Keith Ralstin, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Guardian Angel Homes in Lewiston.
The doctor drove through a snowstorm to help with his birth on Dec. 13, 1921, to Grace and Bert Ralstin at Mohler, Idaho. His birthplace became his family's lifelong home.
Keith attended elementary school at Sunset, a country school that later became the shop for his ranch. He graduated from Nezperce High School in 1939 and attended Northwest Christian College for one year before transferring to the University of Idaho. Keith left college to join the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
He attended flight school and officers candidate school in San Antonio. His parents drove his high school sweetheart, Gladys Larson, to San Antonio for their marriage ceremony. Keith was a navigator for trans-Atlantic and European troop and supply transport flights.
He returned to the University of Idaho and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1948. Following graduation, Keith was a county extension agent for Clearwater County and later returned to his roots when he joined his father, Bert, in the Ralstin Hereford Ranch. Keith added a hog operation and helped expand the cattle herd. The ranch/farm operation was his life passion.
Three children were welcomed by Keith and Gladys: Pamela, Anita and Curtis.
Keith contributed to his community and was recognized for his soil conservation, his work with the Lewiston Hereford Association, and his support of Lewis County 4-H. He served the Nezperce Christian Church as deacon and elder, on the Nezperce school board, and as road commissioner for his local district. He contributed to the development of the Lewiston Country Club golf course.
In later years, Keith enjoyed travel and golf and he maintained an interest in the ranch operation now managed by his grandson, Zak Ralstin.
Keith was a man of strong convictions and was willing to speak his mind; he will be remembered for this as well as his willingness to help others and for his ready smile and laugh.
He is survived by his children Anita Ralstin (Paul Logan) of Albuquerque, N.M., and Curt (Barb) Ralstin of Craigmont; sisters Phyllis Goecke of West Richland, and Joyce Ralstin of Chehalis, Wash.; grandchildren Kim Hake Bell, Matthew (Amanda) Yocum, Zak (Kaci) Ralstin, and Wes Ralstin; Mary McMillion, a former wife and devoted friend; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by daughter Pamela; wife Gladys, wife Beth; his parents, Bert and Grace; and his brother, Alvin.
Keith will be honored at a memorial service to be held in the spring. Donation may be made to the Nezperce Christian Church, 703 Fourth Ave., Nezperce.
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