Lifelong Sheridan County resident, Ralph E. Newcomer, passed away June 1, 2012 with his family at his side.

Ralph was born August 25, 1916 in the family home at Banner, WY to Edwin V. and Eva (Riggle) Newcomer where he spent his childhood. He attended Linden School in Sheridan for his first three grades, and then finished grade school at Red Butte School, located on the Newcomer ranch. Ralph graduated Sheridan High School in 1934, and attended the University of Wyoming one year.

On Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940 Ralph married Nellie Jane Williams, thus uniting two pioneer families of the Banner community. In 1943 they purchased the original homestead of Ralph's grandfather, Fredrick Newcomer, on Prairie Dog Creek. In 1947 Ralph started in the dairy business with a few shorthorn cows purchased from his father. He later bought some Holsteins and a registered Holstein bull, and built his dairy herd. Milk and meat, along with produce from a large vegetable garden and apple orchard provided a good supply of food for the family. Besides being an excellent farmer, Ralph was quite self sufficient being a skilled carpenter, mechanic, electrician, and plumber.

Ralph and Nellie raised their three daughters and operated the dairy until 1967 when they moved into Sheridan. Following the move, Ralph worked for the Wyoming Highway De pt. and The Spot Garage until his retirement. During his years in Sheridan, he continued to raise a large garden, and honed his skills at woodworking. Many of his creations reside in the homes of family and friends. In March of 2011 Ralph and Nellie celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle teaching children the values and skills they could carry through life. Helping your neighbors was a way of life. Throughout the years, Ralph was active in Farm Bureau, Dairy Herd Improvement Association (winning many awards), Elks Lodge, Masons, and the Shrine. He was a member of the First Congregational Church. Ralph served as the Associate Guardian of Job's Daughters, Bethel #5 while his daughters were active members. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, cards, and a good old-fashioned picnic.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and wife Nellie; brothers: Fred, Edwin, and Earl; and sisters: Ruth and Esther.

He is survived by his daughters: Sandra (Jerry) Solberg of Martinsdale, MT, Elva (Pete) Carroll, and Linda Morris of Sheridan; grandchildren: Travis (Brenda) Morris, Geoffrey (Brenda) Solberg, Bret (Betsy) Carroll, Boyd Carroll, Stacy (Josh) Coonfield, and Spencer Morris; great-grandchildren: Gavyn and Rylee Solberg, Thomas Morris, Emmy and Milla Carroll.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate Ralph's life on Friday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First Congregational Church. Burial of the cremains will take place in a private family service at Mount Hope Cemetery, Big Horn, WY.

Memorials to honor Ralph may be made to the First Congregational Church at 100 W. Works St, Sheridan, WY 82801, or the donor's choice.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

SheridanMedia.com - June 5, 2012.