Ralph Albers

Ralph Francis Albers, a lifelong western Kansas farmer, cattleman and resident of Oakley, KS, died Friday, July 19, 2019 at the age of 90 years. He was born on September 6, 1928, in Sheridan County, KS to Joseph Anthony and Veronica (Beckman) Albers.

In his early years, Ralph attended Oakley schools until he graduated the eighth grade. During this time, while Ralph’s older brothers were serving their country in WWII, he took on the responsibility of helping run the family farm as the remaining son at home. These times were when Ralph built a foundation for his decades-long career in agriculture. Ralph retired from farming in the fall of 2018 after planting his final wheat crop. Six days before his death, he witnessed the harvesting of the same crop, which resulted in the highest yield of his farming career.

At the young age of 20 years, Ralph met the love of his life, Marcella Ribordy, at the skating rink in Oakley. The two were married on November 24, 1948 in Grainfield, Kansas during the one of the largest blizzards western Kansas had seen for decades. The two built their lives together on the farm and were blessed with eight children, Eulalia, Marvin, Vickie, Elaine, Stan, Sandy, Chris, and Lynn. In 2009, Ralph reluctantly moved from the farm and into town at Marcella’s wish. They spent the remainder of their days there enjoying life in town until Marcella’s passing in March of 2018. In all, the couple were married sixty-nine years.

Family was always a priority for Ralph. Even in the lean years, he always provided for his family. As a father, Ralph laid a solid foundation for his children teaching them the value of hard work. He also made time for activities like hunting, fishing, camping and family trips. As a grandfather, Ralph held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them on the farm, especially when they rode along in his John Deere tractors and combines or on his infamous yellow Kawasaki three-wheeler.

Ralph and Marcella loved to be around people and host large gatherings, whether they be for the holidays with the family or seasonal events such as opening weekend for pheasant season, where they often had over 60 guests. Together, they knew no strangers and welcomed everybody as “family” in their home. Outside of bringing people into their home, they enjoyed social events like playing cards, going to dances, and keeping up with their grandchildren and their life endeavors.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marcella; brothers, Joe, George, Bernard and Arnold; sister Eulalia Albers; granddaughter Stacy Taylor; great-grandson Elijah Lampe and grandson-in-law Noah Favaregh.

He is survived by his children, Eulalia (Gary) Muschik, Union Bridge, MD, Marvin (Bette) Albers, Oakley, Vickie (Rich) Farney, Wilson, KS, Elaine (Ken) Ptacek, Colby, KS, Stan Albers, Hoxie, KS, Sandy (Monty) Moore, Monument, KS, Chris (Terri) Albers, Oakley and Lynn (Vivian) Albers, Pagosa Springs, CO; 23 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School or Logan County Healthcare Foundation in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com