Ralph E. Sharp

Ralph Everett Sharp, age 88, of Vernal, passed away May 5, 2016, at his grandson's home in Draper.

He was born on July 16, 1927, to Joseph Lessil and Helga Elise Sharp, at home on the farm near Hagerman, Idaho. He was the baby of the family but grew up quickly and began working at the age of 14 to help support his mother and father because his father was ill. Due to starting work at 14, Ralph never finished the 7th Grade, but went on to own a successful business called Ralph's Donut Shop in both Vernal and Moab.

At the age of 16, Ralph used his brother's birth certificate to enlist in the United States Navy and fought on the shores of Saipan Island in the Northern Mariana Islands during World War II. Ralph was wounded during the battle for Saipan Island from June 13th to June 15th, 1944, this was considered one of World War II's bloodiest battles and the valley there still bears the name "Death Valley." General Smith awarded Ralph a medal for his participation in this battle as well as a Purple Heart.

In 1946, Ralph married Cauleen Thompson and had two children, James Sharp and Karin Sharp Johnson. They later divorced. He met Melba Webb while working as a baker at Ashton's Grocery Store in Vernal. They were married on September 28, 1963. Melba had three kids Lee, Connie and Sherry, which Ralph began to raise as his own. He worked hard to provide for all of his children and later his grandchildren.

Ralph and Melba began a tradition of purchasing shoes for their grandchildren on the 4th of July during an annual sale at The Hay Loft in Vernal. They carried on this tradition with eight of their grandchildren for many years until the Hay Loft went out of business. They also purchased bicycles for every grandchild, as they needed them, and always took the time to load the bikes into back of the truck whenever the grandchildren visited so they could ride them at Grandma and Papa's house.

Ralph and Melba both delighted in caring for and often spending time with their grandchildren, making many good memories with each one while fishing, camping, hunting, shooting or just an evening walk.

Ralph was an avid gun collector, gunsmith, enjoyed reloading his own ammo, and built a custom gunstock for each of his children. When Ralph and Melba moved from Wasatch Avenue to their current home near the baseball park in Vernal, it became a tradition to watch the 4th of July fireworks from their front porch while grilling up steaks and hamburgers in the backyard for the occasion.

Ralph was an active member of the LDS Church and served as the Ward Clerk in the Vernal 2nd ward for many years. He also worked as the custodian of the Ashley Stake Center until retirement. Ralph couldn't easily stop working and ended up going back to work assisting his granddaughter Brittany Webb's teacher with her class. All total, Ralph worked for over 60 years to provide for his family.

Ralph is survived by his children, James Sharp, Karin Sharp Johnson, Lee Webb, Connie Webb Fink, Sherry Webb Firth, and all of his beloved grandchildren, Lori Webb Haslem, Steve Fink, Sheri Fink Raseta, Marcie Firth Duke, Clayton Firth, Sandee Fink Pummell, Michael Firth, Sharon Fink Bodily and Brittany Webb. He is also survived by twenty three great-grandchildren, Cray, Lexi, Jade and Jera Haslem; Steven Jesse, Gregory, Stefani, Nicholas Fink and Connor Jenkins; Jace, Ricki Anne, Hunter Bilbey, and EJ Duke; Abi, Gavin, Gracee, Carsen and Zoey Firth; Haylee, Austin, Clayton, Braden and Dalton Firth.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Webb Sharp; parents Joseph and Helga; his siblings, Amanda Marie Rider, Lessil Sharp, Gladys Shull, Derrell Sharp, Vivian Alice Sharp, their respective spouses Tuck Rider, Elise Sharp, Joe Shull, Roma Sharp, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ralph was the oldest living member of his family and the Patriarch, a position he took very seriously.

Ralph will be laid to rest in the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Per Ralph's wishes there will not be a formal funeral but full military honors will be performed at the graveside on May 10, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, DEPT LA 23216, Pasadena, CA 91135-3216 or https://www.fpwr.org/donate