Ralph Edwin Zerba, age 90, a longtime resident of the Addy and Colville, WA area passed away on October 26, 2021 at his Colville home. Ralph was born on September 21, 1931 in Grants Pass, OR the son of Dale Eugene and Allie Josephine (Harris) Zerba.

As his family moved between work opportunities, the majority of Ralph's early years were spent in Baker City, OR. He left school early to begin working in support of his family. Ralph worked along side his father in their lawn care service while in Arizona before the family moved to Addy, WA where they began the Zerba Bros. Lumber. In 1973, Ralph met June F. Patburg on New Year Eve. Their friendship quickly blossomed into love and they exchanged vows on May 4, 1974 in Reno, NV. They returned to Addy and their family grew in size and need, so they moved into Colville where Ralph began logging. At the age of 62 he retired from

Pernsteiner Logging. Most of his career was spent as a heavy equipment operator with the primary focus and passion for running the CAT track skidder. While in retirement, Ralph continued to work small jobs for his good friend Laurin Tanner. He also looked forward to helping is son, Dale, every fall with his guide business. On Saturdays, Ralph would assist his wife, June, with the operation of The Red Apple, a bakery in Colville.

Ralph was easy going in character and had a desire to share in stories of life with others whenever possible. He found joy in assisting in the needs of others with an enormous generosity. Ralph had a passion for building countless birdhouses, which he gave away to anyone willing to appreciate his labor of love. Ralph was an uncle to many nieces and nephews, who all held a special place in his heart. A sweet dad, caring grandfather, good brother, and loving husband… Ralph will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Leah Reed (John); great granddaughter, Genevie Perry; nephew Daniel Zerba; siblings, Delbert Zerba (Doris), Oliver Zerba (Lyn), and Virginia Dukes (Del).

Ralph is survived by his wife of 47 years, June Zerba of Colville, WA; daughter, Melissa King (Chris Fox) of Maple Valley, WA; son, Dale Denney (Tara) of Colville, WA; brother, Darrell Zerba (Kae) of Addy, WA; grandchildren, Miles (Paris) King, Tyson King, Victoria King, Mindy Merrill (Joe), Brian Denney (Emily), Shelby Williams (Josh), Curtis Reed, and Michelle Perry (Kyle); three great grandchildren, Brook Merrill, Matthew Perry, and Ethan Perry; a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside service and vault interment will begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA. Pastor Shane Moffitt will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to your charity of choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.