Ralph Dean Snider

Long time Big Flat resident, Ralph Dean Snider peacefully went to his forever home on February 9, 2026 at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook where he resided since January of 2025, due to complications from a stroke and Parkinson's Disease. A rosary will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Hogeland, MT, Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Turner Lutheran Church in Turner, MT, Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 am. Burial to follow at Turner Cemetery with reception to follow back at the church.

Ralph was born to Elmer and Florence (Lacox) Snider on October 23, 1940 south of Chinook, delivered by a midwife who was a Titanic survivor.

When Ralph was born he joined big sister Darlene and later became a big brother to Roger and Edward. He was a proud Hogeland Hawk graduate of the class of 1958. Ralph then enlisted in the Army National Guard that fall and served his country until 1962. He attended one quarter at Northern Montana College.

Ralph married Eloise Nace and they had four children to this union: Lisa, Jay, Kathy, and Julie.

The couple later divorced. Ralph met his forever love Nancy Mohar Roppe, and they were married on June 25, 1977. To this union he gained his fourth daughter Shawna. Later Bobbi and Scott came along and completed his, hers, and ours family.

Ralph was a lifelong rancher and cattleman. He served on several boards including the Harlem Ditch Board for 38 years and the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home Board. He was very involved in the Saint Mary's Project. He was a big supporter of community projects such as the Big Flat Grocery, Turner-Hogeland All School Reunions, and the Whispering Winds History Book.

Ralph enjoyed traveling and had a deep love for history! He lived for shipping and branding, and was a proud Tornado supporter. One of his greatest joys was watching his kids and grandkids participate in sports and spelling bees!

He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Florence, sister Darlene, brother in law Ken Butzine, daughter in law Dani Snider, grandson Tristan Billmayer and great grandson Tynan Baldik.

Ralph is survived by his wife Nancy of 48 years, children Lisa (Frank Baldik) of Harlem, Jay (Bette Jo) of Hogeland, Kathy (Daryn Cederberg) of Three Forks, Julie (Kurt Welsh) of Turner, Shawna (Adam Billmayer) of Hogeland, Bobbi (Shawn Beck) of Hogeland, Scott (Lesli) of Turner, 21 grandkids and 13 great grandkids, and brothers Roger (Penny) and Edward (Vicki), and multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home, Big Flat Community Grain Bin, or the charity of your choice.