Ralph M. "Rudy" Shotliff

MISSOULA – Ralph M. "Rudy" Shotliff, 94, of Missoula, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 1, 201 2, at the Riverside Health Care Center. Ralph was born on Dec. 26, 1917 in Bristow, Iowa, to L.L. Shotliff and Grade Barnstable-Shotliff. The family came west in the fall of 1920 to Hamilton and moved to Missoula in 1921.

Ralph attended public grade school and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1937 where he acquired the nickname "Rudy." He remained "Rudy" for the next 76 years.

Rudy worked for H.L. Haines & Sons for 30 years in the grocery and produce business, as well as Frazier News Agency.

On March l6, 1941, he married Sara F. (Betty) Mallett in Deer Lodge. They were married for 66 years, until Betty passed away in June of 2007.

Rudy enjoyed gardening, fishing, spending time at the Swan cabin, the neighborhood kids as well as his adopted "Rogers grandkids," and rummage sales.

All who knew him were incredibly impressed with his ability to live at home, alone, (with a little help) until the end of September when a fall and broken hip landed him in Riverside.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister and brothers, Don and Bob.

He is survived by one son, Chuck and wife Sae Yup Moon of Arizona; sister-in-law Peg Shotliff of Missoula; niece Ann Flipse, caregiver; and nephews, Tony, Jim and Robert Shotliff and their families. Lastly, very special friend and caregivers Jim and Bonnie Rogers of Ovando and their entire family.

No services are planned.

Read Ralph Shotliff's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.