Ralph was born February 11, 1931, in Victor, Idaho in beautiful Teton Valley to Clyde D. Jenkins and Blenda Marion Best Jenkins. He was the sixth child of a family of 13 children.

Ralph attended grade school in Victor, Idaho, until the school house burned down. He finished school in Driggs, Idaho. While in High School Ralph was well known, and well liked, becoming a best friend to all that knew him. He was involved in many sports and activities and won three Golden Gloves while on the Boxing Team at Teton High School.

After Ralph's father passed away April 1st, 1949, Ralph joined the United States Army at Fort Douglas Utah. He had just completed basic training when the Korean conflict broke out, and Ralph was immediately deployed to Korea where he served two tours of duty in the Army Corp of Engineers. He returned to Driggs, Idaho after his Honorable Discharge from the Army, and began work for the local Power Company. It was at this time he renewed an acquaintance with a former classmate, DeLores Johnson. Ralph and DeLores were married in Darby, Idaho on June 15, 1954 and this marriage became a blessing to Ralph and DeLores, and their two sons. The family was sealed together when their marriage was soleminzed in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 21st, 1967.

For 28 years he worked for AT&T becoming a manager of Telephone Engineering and wiring in South Eastern Idaho.

Upon his retirement from AT&T he was offered the same position with Lockheed Idaho as manager of telephone and wiring Engineering. His job involved traveling throughout the United States, especially Washington D.C., where he helped design the telephone system for the headquarters of the Department of Energy.

Ralph was a man of many talents and abilities and was involved in many activities.

Ralph was a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he held many positions. He served as Bishop of the Idaho Falls Ninth Ward for seven years, but is probably most proud of his service with the Young Men of the church, whom he loved. He successfully coached many baseball, softball and volleyball teams which won many championships. As a Scoutmaster he helped 9 Young Men obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, and was present at a Court of Honor when they all received the award at the same time. Those young men loved him equally in return.

In February 1995 Ralph retired. He and DeLores took DeLores's parents to Yuma, Arizona to spend the winters.

In 1998 Ralph suffered a serious heart attack and his life was extended by open heart surgery. Since that time, however, he has been afflicted by many serious ailments, including Parkinson's Disease.

Ralph returned to his Father in Heaven February 17, 2008, to be reunited with friends and family.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife DeLores, two sons, Blair (Ladenea) and Craig (Cindy), seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three sisters, Geraldine Dunn of Eagle Point, Oregon, Alice Moore of Pocatello, Idaho, and Jean West of Sweet Home, Oregon, and two brothers, Ed Jenkins and Billie Jenkins of Pocatello, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, Danille Amber Jenkins, four brothers, and three sisters.

Ralph was loved by all who knew him and he loved them in return. He will be missed by his family and his many friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 25th, 2008 at the Idaho Falls Ninth Ward Chapel, 395 Second St. with Bishop Peter Demitropoulos officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church.

Interment will take place at 3 p.m. at the Victor Cemetery, in Victor, Idaho where Military Rites will be performed by the American Legion M.A. Hulet Post #95 and the Idaho Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Parkinson's Foundation or Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .

Map to the church