Ralph Gifford III, most recently from Gridley, KS, died after an unexpected illness on March 2nd at the age of 75. He was born in Wellington, KS and took great pride in being a Kansan and all that that entailed. From the blowing wheat fields to the “Rock Chalk” Chant. From the straight, flat roads, ideal for drag racing to the work ethic imbued by working harvest.
He was fond of fast cars, Jayhawk victories and ol’ time country music…’none of that new nonsense.” He loved to travel and his next trip to Hawaii was always somewhere in his thoughts. He got up way too early and worked way too hard. The man could not only fix anything but design & build it from scratch too.
He was a mechanical engineer by trade and worked for Paccar Manufacturing, Dart Trucking, Deutz-Allis (Allis Chalmers) and retired from Preco Industries in 2017. He also ran his own company (CADD Services) for many years in the early 90’s. One of his designs was even patented, but it was the “property of his employer”…so an early, wealthy retirement wasn’t to be.
He ate peanut butter by the spoonful
Peppered his food without the lids
He raced Corvettes until he couldn’t
Not practical with 4 kids
His friends called him Ralph
To family he was RJ No dinner check was safe No bill would he let you pay
He was happiest out of doors
When young, on water skies
Later he was just as happy To grab the lawnmower keys
His dog Razzle made him happy
Your being late made him mad
He suffered no fool ever
So proud to call him dad
In addition to his parents Ralph J Gifford Jr and Wanda Faye Gifford, he was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Kay Gifford, wife Linda Lea Gifford and grandson Nathan Michael Carr. He was loved and will be missed by sisters Myrtle Ida Alice Katz (Lyle), Mabel Irene Jantz and Marilyn Faye Jantz. With his first wife and lifelong friend Helen Sue Gifford, he had 4 children, LaDonna Kay Thompson (Bret), George William Gifford (Diana), Loretta May Mann (Anthony) and Justin Lee Gifford (Shannon). He also had 3 stepchildren from his 2nd marriage. Richard Michael Markovich (Tasha), Matthew Paul Markovich and Jacob David Markovich (Shiloh). His grandchildren included Va’Shon Tyree Moore, Tyandra La’Kysha Moore, Zachary Bryant Gifford, Brandy Alize’ Rivers, Aidan Ralph Gifford, Ewan Virgil Gifford, Ava Katy Gifford, Kassie Henderson, Donovan David Markovich & Jade Iliana Markovich. As well as 2 great grandchildren, Remi Ellis Moore & Millie J Moore.
Please respect Ralph’s and the family’s wishes to hold a private Celebration of Life.
