Ralph L “Bill” Stevens Jr, of Ashby, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2016 after a short stay at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance. Bill was born in Hyannis on March 18, 1929 to Ralph L and Charlotte “Lottie” (Korth) Stevens.
Bill attended grade school and high school in the Ashby area, graduating in 1946. After graduation Bill went to work as a ranch hand for George Petersen north of Ashby.
He married Pauline Willey on December 10, 1950. To this union two sons were born, Douglas Bruce and Larry Dean.
In 1951 they moved to Hyannis to work for Monahan Cattle Company. Then in 1953, they returned to the Petersen place, where Bill was ranch foreman for 16 years. In 1969 they purchased their home in Ashby and became self-employed; ranching and contracting various jobs in the area while building their cow herd. Following high school graduation, son Larry started ranching with Bill until Larry’s death in 1980. At this time Bill was then joined by his son Doug. During these years, Bill also invested in the Thedford Livestock Commission. After closing the sale barn, Bill became a field representative for Ogallala Livestock Auction, a position he enjoyed for many years.
Bill was a founding board member of the Pelican Beach Golf Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Hyannis, a member of the Eagles club, a school board member for Grant County Dist. 7, a member of the Grant County Fair board, as well as a timer for the Grant County Fair and High School Rodeos for numerous years. He also served as a Grant County Commissioner from 1987-1995.
Bill enjoyed team penning, winning the NSGA State Championship in 1989. Other interests were team roping, golfing, fishing, riding, all ranch work, playing cards, and spending time with his granddaughters.
Survivors include his wife Pauline of their home in Ashby; son Douglas Bruce (Nancy) Stevens, Hyannis; Granddaughters Jacklyn (Eric) Rosenberg, Ralston, NE; and Tarry Stevens, Hyannis, NE.
Bill is also survived by his sisters Ruth Burgess, Alliance, NE; Joan (Loren) Sutton, Bowling Green, Missouri; Brother-in-law Roy D Willey, Halcyon, CA; sisters-in-law Norma Jean Stevens, Rapid City, SD; Mary Ann Stevens, Plattsmouth, NE; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Roy & Vina (Gilbaugh) Willey; son Larry Stevens; brothers Jack and Wayne Stevens, sisters Elizabeth (Ike) Failor, infant sister Anna Jane, brother-in-law Jack Patterson.
Memorial services will be held Saturday November 5th, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Congregational Church in Hyannis NE with Pastor Roy Monahan officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Grant County Rescue or the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
