Ralph Hutchens

Ralph E. Hutchens - 03/20/2003 Ralph E. Hutchens - 03/20/2003 RALPH E. HUTCHENS IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Ralph Edward Hutchens, long time Policeman, Idaho Falls Chief of Detectives, and Bonneville County Chief Deputy Sheriff, died Monday, March 17, 2003, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of leukemia. Ralph was born May 28, 1925, in Labelle, Idaho, to William Aaron Hutchens and Martha Alvina Anglesey Hutchens. He was the youngest of nine children and blessed to be raised in a loving family surrounded by, not only his siblings, but by his aunts, uncles and cousins as well. While a small boy, he was given the nickname “Gib,” by which he was known throughout his life. He attended Labelle Elementary School, Midway Junior High School, and Rigby High School. During World War II, he served as a Seaman 1st Class in the U. S. Navy. After the war he worked as a ranch hand and cowboy for Jack Young at the Wydaho Ranch, for the Harrimans at Railroad Ranch, and for Dick Hoopes in Thatcher, Idaho. He began his career as a police officer October 1, 1951, for the City of Idaho Falls. He was promoted to Sergeant August 1, 1957, then to Lieutenant August 1, 1965. He attended and graduated from the 77th session of the FBI National Academy May 25, 1966. He was transferred to the Detective Department May 22, 1967, and was promoted to Captain November 11, 1968. He also received many special commendations through the years, one being a letter from the United States Secret Service thanking him for escorting and guarding President Carter during a visit to Idaho Falls in 1978. He was eventually made the Chief of Detectives, where he retired on January 26, 1981. He then worked for Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department as Chief Deputy Sheriff to Dick Ackerman. He retired from the County in 1987. On August 31, 1953, he married the love of his life, Lorene Stoddard, in Rigby, Idaho. They enjoyed many outdoor activities, camping, fishing, and riding horses. In 1961, their family was completed with the birth of their daughter, Tamara. The three of them enjoyed many happy times until the death of his wife, Lorene, October 8, 1979. On August 6, 1982, Ralph married June Adams in Ririe, Idaho. They enjoyed each other’s company, and though later divorced, remained the best of friends. One of his joys in life was attending his grandchildren’s various sports and academic activities. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene, his parents, sisters, Bessy, Rose and Madge, and brothers, Dutch, Bo, Ray, Fred and Buck. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tami and Jeff Graves, grandchildren, Elder Will Empey, serving a mission in West Africa, Jessy and Chad Empey, Kenney Graves, Corey Boyd and Jeremy Anderson and one great grandchild, Austin Boyd, also his former wife, June, and her children, Kristy and Robert Johnson and David and Misty Adams and their children. Funeral Services will be 12 Noon Saturday, March 22, 2003, at the Iona LDS 3rd Ward, 5169 East Denning, Iona, with Bishop William Krantz officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., and Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 574 - 4th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. If you would like to offer your condolences fill in the form below. Name E-Mail Message [ Previous Obituary - Goldia M. Wray | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Ronald Adams ]