Ralph Frederick Simpson

Ralph F. Simpson, 86 of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully with his wife Betty Jo, his son Danny, and his daughter-in-law Mary Kay at his side in Show Low, Arizona on July 25, 2008. He was born February 17, 1922 in Reliance, Wyoming to Charles and Emma Simpson. His parents raised him and his siblings on ranches in various locations in western Colorado. He met his wife-to-be in Grand Junction, Colorado after his medical discharge from the U.S. Army. Ralph and Betty Jo were married in Provo, Utah and remained husband and wife for 63 years. They had two sons; Danny and Richard, and a daughter Judy Ann. His working life was spent in the construction industry, most of which was as a self-employed excavation contractor in Denver, Colorado. Ralph was an avid and accomplished fisherman and hunter. He was widely known as a man of honesty and integrity. Ralph always saw the best in everyone and was ready to help if needed. He retired in Denver 1985, and he and Betty Jo moved to the Fountain of the Sun retirement community in Mesa, Arizona in 1991. During their retirement Ralph and Betty Jo traveled extensively in Europe, the Western Pacific, and Asia. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #2278 in Arvada, Colorado since 1976. Ralph is survived by his wife Betty Jo; sons Danny Sr. and Richard; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Erwin; brother, Dale; several cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Judy Ann; brothers, Robert and Earl. Ralph and his immediate family members would like anyone who knew him to remember him especially whenever they visit Trapper's Lake and the head of the White River east of Meeker, Colorado.