Ralph Channing Smith passed away Saturday morning, March 16, 2024, after an eight-year struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by the presence and love of family and friends. Ralph was 76 years old.

Ralph Channing Smith was born August 27, 1947, in Santa Monica, California to Raymond Isaiah Smith and Gae Ogden Smith. He graduated from Westchester High School in 1965. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala and El Salvador (1967-1969) after which he resumed his education at BYU, graduation with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Political Science in 1971. In 1970 he married Rosetta (Rosie) Smith in the Salt Lake City Temple. In 1971 they moved to California where Ralph taught Spanish in the Cutler-Orosi School District, and later was assistant principal in the Oro Loma School District.

In fall of 1976, he began law school at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, CA. He graduated with a JD in 1979. He practiced law in Fresno, CA for 35 years.

Ralph was a gifted athlete, excelling in tennis, baseball, soccer, and later golf. When he moved to Fresno at the start of 1980, he began jogging, which soon turned into running marathons. He formed many fond friendships with other runners in Fresno. He ran in 15 St. George Marathons and at least 10 Boston Marathons. Ralph impressed us all when in 2009 at the age of 62 he came in second in his age group with a time of 3:16.

In 1985, Ralph and family moved from Fresno to Madera County, living in the Rolling Hills community. At this time Rolling Hills was trying to get a volunteer fire-fighting company together. Ralph was part of that effort and became the first fire chief for "Engine Company 9". With an engine furnished by the county and funds raised locally, the fire station was erected for Engine 9 in 1985. In 1986, Madera County honored Ralph as their "Fire Fighter of the Year," which was truly an award for the whole group of about 10 volunteers.

Those who knew Ralph, knew he lived life to the fullest. He became a pilot at one point and owned a small plane for a few years.

Ralph was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served in various capacities through the years, including teaching Sunday school, serving in the Boy Scouts of America, being a Bishop's counselor, serving as Bishop of the Echo Ward, and serving several years in the Fresno California Temple. Besides his early mission to Guatemala, He and Rosie served a second mission to Trujillo, Peru for 18 months (2014-2015). Upon returning they happily served in their ward's nursery.

Of all the blessings Ralph experienced in his life, he considered his four children to be his greatest treasures. He loved and was proud of each one. They were each prayed for and heaven-sent!

Ralph is survived by: His wife of 53 years Rosetta (Rosie Smith). Children: David Joshua Smith DDS and wife Leah VanTussenbroek Smith; Spencer Raymond Samuel Smith and wife Lauren Schwendiman Smith; Rachel Naomi Smith, and Jesse Joseph Ogden Smith.

Grandchildren: Hayden Joshua Smith, Isabella Rae Smith, Gerrit Channing Smith, Eisley Broek Smith, Samuel Crockett Smith, Harper Elizabeth Smith, and Mark Jacob Smith.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful help and care given to Ralph by the Apricot Mornings staff and Bristol Hospice.