Ralph Williston of Dearborn, MO died October 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of a true life-long learner and storyteller. He was born in Arkansas City, KS to Henry Silas Williston and Mabel Rebecca (Montgomery) Williston on May 1, 1942, and died in Kansas City, MO from cancer.Ralph always had the desire to learn and continued to learn and “figure things out” even as he was facing death. He graduated high school in Pomona, KS, and left for college. He earned an B.S. in Science and started his teaching career in Lamar, MO, where he taught for 15 years.
While there he and his students built and maintained a photography laboratory, a weather station, a telescope, and a solar heating system. He was once honored as the Missouri Science teacher of the year for his efforts. Also during this time, he finished his Masters in Natural Sciences; started the business Weather-Made Solar Systems and built his own solar heated house; was active in the Barton County Civil Defense chasing storms; and was a leader in his Community of Christ church congregation as a minister.
After leaving teaching, Ralph worked at O’Sullivan Industries in the research and trouble-shooting areas where he developed new technologies and was awarded a patent. Following his passion for the skies he led the pursuit for Lamar to have an accessible observatory for anyone. This led to the building of the Stilabower Observatory. He also taught at Graceland University for 3 years in the science department. This was his way of returning to the school where he met Nancy in 1961 when he was there as a student.
Ralph was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and this shaped his life-long connection to Native American studies. He visited numerous tribes sharing and collecting stories and was a beloved storyteller of “Little Eagle” adventures. Ralph’s most recent efforts included finding connections in the Bible to native traditions, myths, and legends.
After leaving teaching, Ralph worked at O’Sullivan Industries in the research and trouble-shooting areas where he developed new technologies and was awarded a patent. Following his passion for the skies he led the pursuit for Lamar to have an accessible observatory for anyone. This led to the building of the Stilabower Observatory. He also taught at Graceland University for 3 years in the science department. This was his way of returning to the school where he met Nancy in 1961 when he was there as a student.
Ralph was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and this shaped his life-long connection to Native American studies. He visited numerous tribes sharing and collecting stories and was a beloved storyteller of “Little Eagle” adventures. Ralph’s most recent efforts included finding connections in the Bible to native traditions, myths, and legends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mabel Williston, a brother Arlon, and beloved brothers-in-law John Williams and Mike McEwen. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Kaye (Wiltse) Williston; his brothers Rolland (Mary) Williston and Rick (Lin) Williston; his sisters Melina Williams and Sheila McEwen; his children Allen (Janine) Williston and Robin (Scott) McInnis; four grandchildren Carolynn (Este) Williston-Ruiz, Zachary Muetzel, Emma (Connor) Kostelac, and Hannah (Aaron) Samuels; and 2 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.
Ralph wanted a family gathering that ended in a circle prayer instead of a funeral or formal service. Family will gather during the Weekend of November 8-10. He would like to have some of his ashes spread into the wind at the Community of Christ campgrounds in Racine, MO.
If anyone wishes to send cards please send to 23515 DD Hwy, Dearborn, MO 64439.
I had the extreme pleasure of having Ralph as a teacher at Lamar High from 1970-1973. One of a kind. Great person, fantastic teacher. Everyone who knew him became a better person.
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