Ralph Edwin Smutz passed away July 3, 2009 at Hearthstone Health Center in Round Rock, Texas.
Ralph was born in Hillsboro, Iowa January 21, 1917. He grew up on a farm, doing morning chores before walking over two miles to a one-room school house. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1935.
Ralph arrived in Weed  August 8, 1937 with $4.50 in his pocket. He worked as a ranch hand (for $1.50 a day) until he landed a job at Mallory Chevrolet in December 1938.
He became a full time body and fender man, a craft he practiced the rest of his working life at Mallory Chevrolet. In recognition for his commitment and dedication to quality work, Bob and Jim Mallory gave Ralph a new car after 25 years of service. Ralph retired in 1982.
Ralph married Helen Noreen Coate October 11, 1940. Ralph used his nights and weekends building a house on property in Mount Shasta and moved his family there in 1956. They resided there until moving to Leander, Texas to be closer to their children.
Ralph enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, lapidary reading and puttering around his workshop.
He was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Weed. He was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 97 in Mount Shasta.
Ralph was a loving husband and source of inspiration to his two sons.  He provided a set of foundational values including a strong work ethic, a commitment to integrity, calmness and patience in the face of challenges, and a dedication to always doing one’s best.
A phrase that characterized his approach to life was “Act as if you cannot fail. Don’t complain if you do.”
Survivors include his wife, Helen Noreen Smutz; sons, Edwin Randall Smootz (and Jean) of Leander, Texas and Wayne David Smutz (and Linda) of Lemont, Pennsylvania; and six grandchildren, Derek, Jeremy Megan Leslie, Brian and Jason.
Visitation will take place today, July 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel. Burial is at Mt. Shasta Memorial Park.