Ralph Raymond Dunstan was born March 9, 1924, to Ethel Estelle (Cooper) and John F. Dunstan. Surrounded by his family, Ralph took his trip to join his wife Joy, on April 10, 2021, after living a full life of 97 years, 1 month and 1 day.
Ralph was the youngest of eight children. Ralph was born northwest of Formoso. The family later moved to south of Montrose, where he attended school and graduated in 1942.
Coyote hunting was one of his favorite pastimes when he was growing up. He took in all of the hunts within 25 to 30 miles. His nickname growing up was Rats, the basketball coach called him that, but he never knew why. He was proud of his high school athletic accomplishments.
After Ralph and Joy were married in 1946, they began to follow his childhood dream of farming southwest of Montrose. They later moved to the current homestead on the hill. It was through his love of farming and livestock that he instilled (demanded) the hard work ethic in his children. One of the fond memories he had was all of his children drove the 9N Ford Tractor easily. Ralph enjoyed being a wheat farmer, and often said, "If it wasn't for crop rotation, I would never plant anything but wheat."
Ralph and Joy enjoyed taking bus trips, traveling to see the countryside. Through the years, Ralph enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and KU Jayhawks men's basketball.
Ralph continued his love of farming actively through fall harvest of 2020, driving the tractor and grain cart for 40 straight days.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years, Joy Kathleen Saint; brothers, Robert and Edwin; sisters, Ruby Lang, Adeline Morris, Eloise Rockey; and two infant brothers.
Ralph is survived by his children: Karla (Mike) Little of Chanute; Jana (Darrell) Carlson of Courtland; Steve (Loreita) Dunstan of Formoso; Lori (Rob) Bonjour of Formoso; Eldon (Pam) Dunstan of Mankato; and Kristi (Brian) Badger of Mankato; grandchildren: Brian (Kristen) Little, Amy Little, Nikki Little, Brent (Paula) Carlson, Derek (Audrey) Carlson, Mindy (Jim) Tighe, Russ (Kayla) Dunstan, Tyler (Courtney) Dunstan, Neil (Sierra) Bonjour, Kaylene (Caleb) Ramsey, Brooke Callaway and her fiancé Bryan Randa, Kaitlyn (Nick) Dunn, Baylie (Yani) Wolf, Karrigan Dunstan, Adam (Megan) Badger, and Alex (Kaylee) Badger; 21 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Carlyle Saint; and many other relatives and friends.
His funeral was at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, at the Formoso Community Church with Pastor Daniel Waide and Mr. Randy Paugh officiating. Burial followed at Wallace Cemetery, rural Jewell.
Memorials are requested to Solomon Valley Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.
Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home assisted the Dunstan family with these arrangements, http://www.tibbettsfischer funeralhome.com
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