Ralph Spencer

Ralph E. Spencer, 86, died Friday, Aug. 11, 2006, at Libby Care Center from natural causes.

He was born Aug. 11, 1920, in Woodland, Wash., to Ernest and Mable Mitchell Spencer. The family moved to Libby in 1922 and eventually settled on what is now Spencer Road, where the entire family lived next door to each other.

Ralph graduated from Libby High School in 1939. After graduation he went to work for J. Neils Lumber Co. as a woods worker. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1945. After leaving the service he returned home and went back to work for J. Neils Lumber Co.

In May 1957 he and his brother, Leonard, opened Spencer's Phillips 66 gas station. Ralph and Leonard retired and sold the business in 1985.

He married Carol Johnson on Aug. 22, 1948, in Harlem.

Ralph was an active supporter of Libby High School sports.

Survivors include his wife of Libby; eight children, Mark Spencer and wife Cindy of Wendell, Idaho, Scott Spencer and wife Gloria of Missoula, Gary Spencer and wife Joanie of Libby, Randy Spencer and wife Geneve of Medford, Ore., Shane Spencer and wife Patty of Spokane, Wash., Craig Spencer and wife Vicki of Frankfort, Ill., Cynthia Hanson and husband Guy of West Jordan, Utah, and Lynn Spencer and wife Sherri, also of West Jordan; cousin Forrest Spencer and wife Kay of Libby; 33 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Services were held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the LDS church in Libby. Local arrangements are by Nelson and Vial Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Libby Booster Club.