Ralph Stanley Obituary

February 22, 1956 - January 1, 2026

Ralph Kevin Stanley passed away peacefully early New Year's Day after a long battle with dementia. Celebration of Life Service: 1:00-4:00 Sunday, Feb. 22,2026 at Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Rd., Cortez, CO. Honor Guard Ceremony at same location 4:00-4:30. All are welcome. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Drawer 740, Cortez, CO 81321 or DAV #44 Veterans Outreach Center, 432 N. Broadway, Cortez, CO 81321.
Ralph was born Feb. 22, 1956, in Spokane, WA to James Kent Stanley and Joyce Annette Sutton. During his younger years, Ralph enjoyed being a Boy Scouts of America member earning his Eagle Scout honor and was eventually awarded Assistant Scoutmaster. He faithfully served our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1975-1979. He attended Mesa Community College in Arizona where he received an ASE in Engineering as well as later completing 120 hours at The University of Texas, Austin towards his BSEE. Afterward, he worked as a Product Test Engineering Technician in the Semiconductor industry for Motorola in Mesa, AZ and Austin, TX from 1983-2004. He also worked at Freescale in Austin, TX from 2004-2015. Ralph was previously married to Rhonda Davis Stanley from 1986 until 1994. During 2001-2012 Ralph developed a passion for health and fitness. He competed in (30+) Marathons, Triathlons, and Iron Man races. On Nov. 21, 2015, Ralph married Carlye Brookshire at Tarrytown Methodist Church in Austin. Ralph and Carlye retired and moved to Dolores, CO in 2016 where they enjoyed hiking, dancing, gardening, and remodeling- creating 2 art studios. At this time, Ralph also developed a passion for drawing and painting. He was quite a prolific artist! He exhibited and sold work at Loops Coffee House in Dolores, Artisans Gallery in Mancos, Four Seasons Greenhouse Winter Market, and Dolores Annual Christmas Bazar. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, creativity and sense of humor. He was a loving husband, father, helpful neighbor and friend. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Carlye; daughters, Farren Marie Stanley, Kryslyn Jade Stanley, and Clare Brookshire; brothers, Knight, Scott and Kriss Stanley (wife, Karen); and two grandchildren, Sylyn and Nix. He will be deeply missed.