Ralph Keith Meikle, 78, of Smithfield, Utah, passed away the beautiful Sunday morning of Sept. 18, 2011, after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family at his home in Smithfield. He was born Jan. 14, 1933, to Henry Keith and Mell Chambers Meikle. Ralph was an active member of the LDS Church and held numerous callings that were very special to him. He especially loved his callings at USU in the bishopric and High Council. In the early 50's, Ralph and his father created The Milky Way Dairy. It is still in operation today. Ralph loved to farm and continued being involved with the farm until the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Anderson Meikle, and three sons, Jeff Kathy Meikle, Robert Maria Meikle and Glenn Shauna Meikle. Also surviving him are his four daughters, Melanie Rory Peterson, Allyson Russ Yates, Liz Kelly Veibell and Tenley Allard. He is also survived by his 26 grandchildren, Thomas, Melissa and Klarisa Meikle; J.R. and Amanda Meikle; Nicholle Corey Anderson; Ashley Rob Ricks; Ben Kim Hoth; Shane R., Lyndi and Brett Peterson; Jessica Troy Tempfer; Jordyn Todd Nielson; Dallin Riggs; Kelcee, Kolton and Collette Smith; Paul and Tanner Yates; Samantha V. Tisdale; Brandon, Paige and Abby Veibell; and Chris and Katlyn Allard. He is also survived by his brothers, A. Wayne Sharron Meikle and Jon Marsha Meikle; and a sister, Suzann Brian Clift. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Renna Mae Gubler; and his grandsons, Cory James Meikle, Quinten Jay Anderson, Alex Robert Meikle and Jason T. Veibell.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, at noon at the Smithfield 18th Ward building, 625 E. 600 South, Smithfield, with Bishop Robert Webb conducting. A viewing will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 North, Logan, and prior to the services at the church from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The family would like to especially thank Ralph's granddaughters, Kelcee Smith and Samantha Veibell Tisdale; Dr. Vikram Garg, Dr. Karl Brown and IHC Hospice for their loving care shown to our husband and father.