Ralph Maxwell Steinke was born Sept. 20, 1937, in Spokane, Wash., to Emma and Walter Steinke.

He grew up on a Dairy farm in Granite Falls, Wash., and then joined the Navy and served on both the Red Fish and Besugo submarines.

He married Ruth Ann Rice in 1961 and they had two children.

He loved working the land and grew Almonds in California and Alfalfa in Burns. 

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Ann; his brother, Dean;  two daughters: Cheryl and Marla; along with two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. 

There will be a celebration of life in Burns in the spring.

He will be greatly missed.