Ralph David Houdeshell

Ralph David Houdeshell, known to many as "Howdy" passed away unexpectedly on October 24, 2025. Ralph was born on August 27, 1941, in Hellam, PA to David and Gertrude (Fake) Houdeshell. Growing up he attended the one room schoolhouse up the hill from his homestead. When he said he walked uphill both ways to school, he was not kidding. He graduated from William Penn York High School. Howdy ran cross country and track, winning state in cross country in 1958, which opened opportunities to attend the University of Miami to run. He was drafted into the Army for the Vietnam War. He fell in love with Colorado while stationed in Colorado Springs.

Ralph married Sonia Stough in 1963. They moved to Colorado after he returned from Vietnam and landed in Wellington, where he lived for the past 56 years. They had two children, David and Melissa. Ralph was very active in supporting their sporting events, be it coaching or cheering. He also attended every cross country and track meet for his grandsons.

Ralph was a jack of all trades: a mechanic, salesman and lawn care extraordinaire. He was willing to use his mechanic abilities to rescue many stranded motorists. Ralph was active in his church community at Zion and Word of Life. Ralph enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling to many different places and liked to talk about travels on Route 66. His love of Sprint cars and ice cream was legendary.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sonia and four siblings, Jean Scantling, Grace Cooley, Janet Fink and Dale Houdeshell. He is survived by: son-David (Lori) Houdeshell of Fort Collins, CO, daughter- Melissa (Brian) Poletti of Flagstaff, AZ, three grandsons-James (Rachel), John, and Joseph Houdeshell of Fort Collins, CO, one great grandson - Ezra and many family and friends who loved him.

In lieu of flowers enjoy a margarita, slice of lasagna and a big scoop of ice cream.

Services will be held at Front Range Baptist Church on Tuesday, 11/25/2025 at 11:00 am, reception to follow.