Ralph Duane White, age 95, passed away on January 4, 2026, at Wellsprings of Westmoreland, Kansas.
Ralph was born on August 9, 1930, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Carl and Josie Ethyl White. He was raised in Moscow, Kansas. After high school, Ralph attended Fort Hays State, Arkansas Tech University, and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Agronomy.
Ralph served in the Army during the Korean War from 09/1953 – 09/1955. He was stationed at Okinawa Depot, Japan. After coming home, Ralph joined his father and brother on the farm. Farming was not just his work—it was part of who he was.
Ralph married the love of his life, Mary Ann Henre, on December 4, 1955, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and adventure. After retiring from farming, Ralph and Mary Ann moved to Angel Fire, New Mexico, where they enjoyed their retirement years until 2010. They then returned to Kansas, living in Wamego before later settling in Westmoreland.
Ralph was known for his intelligence and curiosity. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller who enjoyed sharing experiences and memories. One of the greatest demonstrations of his character was the attentive and loving care he provided to Mary Ann during her years with dementia—an example of devotion that will long be remembered.
Ralph loved God, his family, the land, and flying. He began flying an airplane at just 17 years old and never lost his passion for aviation. Always ready to travel, Mary Ann and he visited many places around the world, eager for the next adventure. In addition to his many personal pursuits, Ralph was a dedicated civic servant, serving on numerous boards and governing bodies. Among his longest and most meaningful commitments were his years on the Moscow School Board and with the Kansas Flying Farmers.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; his parents, Carl and Josie Ethyl White; his brother, Wilbur White; his sisters-in-laws Elsie White, Ellen White, Martha Jane Morgan, and Barb Henre; his brother-in-law James Henre; and his nephew Eric Morgan.
He is survived by his brother, Ford Shuler White of Liberal, Kansas; his children Randall Dean White of Moscow, Kansas; Kara Jane Gonzales (Augustine) of Wamego, Kansas; Gary Lee White (Shalah) of Ashland, Kansas; and Brian Keith White (Tina) of Moscow, Kansas; his grandchildren Aaron Travis White, Rebecca Stelzer (Trae), Kerensa Fox (Derek), Jesse Gonzales (Annalynne), Josie Jensen (Brandon), Henry, Elliot, Robert, Blake, Emily (Ayoub), and Maggie (Bradley); 18 great-grandchildren; three nieces and four nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Wamego United Methodist Church with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A second service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Moscow Christian Fellowship Church with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m, followed by inurnment at Moscow Cemetery.
Ralph Duane White lived a full and faithful life—rooted in love, service, and adventure. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Memorials are suggested and can be made payable to the Westmoreland United Methodist Church, Wamego United Methodist Church, Moscow Christian Fellowship Church, or Wellsprings of Westmoreland and may be left in care of Campanella-Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church
Moscow Christian Fellowship Church
Moscow Christian Fellowship Church
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