Ralph Finn

Ralph Finn, age 91, of Billings, passed away May 1, 2007 at The Billings Clinic Hospital. Ralph was born on December 30, 1915 in Jamestown, North Dakota to Hubert and Blanch (London) Finn. He was the youngest of five children, Velma, Essie, Hubert, and Jack. His early childhood years were spent in North Dakota, Colorado, and Kansas, with his education being completed in Kansas.

On June 15, 1940, Ralph was united in marriage to Lilyth S. Larson of Sheyenne, North Dakota, in Valley City, North Dakota. During the early years of their marriage, they resided in Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes, and Glyndon, Minnesota where Ralph was employed in the trucking industry. In 1951, the family moved to Billings where Ralph was employed by Buckingham Transportation Co., where he enjoyed his tenure with them.

1962 found Ralph beginning a new career in selling insurance for Mutual of Omaha. His energy and effort in this field qualified him for many Honor Clubs. For his first ten years in the business, Ralph was ranked among the Company's top ten salesmen selling health and accident insurance in the United States and Canada. Through these efforts, Ralph and Lil were rewarded with trips to many different countries. He retired in 1982.

Upon retirement, Ralph and Lilyth traveled extensively to many locations in the southern states. Twelve winters were spent in Hemet, California, where they had a winter home. Ralph enjoyed reading and working in his yard.

Ralph was a charter member of Atonement Lutheran Church and a life member of the Elks.

Genealogy findings have revealed Ralph's ancestry to the 1700's when three brothers, Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego Finn came to America from Ireland. Peter, son of Shadrack, served in the Continental Army under the Command of General George Washington at Valley Forge. The heritage line to Ralph was first established from records found in Franklin, Kentucky, home of his parents.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Lilyth (Lil) and four children and their families: Barbara Johnson (Bruce) and grandsons, Scott and Jeremy, all of Orange County, California; Timothy (Denise) and from a previous marriage, grandchildren, Kala, of Washington, D.C., and Bryce (Jennifer) and great-granddaughters, Morgan and Kaelyn of Seely Lake, Montana; Bradley (Sheri Rolf) of Billings and Gary (Susan) and grandsons, Jordan and Austin of Billings.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff at the Billings Clinic and Billings Clinic Hospital for their excellent care provided Ralph over the years and a special thank you to Dr. Donald Twito, who gave Ralph more years than he could have ever hoped for, and to Pastor Maryann Morgenstern for all of the calls she made to Ralph.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 3:00pm Friday at Atonement Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church or the charity of one’s choice.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary has charge of arrangements.