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Ralph ‘Butch’ E. Smiley, 82

We lost a beautiful soul, Ralph “Butch” E. Smiley Sr. on Jan. 15, 2018. He was born August 20, 1935, in Tacoma, Wash. to Jim and Barbara (Sutphin) Smiley. Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1954 in Seattle. After his discharge from the military, he moved to Spokane, Wash. and managed the St. Vincent de Paul’s “As Is Store” for four years. He then moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where he worked as a roofer and later as a tow truck driver.

He met Sharon “Punkie” Prosch in 1980, in Post Falls, Idaho. For 37 years they were soulmates. Punky loved his family and he loved hers. They loved and laughed together and enjoyed fishing while watching the stars and the sunrise. Ralph also loved spending his time at yard sales, barter fairs and swap meets. He also loved Harley Davidsons and old country music.

Ralph helped raise Punkie’s two daughters, Marlo (Tony) Oslund and Angie (Randy) Hammond. They gave them four grandchildren, A.J. (Grace) Oslund, Jake (Talia) Oslund, Jesse (Christina) Hammond, Sidney (Willie) Roetcisoender and two great-grandchildren Taven and Tessa Roetcisoender.

He is also survived by two brothers, Bob (Phyllis) Smiley Jr. and Chief Smiley, son, Ralph Smiley Jr.; daughter, Laura (Jerry) Carman; six grandchildren, Jeremy, Rose, Trenton, Corina, Lindsey and Donald; three favored nieces, DeLinda (Charles) Hutson, Brenda (Earl) Olson and Becky (Bill) Cox; his friend and best hunting buddy, Ken McClosky; friend, Jim Holmes and beloved dog, Bandit. Preceding him in death are daughter, Cindy and sister, Barb Jones.

Punkie would like to thank Rose Terrace Gardens in Coeur d’Alene, Brian, Dory and staff. Also our own angel granddaughter, Sidney, who was with gramma and grandpa on his final day.

Happy trails Old Man! There are no services for Ralph planned at this time. English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Ralph’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

Ralph’s favorite poem was Welcome Home…

When I am gone, release me, let me go-

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Instead, be happy that we had so many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love that you have shown,

But now it’s time I travel on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part —

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on…

So if you need me, call- and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear —

All of my love around you, soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile, and say

“Hi mom, Welcome home.

Now we can be together forever!”