Frances Reta Ralph

Frances Reta Ralph passed away at the age of 92 on Friday, October 14, 2022, in Ft. Collins, CO. Reta was born May 14, 1930, the only child of Myrtle & Maurice Wick of Midwest, WY.

Growing up in Midwest, Reta learned to cook and enjoy entertaining friends at an early age from her mother. Reta attended the University of Wyoming on scholarship earning a BA in 1952 in English with minors in journalism and education. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She graduated with interests centered around the arts and music and could play beautiful piano. Reta participated in many organizations including the Ft. Collins Symphony Guild, Colorado Questers, Larimer County Genealogy Association, Sons of Norway, The Nature Conservancy of Colorado and the Charles & Reta Ralph Opera Program at CSU. Reta was an emeritus board member on the University of Wyoming Art Museum in Laramie, WY.

Reta raised her family in Honolulu, Hawaii, before relocating to Ft. Collins, CO in 1972. Her career included teaching at Kamehameha Schools and banking administration. After moving to Ft. Collins, she was employed in human resources until she retired from Colorado State University. Reta married Charles L. Ralph in 1980. Reta enjoyed the company of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.

Reta lost her battle for life fighting Alzheimer's disease. Reta is survived by her husband, Charles, her three children, Scott (Jill), Kyle, Leigh, two stepchildren, Alisa (Pat), Paula (Jay), eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Maurice and mother, Myrtle, and first husband, Jack.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Dementia Together, Windsor, CO, or any Alzheimer organization or the University of Wyoming Art Museum, in Laramie, WY. A private Celebration of Life for Reta will be held in the future.