Ralph J. Eby

Ralph J. Eby (81) passed away on May 20, 2009 at the Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside gathering on May 30th, 11:00 a.m. at Copeland Cemetery, and a potluck celebration of his life at 1:00 pm at Albert and Terry Solt's home. Ralph J. Eby was born to Joseph L. and Eva L. (Fletcher) Eby on May 5, 1928 in Valentine, Nebraska. In 1935 Dad and his family, including chickens and cows made a 9month journey from Nebraska to Idaho. There were times when some family members would walk, especially on steep grades, because the vehicle would not carry the load. Our grandfather cut and sold firewood to pay for the move west. Dad attended schools here in Boundary County. He left school in 1946 and enlisted in the Army Airforce and was stationed at Nome, Alaska. He received WW II Victory Medal and was discharged Oct 12, 1949. On April 4, 1950, here in Bonners Ferry, Idaho he married his soul mate, Edna 'Dolly' Cameron. They shared a good life together until Mom's death in 1981. Through out his life he loved the outdoors, beginning in the spring with mushroom hunting, fishing, huckleberry picking, fishing, cutting firewood and more fishing. One of his favorite fishing holes was Spar Lake over in Montana. Our Dad also loved to garden, and he played a mean harmonica. During the 50's and 60's he supported his family by logging and cutting and selling firewood. Our Dad was a big man and a strong man and he could really swing that mall! Around 1965 he went to work at Pack River Lumber, which later became W.I., until retirement. Dad will be missed greatly and remembered fondly by the ones he left behind which are two sons, Kevin Eby, Harry Eby and his wife Julie, four daughters, Kay Gage, Nickie Hernandez and life partner Trino Osorio, Terry Solt and husband Albert Solt all of Bonners Ferry, and daughter Lynette Kjos and husband, Larry, of Blanchard Idaho There are 15 grand children and 28 great grand children. Brothers Bobbie Eby and Richard Eby, wife Bev of Bonners Ferry, Brother Lester 'Short' Eby and wife Arlene of Omak, Washington, Sisters Velma Hatter of Washington, Peggy Peterson of Oregon, MaryAnn Tolle of Libby, Montana, Sandra Bailey of Chatteroy, Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews. His wife, his parents, brothers, Fay, Donald, and Glen Eby, grandson Aroldo Hernandez preceded him in death. The family express deepest gratitude to Dr. Geymand, Dr. Rhinehart, and their staff. Thank you Dr Willis and hospital staff for the gentle care you gave to our Dad. Thank you Mick Mellett. Family and friends are invited to sign Ralph’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to sign Ralph’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.