Michael Charles Ralls

September 27, 1943 – March 27, 2020

Mike Ralls, age 76 of Stevensville, Montana, entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, March 27, 2020, doing what he always loved to do, which was farm. Mike was born in Hailey, Idaho on September 27, 1943, to Pat and Jessie Ralls. At age 7, the Ralls family moved to the Bitterroot Valley to make their permanent home. When Mike was 13 years old, his beloved mom Jessie, passed on to be with the Lord, and in later years, Mike was blessed with his stepmother, Eunice Ralls.

On July 14, 1962, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Mary Delores Pfau and they celebrated 57 years together.  She was the love of his life early on, which was evidenced in that they waited at the coil heater every morning for each other before class started. They proceeded to buy a piece of land in 1972 to move their forever home onto and made a beautiful life together which overflows with the love of four children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The love and honor that “grandpa” had for his family was evident in his person. All his grandchildren have very special memories of their grandpa, in that he was there to enjoy and celebrate every special occasion, including band events, rodeo, sporting events, and award ceremonies. He beamed as he held every new grandbaby that was born. He raised his family in such a way, that his grown kids and grandkids learned what family really means. He taught us how to love, to support one another, to celebrate life together and pull together in times of struggle.  He taught us how to enjoy the present, and prepare for the future. To laugh, to enjoy, to rest, and most of all… to love.   His example will be forever engrained in our hearts, as we are so completely blessed with the legacy he left in us, as it will carry on from generation to generation.

Mike was an avid fisherman, hunter and all-around outdoorsman. He rode deep in the back country of the East Fork, of the Black Tail on hunting excursions, and fished in Orofino and George Town Lake, among others. These were the times the stories of old were told. A cowboy at heart, in which evidence of his cowboy days and the days of breaking in his colts, are seen in his tack room. He was a farmer for years, plowing and planting fields and gardens, and raising livestock including cattle, horses and sheep.  When harvest time came, you could find him in the meat room processing meat, or the garden digging potatoes, or the smoke house smoking his catch. Mike loved family gatherings, holidays, and entertaining. He was an amazing cook, especially when it came to the meat. If he wasn’t smoking, frying, or cutting the meat… he was playing pinochle. There has been many a laugh, in friendly competition of the game, as he partnered up with family members and friends over snacks and good conversation.  Anytime was pinochle time!

Mike Ralls never met a stranger. He loved to visit folks and made them feel like they had known him for years. He had a heart of love and concern for neighbors and community, and was quick to lend a helping hand when needed.

Occupations included Washington Construction, Hamilton Pack, and Ravalli County Road Department, where he retired at the age of 62. After retirement, he volunteered for Pantry Partners Food Bank, which he was a part of for 14 years. He was also part of an endless list of other community events and fundraisers.

Mike is preceded in death by his father and mother, Pat and Jessie Ralls; stepmother, Eunice Ralls; father and mother in-law, George and Rose Pfau; sister and brother in-law, Mary and Chuck Gillingham; and brother in-law, Jack Pfau.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ralls; son Mark Ralls (Cheryl); son Randy Ralls, granddaughter Rebecca Ralls, great grandchildren Liam and Bridger Graybeal; son Steve Ralls (Donna), grandson Ben Ralls (Ariel), great grandchildren Saylah, Raegan, and Hiedi Ralls; granddaughter Sarah Peterson (Karsten), great grandchildren Maverick and Hayes Peterson; daughter Michelle Hash (Wayne), grandson Kyle Hash; brother Vic Ralls (Bev); brothers in-law Jim Pfau (Pat), George Pfau, sisters in-law Linda Pfau, Geraldine Hill; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins that dearly loved him.

A memorial service honoring Mike’s life will be announced at a later date, due to COVID19. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to Shriners Hospital and/or St. Jude Hospital. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.