Ralph Ray Morse

Ralph Ray Morse the first born child of Velma and Ivan (Dale) Morse of Manson, Washington passed away in Wenatchee, his home for the last 50 years, on October 24, 2014. Born in Wenatchee on April 21, 1937 Ralph attended public schools in Manson graduating with the class of 1956, later attending Whitworth College in Spokane. Summers and vacation time were spent working on the family apple orchard and cattle ranch with his parents. Upon graduation from high school Ralph was part of the local International Farm Youth Exchange program. He spent nine months in Costa Rica learning and sharing agriculture by living with a local family and traveling around the country. Upon his return he shared about his experiences with his sponsors. For ten years he served in the National Guard. As well as working for KOZI and KPQ radios, Ralph worked as the advertising director for the Washington State Apple Commission. Many years were spent at Webpco publishing agriculture magazines for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. Ralph was Chairman of the board of the Alcoholism Counsel in Wenatchee for ten years helping countless others. He was passionate about helping others and he enjoyed many years delivering meals for the Food Bank. January 18, 1984 Ralph married Verdonna Gaines Buse in Wenatchee. He loved time spent building and landscaping their vacation home on Lake Chelan. Ralph was famous for his Prime Rib on the spit, one of his specialties. He liked good tobacco and was never without his pipe! Ralph is survived by his wife, Verdonna Morse of Wenatchee; daughter, Camiea (Phillip) Helton of Wenatchee; sisters, Roberta (Lee) Daniels of East Wenatchee and Beverly (Richard) Davis of Monmouth, OR.; brother, Larry (Katherine) of Oak Harbor; granddaughter, Beth Helton of Wenatchee; brother-in-law, Estel (Robin) Gaines of Moses Lake, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Dale Morse, and son, Blair Buse. In lieu of flowers the family would suggest memorials to the Lake Chelan Historical Society (Chelan Museum) PO Box 1948, Chelan, WA 98816 or to the Glaucoma Research Foundation at 251 Post St Suite 600, San Francisco, CA. 94108 Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home.

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Ralph Ray Morse

April 21, 1937 - October 24, 2014