Ralph Donald Laws

Ralph Donald Laws was born April 2, 1936 in Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Mont. He is the son of Ralph J. Laws and Margaret E. Nicholson, both early residents of The Bitterroot Valley.  Ralph James was born in 1884 from Kansas and Margaret Ellen was born near Como in 1895. Ralph passed away Feb. 2, 2022 in Spokane, Wash.

Ralph lived near Darby for seven years, then in Hamilton where he graduated in 1954.  He was in the Army 1954-1956 stationed at Fort Ord, Herzo Base, Germany and Devens, Massachusetts.  

He attended M.S.U., now the University of Montana, Missoula -1956-1960.  During that time he met and married Sandra Moss of Richland, Wash. (Born in Oklahoma-an Okie from Muskogee) a nursing student at St. Patrick School of Nursing in Missoula.  

Ralph and Sandra lived in Moses Lake from 1960-1998.  Ralph taught math at Frontier Jr. High, retired in 1991.  Sandra had many nursing based jobs and retired in 1998 after twenty years as the one and only School Nurse.

Ralph and Sandra moved to Cheney in 1998 where they helped raise their grandchildren and later Hannah Moss, a grand-niece.  During their time in Moses Lake they had over 50 Foster Children.  Over the years they also helped more than 50 other people with a place to stay, from days to many months.

Ralph lived a conservative life style (His sons said cheap) but was liberal in his thinking.  He did many things, from the shopping, cooking, fixing and volunteering.  He was always thinking of new projects but time, effort or expense often stood in his way.  He always said “This is probably the first project he ever finished.”

Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra, sons Gordon of Cheney, Curtis of Moses Lake and Jason of Spokane. Grandchildren; Elysiya, Patrick and Steven of Spokane.  Sister Margery Bahrt, the Bahrt Bunch, the Pappas People and special grand-niece Hannah Moss.  He was preceded by his parents, brother James and all aunts, uncles and cousins of his generation.

By his request no service is to be held.  There will be a memorial gathering in Spokane Wash. on Feb. 26th.  For information please text or call Jason Laws, (509) 499-4821.