Ralph E. Crites

Cortez resident Ralph Eugene Crites passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the age of 84.

Celebration of life for Ralph will be held at 11:00 on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Mesa Trails Church in Mancos, Colorado. There will be a dinner afterwards.

Ralph Crites was born June 21, 1940 to Carl and Adelia Crites in Cortez, Colorado. He was the youngest of five. He had three older brothers Raymond, Albert, and Vern. Dorothy Frazier was the oldest and his only sister.

He married Sandy Phillips in 1960. They had Debbie on October 25, 1960. They had Brenda on February 2, 1963. Then, the youngest, Gary came along January 7, 1971.

He is survived by all his children and his older brother Vern.

He became a Christian as a young man. Church was important to him and he always became involved. He was a deacon, sponsored men’s fellowship, and held bible studies.

He was there for people in his life and was constantly helping them with their needs. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoor life. He loved camping and riding his quad.

He will be greatly missed by many friends and family.