RALPH W. HARDING (died 25 September 1969)
Ralph W. Harding dies Thursday in riding accident
Funeral services were conducted Monday for Ralph W. Harding, age 67, who was killed Thursday morning when he was apparently thrown from a horse while rounding up cattle in a deeply wooded section of the Deep Creek area about seven miles northeast of Malad. He had suffered injuries to the head and chest.
Mr. Harding’s body was found after five hours of searching by Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies, townspeople and male students from Malad High School. His body was found by Dean Smith, Farmington, quite a distance from where his horse had been found rider less by members of a group Mr. Harding had been riding with. They searched for a couple of hours before coming to town to seek assistance.
Mr. Harding was born July 10, 1902, at Malad, to Ralph J. and Martha Williams Harding.
He attended Utah State University at Logan and was a 1925 graduate of the University of Idaho.
Mr. Harding married Kathryn Olson on Aug. 30, 1928, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
He had been a high school coach in all sports for 40 years, and retired in 1968 at Malad. He had taught mathematics and other subjects and coached at Downey High, Marsh Valley High, Jerome High, St. Anthony High, Pocatello High and Malad High. He was operating a ranch south of Malad at the time of his death.
Mr. Harding was a life member of the Idaho Coaches Association and a member of the Idaho Education Association, Malad Lions Club and Idaho Cattlemen’s Association.
He was an active member of the LDS Church and was a high councilman in the Malad LDS Stake at the time of his death.
Survivors are his widow, Malad; four sons and three daughters, Ralph R. Harding, Blackfoot; G. Bob Harding, Elk Grove, Calif.; Don L. Harding, Washington, D.C.; Tom Harding, Malad; Mrs. George (Joyce) Freidenberger, Idaho Falls; Mrs. Gaylen (Nadine) Cox, Bountiful; Mrs. Owen (Alice) Miller, Toronto, Canada; 19 grandchildren, and one brother, Ben Harding, Rupert.
Bishop Gordon Crowther conducted the services at Malad LDS Stake Chapel. Family prayer was offered by Ralph R. Harding; the invocation, by President Devere Harris, and the benediction, by President Myron P. Sorensen. Speakers were Blaine Blake, President Moyle Facer, Bishop Crowther and Elian Castleton, who gave a life sketch. A vocal selection was presented by the Malad high school chorus comprised of Julie Jones, Camille Ward, Jean Castleton, Jeri Moon, Lew Williams, Parry Madsen, Eric Thomas and David Gilgen; a solo, by Dr. John A. Jones; piano solo, Cathy Cox. Prelude and postlude music was played by Myra Jean John, who was also an accompanist. Other accompanists were Leon Castleton and Lucille Thomas.
Lyman Morrell offered the dedicatory prayer at Malad City Cemetery. Casket bearers were Tommy Thorpe, Tom Colton, LaMar Thomas, Bob Bowen, LaDell Andersen and Jim Williams. Acting as honorary bearers were members of Malad Stake High Council and Malad Stake High Priests Quorum.
Flowers were arranged by members of Second Ward Relief Society, Verna Allen, president, the Garden Club, and Granddaughters.
Burial was directed by Benson Funeral Home.

Funeral Program
RALPH W. HARDING

In Loving Memory of
COACH RALPH W. HARDING
Age 67
Born July 10, 1902 – Malad City, Idaho
Passed Away Sept. 25, 1969 – Malad City

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, Sept. 29, 1969 – 1:00 p.m.
Malad L.D.S. Stake Chapel
Bishop Gordon Crowther Officiating

At the Funeral Home
Family Prayer – Ralph R. Harding