Feb. 2, 1940 - June 1, 2014
Ralph Ernest Vance, 74, was born Feb. 2, 1940, in Mesilla Park, New Mexico, to Archie Maurice and Lou Ellen Bradford Vance. He died June 1, 2014, in Dayton. He was raised in Capitan, New Mexico and graduated magna cum laude from New Mexico State University with a degree in animal husbandry. He moved to Nevada after graduation, drawn by the open desert range and wild spirit, to run ranches first in Dayton then in Elko County, where he raised four daughters. He was known for his quick wit and boisterous laugh. He was good with horses and won several bulldogging championships in the Nevada Cowboy Association and again in the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and treasured his service in the temple.He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Deanna; daughters and sons-in-law Leanna and Reese Johnson and Casandra and Phil Cowee; daughters Teri and Lynsey Vance; siblings Harold, Pete and Jennie Lou Vance; 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Maurice; and Uncle and Aunt Peg and Leota Pfingsten.A funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dayton, 304 Driftwood Way.