August 8, 1952 – January 5, 2026

Ralph Backes passed away January 5th, 2026 at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Ralph was born on August 8th, 1952 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to Chester and JoNell Backes of Milner. He lived in Milner and attended Hayden Schools until his graduation in 1971. He married Brenda Fredrickson in 1974 and moved to a small farm north of Hayden. There, four children were welcomed into the family: Jason in 1976, Troy and Tracy in 1978, and Kelley in 1985. Ralph worked as a dozer operator at the Energy Fuels mine for 11 years. The family moved to New Mexico in 1986, where they lived for 10 years before returning to Colorado. In 2002, Ralph moved to Rangely, Colorado, where he lived until his death. Ralph loved spending time in the outdoors hiking, camping, and fishing. His family has many memories of weekend camping trips in the mountains. He leaves behind to mourn his death: his four children, one sister and one brother, several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service at a later date.