Ralph W. Bretton was born April 6, 1940, in Phillipsburg, KS and passed away May 3, 2026, at Kinship Pointe in McCook, NE at the age of 86.

Ralph was the eldest son of Mavor and Ethel (Smith) Bretton. He grew up in Agra, KS and graduated from the Navy with his GED. He Ralph selflessly joined the USS Navy on July 12, 1958, in Winner, SD while on a harvest crew. He spent six years on the carrier USS Kersarge and was discharged honorably on August 6, 1964.

He met Margaret “Marge” A. Nondorf in Goodland, KS and they were married in Julesburg, CO on April 11, 1969. To this union three daughters were born Susan (Suzie), Sandra (Sandy) and Sonja. They started their family in Phillipsburg, KS, then Ralph and Marge moved their family to McCook, NE in 1979.

Ralph spent 50 years as an Over the Road Truck driver. Marge manned with him for three years and rode with him after the girls were raised.

Ralph was always ready to find a deal by attending auctions and looking through car lots. He enjoyed music and buying items off the QVC…enjoyed it so much that the channel had to be blocked. Ralph will be remembered for his stubborn attitude and loving his time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; three grandchildren, Susan and Jordan Doris and Lila Bretton; sister Lila Bretton; brothers Roy Bretton and Rex Bretton; and in-laws Wilfred and Betty Nondorf.

He leaves this world behind his wife of 57 years Marge Bretton of McCook, NE, daughters Suzie (Larry) Doris Sandy Fischer, and Sonja Bretton all of McCook, NE; 14 grandchildren, Jonathan Johnson, Jacob (Ariel) Bretton, Levi (Brooke) Doris, Marcus (Makayla) Florom, Anthony (Jayda) Fischer, Kathleen (Seth) Chancellor, Matthew (Destiny) Florom, and Ian Lee; 10 Great Grandchildren, Charlotte Johnson, Abigail and Allison Bretton, Lainey Doris, Annalynn and Paisley Florom, Amayah Fischer, Maverick1 and Miquella Chancellor, Maverick2 Florom; aunt and uncle, Vannetta and Bob Woodard; sister, Luella (Irvin) Snyder of Ness City, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are to be in Ralph’s name to be designated at a later date.