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Ralph Andrews Obituary

Published by Billings Gazette on Jan. 17, 2008.

On Jan. 11, 2008, Ralph Andrews went to be with his maker.
Ralph was born in Billings on May 6, 1921, to Minnie and Frank Andrews, who owned a dairy farm in what is now Lockwood.
Ralph was a victim of Infantile Paralysis Syndrome, a.k.a. polio, and was severely disabled at birth. He spent many years at the Boulder River School & Hospital. Against all odds, somewhere around 1970, he was released from Boulder and began his long journey towards independent living. Upon his release from the institution, he lived in a nursing home in Hardin and Red Lodge. From there, he lived in Joliet and then back to Red Lodge, where he worked at Beartooth Industries and lived in an apartment with a roommate and help from support staff.
In 2000, Ralph retired from Beartooth Industries and relocated to Billings. He enjoyed his many travels, friends and countless hours at the Cracker Barrel. He loved country western music and enjoyed listening to Lonnie Bell. In October of 2007, Ralph took his last road trip, to Branson, Mo., which he enjoyed immensely.
The only known survivor is Nadine Chance of Cambridge, Idaho, along with many friends and his dedicated support staff.
A special thanks to the caring staff at Rocky Mountain Hospice for all their help during this difficult time. Ralph will be missed by all who were lucky enough to get to know him. I miss you, pal!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Beartooth Industries of Red Lodge, Rocky Mountain Hospice or S.T.E.P. Inc.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Ralph's life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Best Western Motel, 4915 Southgate Drive (across from Geyser Park).
Arrangements are by Cremation or Funeral Gallery.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.

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Recent Activity

January 17, 2008

Daniel Mills Sr. posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2008

Mary Prevost posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2008

Nadine Chance posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Daniel Mills Sr.

January 17, 2008

Goodbye old friend. No more road trips for us now. I will miss you.

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Mary Prevost

January 17, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Nadine Chance

January 17, 2008

You will always be loved and remembered. You touched so many hearts over the years. Ralph, thank you for all you brought to this earth. God Bless you.

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