Ralph Elden Salyards passed away on Thursday May 11, 2023 at Gordon Countryside Care at the ripe old age of 77.

He was born on Feb. 9, 1946 to Elden and Fern (Papke) Salyards in Sterling. He was the oldest of three children and attended school in Haxtun, where he graduated. He was shortly thereafter drafted into the United States Army on Dec. 22, 1965. He was honorably discharged into reserves in November 1967 and was honorably discharged completely from the Army in 1971.

Ralph had three children, Amy, born in 1972, Luke, adopted in 1978, and Rebekka (Beki) born in 1980. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and good times with his family and friends. He also loved supporting his granddaughters from sporting events, choir concerts, Veterans' Day concerts, rodeos and many other activities. He especially enjoyed being a grandfather to his granddaughters Taylar Ann Denbo and Kassity Danielle Denbo.

Ralph was a man of many talents from working construction, helping on the family farm, to driving semis. After his retirement Ralph and his Uncle Melvin enjoyed spending time together on their many adventures doing who knows what all thing included from VA appointments to trips to go see family near and far. Ralph moved to Nebraska with his daughter Beki and granddaughters in 2019 where he kept them on their toes. With all things from helping around the house, horse chores, yelling at the dogs and keeping up on the many episodes of Gunsmoke and many other westerns. His favorite thing to do was sunbathing, the man could get a good tan going.

Ralph is survived by his children Amy, North Carolina, Luke, Colorado, and Beki, Nebraska; granddaughters Taylar and Kassity, Nebraska; sister Janet and husband Larry Poos, Imperial., Neb., and brother Wayne and wife Dola Salyards, Holyoke as well a many cousins and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents Fern and Elden Salyards; grandson Bodie Burrows and many aunts, uncles and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26 at 12:15 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.