Ralph Fraser Smith

Ralph Fraser Smith, 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of January 7, 2024.

Ralph was born July 29, 1942, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the fourth child of Howard F. Smith and Ruth Turman Smith. He was raised in Hamer, Idaho, and attended school at Hamer Elementary and graduated from West Jefferson High School. There are many stories of hunting rabbits and riding horses as a child. If you have heard them, you know he had a great childhood. He joined the Navy and proudly served from 1962 to 1966. He served on the U.S.S. Hornet as a helicopter mechanic.

Ralph married Carla Jeanne Nordstrom on October 2, 1965. They had two children, Terry Lane and Sydnee Delette.

Ralph went on to graduate with a Business degree from Idaho State University.  He spent his life working in irrigation and agricultural sales traveling all over the western United States. He has proudly owned his own business, Agrasizer, for the last 20 years.

Ralph loved hunting with friends and family, camping at his brother’s place in Island Park, helping others, and spending time with his family. He was an avid reader and could always be found with a book in hand while simultaneously watching TV.  He was a member of the Blackfoot Elks Lodge #1416.  He collected “many” things over the years from coins, to guns, to copper horses, and antiques. He enjoyed scouring the auction sites looking for treasures. His greatest joy was his family, grandkids, and friends. Zane will miss this “cutie pie” in his heart forever.

He is survived by his wife, Carla; son, Terry; daughter, Sydnee (Clay) Hale; grandchildren, Claysen (Taryn) Hale, Kylee (Kole) Lambert, Zane Hale, Lexee Hale, Justin (Sadie) Wood; and great grandchildren, Clay Hale, Trinity, and Penelope Wood; sisters, Lois (Tom) Takara, Betty Speelmon, Mary Smith; brother, Howard (Debbie) Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruth Smith; his brothers, Sidney, Douglas, and James Smith.

No services will be held at this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Organization at 1675 S. Woodruff, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83404, Venmo @EasternIdaho-DownSyndrome, or to the Special Olympics of Idaho.