Ralph Earl Stevens, Jr.

06/07/1927 — 04/16/2007

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Portland, Oregon

Ralph Earl Stevens, Jr.

Ralph Earl Stevens Jr., 79, of Richland, passed away April 16, 2007, at his home in Richland.

He was born June 7, 1927 in Portland, Oregon to Gayle and Ralph Stevens. He spent his childhood years in the Portland area until his family moved across the river to Battleground Washington. He graduated from Battleground High School in June of 1945 and like many of his fellow classmates he immediately joined the Navy to fight in World War II. After the war he attended Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. In 1948, he came to Richland to work on the construction of McNary Dam. He soon after met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Lee Derby, and they began their 54 years of wedded devotion.

Ralph's working life was predominantly in the construction field. He worked on and off the Hanford site for many years as a QC inspector and material coordinator. For nine years he also owned and managed Able Industrial Supply in Pasco.

He loved baseball and coached Little League and Pony league for many years. His philosophy to play all the team members may have upset a few people in the stands, but his boys appreciated it.

Ralph's interests were varied, but he was always interested in politics and as a young man was quite active in political activities. An avid newspaper reader and news watcher, you could always get a lively conversation going about current events. He loved the Oregon coast and camping with his children. Later in life, the love of his life got him interested in musical theater and treks to Las Vegas.

It's not difficult to take the measure of this man. He was simply the most responsible, supportive, and steadfast husband, father, grandfather, and brother to be found. This devotion was most clearly demonstrated when he lovingly cared for Dorothy through her terminal cancer struggle, dying a little each day with her.

Ralph is survived by his brother Leon and wife Barb Stevens Beaverton, OR; his sister Vonda and husband John Grosshans Hayden, ID; his brother-in-law David Derby; his daughter Terry and husband Dave Broussard; his daughter Vella and husband Mike Duncan; his son Robert and special friend Anita Bromley; and his son Mark and wife Pam Stevens all of Richland.

He also leaves his nine beloved grandchildren, Ben Stevens, Jamie and Jorgie Broussard all of Los Angeles, CA, Anna Stevens of Burien, WA, Gayle Duncan of Seattle, WA, Megan and Nora Duncan, Laura Stevens, and Nick Stevens, all of Richland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his sister Karolee Rumelhart; and his parents Gayle and Ralph Stevens.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday April 21, 2007 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial in Ralph's name be given to the Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick W A 99336.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Erick Isaacson and his staff and Dr. Gladson Vaz and his staff for their support and care.

Dorothy and Ralph together forever. . .

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Ralph Earl Stevens, Jr.

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  • Dear Terry, Vella, Mark and Bob,

    I just want you to know that your Dad and Mom were the greatest couple ever!! Ralph had the biggest heart of gold, of anyone that I have ever known, and his sincerity and smile will never be forgotten. He and I had this long standing joke about me forgetting his name, when I was introducing him to a friend one time, over 34 years ago when we were related, and he’s never let me live that down, and has always fondly called himself, ole “whats-his-name” whenever he saw me, over all these years since then, and would always laugh and give me a big hug. His love for you was so outstanding, and he loved you all so much, I know that he will always live in your hearts forever. He and Dorothy did such an awesome job of raising you four, and you should be so proud to have had that wonderful experience of two parents that loved you so deeply. Keep your love for each other close, and keep that special bond between the four of you going forever, and know that they are smiling down on you from above. All My Love, Sandy

    Sandy Burden
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • The Stevens Family; Although I have not met any of you, I want to pass on my sympathies to you at this difficult time. I worked closely with Ralph when I first came to Hanford and had the utmost respect for him and his way. We had quite a few “detailed” discussions on both work and other matters. I also knew and respected Dorothy. I will remember them both for years.

    Carl R. Wallskog
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Bob, Ben, Anna, Nico & Steven’s Family

    Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you at this difficult time.

    Knowing the love Ralph and Dorothy shared together find comfort in the knowledge that they are once again united.

    Treasure the memories, remember the good times you shared as a family and Dorothy and Ralph will forever be with you in your hearts.

    Love,

    Judy & Kit

    Judy Vogel
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, US
  • So sorry to hear about your Father, Bob. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Bruce and Debbie Boudreau
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Words just do not express the feelings I have experienced upon hearing of my dear uncle’s death. Shock .. sadness .. sympathy .. regret. It’s amazing how you take for granted those in your life who have always been there and have been such a big part on your memories. I’ll miss my uncle for what he represented to me. A gentle, funny, affectionette man. Mom loved her brother beyond measure and it showed whenever she spoke of him. As those in our lives finish there “race” and find rest for eternity, we all will feel the emptiness of their passing. It’s as though I now need to step up and become what they were to me and others in our family. They have passed the torch and it’s frightening to think we now carry it onward. As I watched all my little 2nd cousins yesterday, I hoped that they, too, would have the wonderful memories of their aunts and uncles as I do. It challenges me to become that loving, gentle, and affectionette aunt to my neices and newphews; and more importantly, to my brother and sisters. It’s going to be hard filling the shoes of both Uncle Ralph and mom! I only hope that I can come close. God bless them for who they were and those of us who loved them dearly…

    Lezlee

    Lezlee Mayo
    November 4, 2014
    US
  • We have so many good memories of Ralph and Dorothy from the Jones days the good old days. We have been talking with Opal Devine about Frank, and so many of our friends who worked there. It was a great group of people. Our best wishes go to all of you in this time of sorrow and memory. Daryl and Pat Jonson.

    Daryl and Pat Jonson
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, US
  • Terri, Vella, Bob, and Leroy,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph was an original. I made the mistake of asking him his opinion once on a political matter while waiting for Leroy at the old Birch house. About an hour later he was done explaining and Leroy and I were off for the evening, a little late, but much enlightened.Take care of yourselves.

    Mike Davis

    Mike Davis
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, US
  • Dear Terry, Vella, Mark and Bob,

    I just want you to know that your Dad and Mom were the greatest couple ever!! Ralph had the biggest heart of gold, of anyone that I have ever known, and his sincerity and smile will never be forgotten. He and I had this long standing joke about me forgetting his name, when I was introducing him to a friend one time, over 34 years ago when we were related, and he’s never let me live that down, and has always fondly called himself, ole “whats-his-name” whenever he saw me, over all these years since then, and would always laugh and give me a big hug. His love for you was so outstanding, and he loved you all so much, I know that he will always live in your hearts forever. He and Dorothy did such an awesome job of raising you four, and you should be so proud to have had that wonderful experience of two parents that loved you so deeply. Keep your love for each other close, and keep that special bond between the four of you going forever, and know that they are smiling down on you from above. All My Love, Sandy

    Sandy Burden
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • The Stevens Family; Although I have not met any of you, I want to pass on my sympathies to you at this difficult time. I worked closely with Ralph when I first came to Hanford and had the utmost respect for him and his way. We had quite a few “detailed” discussions on both work and other matters. I also knew and respected Dorothy. I will remember them both for years.

    Carl R. Wallskog
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Bob, Ben, Anna, Nico & Steven’s Family

    Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you at this difficult time.

    Knowing the love Ralph and Dorothy shared together find comfort in the knowledge that they are once again united.

    Treasure the memories, remember the good times you shared as a family and Dorothy and Ralph will forever be with you in your hearts.

    Love,

    Judy & Kit

    Judy Vogel
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, US
  • So sorry to hear about your Father, Bob. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Bruce and Debbie Boudreau
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Words just do not express the feelings I have experienced upon hearing of my dear uncle’s death. Shock .. sadness .. sympathy .. regret. It’s amazing how you take for granted those in your life who have always been there and have been such a big part on your memories. I’ll miss my uncle for what he represented to me. A gentle, funny, affectionette man. Mom loved her brother beyond measure and it showed whenever she spoke of him. As those in our lives finish there “race” and find rest for eternity, we all will feel the emptiness of their passing. It’s as though I now need to step up and become what they were to me and others in our family. They have passed the torch and it’s frightening to think we now carry it onward. As I watched all my little 2nd cousins yesterday, I hoped that they, too, would have the wonderful memories of their aunts and uncles as I do. It challenges me to become that loving, gentle, and affectionette aunt to my neices and newphews; and more importantly, to my brother and sisters. It’s going to be hard filling the shoes of both Uncle Ralph and mom! I only hope that I can come close. God bless them for who they were and those of us who loved them dearly…

    Lezlee

    Lezlee Mayo
    November 4, 2014
    US
  • We have so many good memories of Ralph and Dorothy from the Jones days the good old days. We have been talking with Opal Devine about Frank, and so many of our friends who worked there. It was a great group of people. Our best wishes go to all of you in this time of sorrow and memory. Daryl and Pat Jonson.

    Daryl and Pat Jonson
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, US
  • Terri, Vella, Bob, and Leroy,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph was an original. I made the mistake of asking him his opinion once on a political matter while waiting for Leroy at the old Birch house. About an hour later he was done explaining and Leroy and I were off for the evening, a little late, but much enlightened.Take care of yourselves.

    Mike Davis

    Mike Davis
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, US
  • Bob, Ben, Anna, Nick, Terry, Stevens’ family,

    Deb and I wanted you to know that we’re thinking of you more today than ever. Our prayers go out to you and hope that you can find a quiet and peaceful place to remember the good that Ralph and Dorothy shared with you these past years.

    John and Debbie Ahrens
    November 4, 2014
    Columbia, IL, US
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