Ralph Steele, 90, of Wenatchee, WA, died Saturday, September 5, 2009, of natural causes, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 27, 1919, in Hartington, NE, where he lived until moving to Leavenworth, WA in 1948. He married Leola Wyant on October 7, 1938. During his years in Nebraska, Ralph was a farmer and then moved to Leavenworth, where he owned and operated Cascade Lumber Company until its sale in 1974. After the sale of his business, he semi-retired and was found working for the Leavenworth Golf Club until 1988. From 1988 until his death, he lived in Wenatchee, WA. Ralph was very active in the Leavenworth community, both on a business and civic level. Some of those activities were serving on the City Council and acting as Mayor Pro-tem, the volunteer fire department, Lions Club, a Lifetime Member of the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, Leavenworth Golf Club and Gun Club. During his duty with the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, he served as President for many years, became an International Ski Jumping Judge and was instrumental in bringing many international competitors to Leavenworth's annual competitions, volunteering at the 1960 Winter Olympic Games in Squaw Valley, CA. In 1962, he served as Worshipful Master to the Zarthan Masonic Lodge No. 148, which he was a member of since 1949.

Survivors include his loving wife, Leola, who has been by his side for 70 years; his four children, Dorothy (Terry MacDonald) of Chandler, AZ, Barbara (Larry Brown) of Wenatchee, Jim Steele (Portia) of Wenatchee and Ron Steele (Julie) of Salt Lake City, UT. Ralph was blessed with 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and his many friends and family in the Wenatchee Valley. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer, in 1965; his mother, Caroline, in 1954; and sisters, Elma and Evelyn.

Burial arrangements have been made by Ward's Funeral Chapel with Interment at Mountain View Cemetery. At Ralph's request, there will be No Funeral Services. Memorials may be made, in the name of Ralph Steele, to the charity of your choice.