Ralph Eugene Cosgriff, 93, passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2018. Ralph was born in Greycliff, MT on September 22, 1925 to John Robert and Kia (Lein) Cosgriff. Ralph attended grade school at the Otter Creek and Glaston school houses. He represented the Sweet Grass County High School class of 1943. From there he joined the military and proudly served the United States of America in World War II. Ralph flew B17 Bombers for the United States Army Air Forces as a front gunner. The Air Corps was replaced by the Department of Air Force in 1947.
Ralph returned home and married his beautiful bride Barbara J. Ward on May 28, 1946. Ralph lived and worked in the era of the great American cowboy riding rough stock, raising cattle, second generation farrier, shearing sheep, and a brief winter in 1957 running the Ward and Parker sawmill. After a brief stay in Georgia looking for a ranch the family moved back to Montana and bought the original foundation of the ranch, 800 acres, in Big Timber on May 16, 1959 where his family was raised and where he lived out his life. Ralph raised registered and commercial cattle along with registered Quarter Horses. He will always be remembered for his ability to ride a rough stock horse, get outrode by a four wheeler, his saddle making skills, and endearing love for his wife.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, sister Maxine Nottingham and brother Bob Cosgriff. He is survived by his wife Barbara, brother Frank (Judy) Cosgriff, daughter Elvera Cosgriff, son Robert (Helen) Cosgriff, son George (Daveen) Cosgriff, son John Cosgriff, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday October 27, 2018 at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will follow at the American Legion.
Previous Events
Graveside
27
Oct
West of Big Timber
Big Timber, MT 59011
Reception to follow at the American Legion
Big Timber Volunteer Fire Department
Big Timber, Montana 59011
