Ralph Keith Snoozy

BELLE FOURCHE - Ralph Keith Snoozy, 69, died Friday, January 7, 2005, at his residence near Belle Fourche. Ralph Keith Snoozy was born on December 16,1935, at Redig, South Dakota, the oldest of seven children born to Jim and Dorothy (Ginsbach) Snoozy. He grew up in Belle Fourche, graduating from Belle Fourche High School in 1953. After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps. On March 10, 1960 he married Patsy Marie Boyer. During his twenty-year Marine Corps career they lived in California, Indiana, and Georgia. Keith also served overseas. While in the service, he received many medals including the Good Conduct Medal with four stars, a National Defense Medal with one star, the Vietnam Medal with three stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm and frame, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon his retirement in 1973, Ralph and Patsy returned to Belle Fourche with their four children. He went to work for Baroid Bentonite Company, retiring after more than twenty years there. He worked the last few years with his brothers at Big Boys Toys as an auto salesman. Keith enjoyed spending time with his family, going to grandkids' events, playing cards, and occasionally golfing. He especially enjoyed and looked forward to his yearly brothers' reunion. Keith was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was loved greatly by all of his family and will be deeply missed. He has gone on to be with the Lord and his loving wife Patsy and father Jim for eternity. Survivors include his mother Dorothy Sorenson; two sons Robert and Marlette Snoozy, Sundance WY, Jim and Kristen Snoozy, Ridgefield, WA; two daughters; Lisa and Jerry Rhoads, Belle Fourche, and Kim and Tim Eymer, Spearfish; thirteen grandchildren, April, Heather, Jerilynn, and Arron Rhoads, Brendon and Brittany Eymer, Jonathan and Nicole Snoozy, Colter, Wyatt, and Madalynn Snoozy, Shelly and Sarah Kroeger, two great-grandchildren; Preston and Wesley, and stepson Doug and Shirley Kroeger. Keith is also survived by five brothers; Wayne and Sherry Snoozy, Eldon and Maria Snoozy, Chuck and Julie Snoozy, Mike and Barb Snoozy; and Bill and Deb Snoozy, one sister Gail and Don Didow; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy, in 1996, his father Jim Snoozy, and stepfather George Sorenson. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 11, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at The Kline-Frost Funeral Chapel in Belle Fourche. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 12, at 10 a.m., at St. Paul's Catholic Church, with Fr. Tim Hoag officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Pine Slope Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the Belle Fourche Honor Guard.