Nov. 11, 1923 - Aug. 4, 1996

Former Jackson Hole resident Ralph O. Horney died Aug. 4 at his home west of Riverton. He was 72. The following obituary was provided by Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.

Ralph was born Nov. 11, 1923, in Sheridan, Wyo., to Clyde and Francis Horney. He attended school in Sheridan and spent his younger years working on several ranches. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1941 and served until December 1945.

On Aug. 2, 1946, Ralph married Ruth Kane of Riverton. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary,

Ralph went to work for Mountain Bell Telephone Company in February 1946. He held several positions with the company, including two stints in Jackson Hole: 1951-1954 and 1963-1964. He retired from the engineering department in Riverton in 1982.

Ralph taught hunter safety classes for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for 28 years and also for the Junior Rifle Club. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, archery and golf. He also spent many happy hours with his grandchildren.

Ralph was a member of the National Rifle Association, National Archery Association, American Legion of Dubois and the Riverton Elk’s Club.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Riverton; daughters Joyce Goetzfried and her husband Al of Broomfield, Colo.; Kathryn Fisher and her husband Joe of Roundup, Mont.; Becky DuBry and her husband Donald of Lander, Wyo; seven granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; one nephew; two nieces; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Horney; his mother, Frances Hinman; his stepfather, Russell Hinman; a sister, Irene Rodgers; a brother, Deva Musgrave; and a nephew, Ted Musgrave.

Ralph was a heavy smoker and fought cancer of the larynx for three years.

At his request, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service was held Aug. 10 at the Davis Funeral Home in Riverton. The family appreciate memorials be sent to "Help for Health Van" at St. Jude's Hospital for Children of the Little Wind Hospice of Riverton, in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main, Riverton, Wyo.

Jackson Hole News - Aug. 14, 1996.