Ralph Harvey Geist, 84, died July 20, 2023, at Reflection Living Senior Living Home, Hutchinson, KS. He was born July 25, 1938, in Hutchinson, KS, to Everett Harvey and Emma Alveretta (Thompson) Geist.
Ralph was a 1956 graduate of Plevna High School, Plevna, KS. Early in his life, he worked at Cessna, operated a gas station in Sterling, KS, farmed on the side, and sold new cars for Chevrolet. In 1970, he opened his own car dealership, where he sold a variety of vehicles and equipment. Ralph began selling recreational vehicles in the 1990s and continued until his retirement. He attended Salt City Cowboy Church, South Hutchinson, KS.
Ralph enjoyed flying, racing cars, fishing, hunting, and buying and selling just about any type of vehicle or piece of equipment that had wheels and tires. He had a servant’s heart and liked to help people. Ralph’s greatest love was when he was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On May 1, 1961, he married Doloris Emily Nitengale, in Arlington, KS. They shared over 62 years of marriage.
Ralph is survived by: his wife, Doloris Geist of South Hutchinson, KS; daughter, Cindy (Kelly) Schmucker of Hutchinson, KS; grandchildren, Rachelle (Shannon) McKay, Jordan (Julie) Geist, Matt (Victoria) Brock, Susan (Taylor) Morris, Shanae Schmucker, and Clay Schmucker; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Karen (Harold) Davidson of McPherson, KS, and Sherrill (Dick) Slifer of Plevna, KS; and daughter-in-law, Stephany (Elliot) Laib of Fort Worth, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Rick Geist.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Montie McFerrin officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary. To view the service online, please click on the link that will be available in Ralph’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website at 1:45 p.m. on the day of the service.
Memorials are suggested to the Salt City Cowboy Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.