Ralph Eugene Garland

Ralph Eugene Garland was born on August 11, 1931 in Casey, Iowa to Benjamin and Clara (Fogelsong) Garland. He grew up in Iowa and would attend Stewart Iowa high school which he left early in order to take care of his parents. Ralph would set trap lines, which he became quite good at. While he was in school though, in the winter, he rode his horse every day and was proud to be the first one there each day to start up the heating stove.   In 1952, Ralph joined the United States Navy. He would be discharged in 1956 with the rating of Ship's Servicemen (SH). During his time with the Navy, he would serve on the USS Oriskany as a barber and even got the chance to meet Mickey Rooney! He was proud of his ability to try knots which was often commented on by his commander.  After being discharged from the Navy he moved to Corvallis Oregon where he would soon meet Melvis Dorene Freeman at a Cottonwoods Dance.  Dorene was at the dance because her younger sister sang with a country band that played there. The two would soon be married on January 27, 1957 in Turner, Oregon.   The family would move to the mid-valley in the 1960’s where they would put down roots. Ralph would go to work as a millworker before landing a job with the gas company.  He started out as a helper but eventually moved to field data before retiring.  Ralph was a proud and founding member of Stayton Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 5638.  In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors, he enjoyed activities such as fishing, camping, and hunting.  He also loved to spend time with his family and be involved in what was going on in their lives.  This was true for family members even as far away as Iowa and Texas.  On May 26, 2021, Ralph passed away in Stayton Oregon surrounded by family. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Benjamin and Clara; and his siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorene; children, Dion Farm, Ben (Dianna) Garland, and Dan Garland; grandchildren, Christofer, Cassie, Jeremiah, Christina, Shaianne, and Danyelle; Great-grandchildren, Caleb, Hailie, Logan, Caitlyn, Peyton, and Wiley.  A public visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday June 5, 2021 Weddle funeral service in Stayton, Oregon.