Colstrip, Kay (Jim) Love of University Place, Wash., and Scott (Vickie) of Great Falls; grandchildren Steven (Sable) Donisthorpe of Casper, Wyo., Jacqueline (Andrew) Flikkema of Missoula, Nicole (fiancée Kody Swartz) Donisthorpe of Great Falls, Kristen Donisthorpe of Billings, and Logan and Nolan Donisthorpe of Great Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends are asked to make memorials to the Great Falls Rescue Mission or the charity of their choice, which may be left at Cloyd Funeral Home.
Condolences may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Donisthorpe
March 3, 2012
Clara, our thoughts are with you, Joann Vogl - Chinook Windows
March 2, 2012
Scott, Vickie, and family: Our prayers are with you at this time. We could not help but connect that one year ago on March 3 Michael lost his own father and you were there with prayer and support for he and his family.
Kay and Ted Munson
Pat Fanning
March 1, 2012
Clara and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you!
Betty Sue Riley
March 1, 2012
Clara, Art and Kay. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Denny and Kelly Haverlandt
March 1, 2012
Scott, Vickie and family,
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family over the loss of your dad, Scott.
Denny and Kelly
Deb Peters
February 29, 2012
Our heartfelt sympathies to all of Jack's beloved family members. May your fond memories of Jack bring you solace. Pete & Deb Peters
Mke/Diane/Matt/Jess Moog
February 29, 2012
To the Donisthorpe family. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family at this most difficult time. Deepest sympathies.
February 29, 2012
To Donisthorpe Family, So sorry to here of your loss.I have many good memories of Jack as I was growing up in Lewistown. I'm sure he's looking down on us now,from above.Our prayers are with you. Jeff and Sue Eppers -Great Falls
Renee Lipke-Kuntz
February 29, 2012
Very sorry for your loss. My Prayers are with you.
Tom and Sheryl Toscano
February 29, 2012
Art, Lisa, Steven and Kristen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this most difficult time. May the memories of Dad and Grandpa be your help though your grief. God Bless and much love and lots of hugs.
Peggy Perry
February 29, 2012
Scott and Vickie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember meeting your parents at a volleyball match.
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