He farmed with his family until inducted into the U.S. Army in 1946 and served in Korea. After returning from his enlistment, he married Emma Lou Wilbanks on March 17, 1949 in Ft. Morgan. They resided in Wiggins where they farmed and raised their family. For many years they raised potatoes for Frito Lay.
After retiring from farming, Ralph and Lou raised registered Texas Longhorn cattle, traveling extensively to various cattle shows and sales throughout the U.S. In 1980 they moved to Greeley and enjoyed many years of travel throughout the southwest in their motorhome. The McElraths were members of the Good Sam Motor Home Association.
He enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes and cards with family and friends. He and Lou were avid golfers.
One of his proudest moments was as a member of the Military Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with other WWII veterans.
Ralph enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. His granddaughter, Amy enjoyed several trips with Ralph and Lou in their motorhome. He never missed a 4H or FFA activity for his grandson Wade, or dance recitals for his great-granddaughters, Ashleigh and Chloe.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Ft. Morgan, the Greeley Moose Lodge and lifetime member of the Ft. Morgan Elks.
A Graveside service to Celebrate Ralphs life will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Linn Grove Cemetery.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 69 years, Emma Lou of Greeley, daughters, Betty (Richard) Neb of Greeley and Cyndi (Brad) Hofmeister of Ft. Morgan; granddaughter, Amy (Nathan) Sassano of Johnstown; grandson, Wade Hofmeister of Ft. Morgan and great-granddaughters, Ashleigh and Chloe Sassano of Johnstown.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister and two infant daughters.
Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnuttgreeley.com
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