Samuel Earl Ralston

Samuel Earl Ralston

Samuel Earl Ralston passed away on March 28, 2023, at home in Ridgecrest, California.

Sam was born on October 24, 1941, in Red Mountain, California to Louis James and Pauline Ruth Ralston. He grew up in Randsburg and found creative ways to entertain himself like trying to ride a wild burro, 3 times in a row.

Sam graduated from Randsburg High.

Sam married Sherry Lynn Heath in Randsburg in 1960. Some of the early jobs Sam had included some work in Burbank, driving a charter bus from Ridgecrest to Las Vegas, and he even tried driving a school bus once, but he didn't like it!

Sam started his job that became his career in 1967. He worked in Salvage at the Trana Plant, for over 50 years. He loved his job and retired at age 78.

During his early years at the plant, Sam and Sherry had their three children. Eddie was born in 1970, Scott in 1978, and Barbara in 1980. Sam shared his love of cars with his kids. He enjoyed drag racing, car shows and anything car related.

Just about the only thing Sam loved more than cars was family. He loved us, he loved to tease us, and he really loved kicking our butts in Rummy and Acey Deucey.

Sam was preceded in death by his mother Pauline and wife Sherry.

Sam is survived by his daughter Barb and Brandon Warren; son Scott and Torri Ralston; and son Eddie and Kathy Ralston. Also by his grandkids: Alex Ralston, Sylvia Sizemore, Jakob White, Brooke White, Will White, Lindsie Calderon, Dylan Warren, Tyler Warren, Victoria Ralston, Sirus Ralston, Logan Ralston, Heath Ralston, Toby Ralston. As well as his great-grandkids Mason, Haisley, and Dean.

Sam is also survived by his Father-in-law Ed Heath, and his siblings Jack, Valerie and John, and Shep and Terry. And many more because Sam collected people everywhere he went, calling them family, especially when he was able to help them out. To name all he held dear would take hours.

Something that Sam enjoyed spending his time on for the last few years was volunteering at the Highway Patrol. He cherished the friends he gained.

Sam was a good man who was loved by many and will truly be missed.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 29th@ 11:00am at the fairgrounds.

*Bounce house for the kids.*