Ralph Lee Dees

Ralph L. Dees, 92, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022. He was born Monday, December 16, 1929, to Otto and Kathryn Dees in Wirt, OK. The youngest of four children, his family overcame the many challenges associated with the Great Depression and having a father who worked on the pipeline. Ralph often spoke of how they didn't have much but each other and how resourceful they were when helping neighbors or family members in need. Being of service was instilled early in Ralph's childhood.
A gifted athlete, he played multiple sports, but his true love was football. Ralph loved to reminisce about the high school game where he scored six touchdowns but only remembered scoring the first one as he "got his bell rung." For most of his life, he could name all the players on his state championship team. Ralph graduated from Healdton High School in 1948 and, following family tradition, enlisted in the Navy, where he served during the Korean War as an Electrician's Mate Third Class. Throughout his life, Ralph was asked if he saw any combat during his time in the military, and the response was quick - every weekend as he was a member of the Navy's boxing team. He also found time to play football while serving his country and that led to scholarship offers to various colleges; however, due to the war, his service time was extended, and he lost those scholarships. After being discharged from the military, Ralph pursued his bachelor's and master's degrees in education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Ralph moved to Albuquerque in the mid-sixties to begin his career in education with Albuquerque Public Schools. He taught physical education to many elementary and middle school students in the North Valley and finished his 28-year career at Taft Middle School. Ralph married Barbara in September 1968 and soon began a family, welcoming a daughter, Cindy, and a son, Brian.
After retiring in 1988, Ralph discovered a passion for woodworking, which kept him busy and allowed him to bring joy to anyone who crossed his path. One of his favorite things to hand out was his rubber band guns. He would always ask the pretty ladies if they needed protection, which would get a laugh, and then he would begin the safety talk to ensure they didn't shoot someone's eye out. Many families and friends over the years have received his reindeer, angels, Christmas ornaments, and more, and they share how much joy Ralph's gifts have brought them.
Ralph was a frequent spectator at Valley High School sporting events until his health started declining. It always brought a smile to his face when a former student would stop by and say hello or share memories of having him as a teacher/coach and his impact on their lives. Often, the conversations would start, "I thought you were so mean, but as I got older, I realized the true impact you had on my life." As dementia started robbing Ralph of his memories and recognition people, his family welcomed these interactions as they demonstrated how huge his heart was and how special he was to so many.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Cindy Dees; son, Brian Dees; grandchildren; Callan and Presley Dees; many nieces and nephews; and wonderful family and friends. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Dees; son, Kerry Dees; brother Jack Dees; and sisters, Joanne Fallentine Holmes and Virginia Portis.
Services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 11:00 am, at Netherwood Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Friends and family may visit French- University, 1111 University Blvd, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Should friends desire, the family asks that any memorial contributions be made to:

Friends of New Mexico Fisher House
P.O. Box 14276
Albuquerque, NM 87191
http://friendsofnmfisherhouse.com

Viking Closet (benefitting Valley High School)
Family Center (aps.edu)
Contact: Elisa Velasquez
(505) 345-9021 ext. 54139 / 54148