Lee Wayne Ralston

Lee Wayne Ralston

June 21, 1948 - June 27, 2024

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. - Lee Wayne Ralston, 76, passed away peacefully at the North Platte Care Center on June 27, 2024 surrounded by family.

Lee was born June 21, 1948 to George and Frances (Murray) Ralston in Curtis, Neb. There was a flooded bridge that couldn’t be crossed so he was born in his grandparents’ home. He was the third of six children growing up in Stockville, Neb. He went to school in Stockville until the high school closed and then graduated from the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture, Curtis, Neb., in 1966. After graduation, he joined the United States Army Reserves and served for 10 years.

Lee married Donna on March 1, 1968 and in 1973 welcomed a daughter into the world, Rebecca Lee. In 1973, he began working as an insurance adjuster for Farmers Mutual of Nebraska. Later, Lee and Donna would divorce. Lee then married Deborah Baumfalk in November of 1984. They lived in McCook, Neb. until 1992 before moving to North Platte, Neb. Lee retired in North Platte, Neb. after working for Farmers Mutual of Nebraska for 35 years.

Lee enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, golfing, riding his motorcycle with Deb, and was an amateur radio operator. After retiring, Lee and Deb traveled south to Arizona during the winter months for many years. They also spent many summers camping at Hart Ranch Resort in South Dakota with their 5th wheel.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Alice Hinton; and brother John Ralston.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Deborah; his daughter, Becky (Michael) Beckman of Thompson Falls, Mont.; step-children, Dennis (Angie) Baumfalk and Jill Richardson of North Platte, Neb.; five grandchildren: Madison Derr of Kearney, Neb., Makenzie Derr of Kearney, Neb., Chelcie Baumfalk of Edmond, Okla., Jordan Richardson of North Platte, Neb., and Corbin Baumfalk of Stillwater, Okla.; two step-grandchildren, Tom Beckman and Paige Beckman of San Diego, Calif.; two great-grandchildren, Taylar and Jett of North Platte, Neb. He is also survived by his siblings: Connie (Jim) Starck of North Platte, Neb., Kenneth (Kathy) Ralston of McCook, Neb., and Linda Monte of North Platte, Neb.; brother-in-law, Jack Hinton of Colorado and sister-in-law, Janie Ralston of Maywood, Neb.; sister and brother-in-law, Terri (Dave) Winder of McCook, Neb.; and a host of extended nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cremation was chosen and it was Lee’s wish that no formal services be held.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Lee Ralston for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann- Jones funeral Chapel of McCook.