La Grande, Oregon
Ralph Edwin McCoy
Ralph Edwin McCoy, 90, of La Grande, died June 2 at a local care home. A private family graveside service is planned for 10 a.m. June 19 at the Grandview Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend a casual dress celebration of life potluck at 1 p.m. at Riverside Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Loveland Funeral Chapel.
Ralph was born March 25, 1917, to Dell and Mintie (Neal) McCoy in La Grande. On April 3, 1935, he married Margaret Young. They were married nearly 72 years at the time of her death earlier this year.
Ralph was raised in the Mount Glen area outside of La Grande at the foot of Mount Emily and attended Mount Glen School through the eighth grade. He began farming at an early age and bought his own place at Mount Glen. He lived his entire life in the Grande Ronde Valley. Beginning in 1940, he was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a clerk until his retirement in 1977.
Ralph enjoyed farming and was an excellent horseman. He loved the mountains and hunting. He shared these passions with many good friends and family.
In later years he enjoyed reminiscing and telling old hunting, farming and railroading stories.
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Gary and Charlotte McCoy of Joseph and Darlene Chandler of Boise; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Ellis McCoy of Klamath Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union County Meals on Wheels.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending June 9, 2007 Published: June 9, 2007
Transcribed by Dixie Ricker