Ralph Franklin Shook, 91, of Helena, Montana, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025 at Cooney Convalescent Home. His life will be celebrated Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Pizza Ranch.

Born in Swannanoa, North Carolina, to Oval and Helen (Shirlen) Shook, April 6, 1934. He was the oldest of 5 children. He attended school in Swannanoa until 16 at which time he left NC for Chicago, IL where he worked on the railroad as an air brake mechanic on CB&Q railroad. When he was old enough he enlisted in the Navy and did his Basic Training in California. He trained as an electrician at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He was deployed during the Korean War and was shipped to Korea, Japan, Hawaii and Alaska. He was honorably discharged, 1956.

Much of his life was spent furthering his education at Carroll College, Helena, MT finishing with a Bachelor's of Education.  He continued to Harding Graduate School of Theology in Memphis, TN and finished with his Masters of Divinity.

Ralph's career included his time in the Navy, Minister for the Church of Christ in many different areas of the country, Entrepreneur with many varied interests including Real Estate as an educator and Broker.

He met his future wife, Darlene Dorothy Beckmann in 1955 and they eloped to Las Vegas, Nevada, July 1956. Their daughter, Robin Gayle arrived, 1957 on Ralph's birthday. Brian Oval was welcomed in 1959, Crystal Renae was welcomed 1960 and Steven Brenning was welcomed 1965.

Ralph was preceded to the arms of Jesus by his parents, Oval and Helen and his siblings, Jean Early & June Rogers. He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Darlene, his children, Robin White, Pasco, WA, Brian (Shari) Shook, Dayton, WA, Crystal (Jeff) Christison, Helena, MT, and S. Brenning Shook, Desert Hot Springs, CA, A sister, Nancy Watson and brother, Dan Shook. Grandchildren Brandy (B.J) Massie, Pasco, WA; Carissa (Brad) Silvonen Helena, MT; B. Tyler Shook (Lindsay), Ontario, CA; Dane (Veronica) Murphy, Bozeman, MT; CPO G. Shayn (Charlotte) White, USN, San Diego, CA; Kaylene (Josh) Baker, Bozeman, MT; Carlin White, Bozeman, MT; Shauna White, Pasco, WA; Brittney Shook, Hawaii, Bryce Shook, Steven Brenning II and Bryll Shook, Desert Hot Springs, CA. Great Grandchildren: Logan and Connor Massie; Ayla, Gracen and Reece Silvonen; Audrey, Lilah, Colette, and Vivienne Shook; Cayel, Owen, Jackson, and Rayah Murphy; Laila, Liam, Lola, and Luca White; Roran and Briggs Baker; Christopher and Kimber Lee White.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassus of Helena, 1075 Rodney St. STE 102, Helena, MT 59601.