William Francis Ralston

William Francis “Willie” Ralston was born on August 28, 1954, in Anaconda, Montana, the fifth of seven children born to Charles and Alice Ralston of the Ralston Ranch in Wise River. He lived his life the way he saw fit to be honest, loud and full of life until the Good Lord called him home. He left behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, and a deep devotion to family and friends. 

Willie graduated from Anaconda High School in 1972 and began his career with the BA&P Railroad. He soon followed his passion for ranching, working as a ranch hand for his cousin Ted Christianson outside Dillon, Montana. He later joined the Jaumotte Brothers custom hay crew, which brought him to Hardin in 1975. In 1976, when the company purchased a tractor dealership, Willie became a mechanic, a role that suited his natural ability to fix just about anything. It was at that time he met the love of his life and partner of 45 years, Michelle Colleen Conroy. 

In 1978, Willie returned to Wise River to help his father and brother run the family ranch. Michelle followed in 1979, and they were married on September 20, 1980, in Hardin, Montana. Together they built a life grounded in love, resilience, and partnership. 

They welcomed their daughter, “Lil Miss” Taleah Colleen, on November 21, 1984, and their son, “Sam Bones” Samuel Tyler, on September 26, 1986, both born in Butte, Montana. 

In 1990, Willie and his family moved back to Hardin, where he worked for Conroys Inc. on a contract fencing crew for 13 years. He later drove tractor for Paul Tritschler until a work injury required him to take time off. During that time, he embraced one of his most cherished roles as Papa Willie, caring full time for his first grandchild, Mia “Monkey”, born October 16, 2003. Willie later joined Blattner Company as a laborer and then secured a position with Colorado Energy and worked his way up to lead mechanic, a position he held for 16 years until his retirement. Never one to slow down, he continued working part time as an independent contractor for Impact Mechanical with his good friend Jeff Kueffner. 

Willie was truly one of a kind. Known as the king of nicknames, he had one for everyone. He was the life of the party, with a booming laugh and sound effects that could be heard from afar. He loved the outdoors, including ranching, farming, hunting, and skiing, where he was an expert on the slopes. Though he often joked he was a jack of all trades and master of none, his greatest accomplishment was being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. 

He treasured his grandchildren Mia, Alaina, Kason, Kai, Amelia “Lil Teenie,” and Miles “Littler Dude,” and his beloved granddog Duke “Duke ess the Dogner.” His unforgettable Willie sayings, including “Come back when you can’t stay so long,” “What’s that on your shirt?” and “Can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning,” will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

Willie will be remembered as boisterous, energetic, and a master storyteller who never sat still and never failed to bring joy to those around him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Jax Gust, his nephew Colton Conroy, his brothers-in-law Tyke Conroy and Bob Matosich, Uncle Dean Barnes, and friend Gary DeBates. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Ralston; his daughter, Taleah (Josh) Gust; his son, Samuel (AliceAnn) Ralston; his grandchildren, Mia (Waylen Walter) Ralston - Gust, Alaina Woods, Kason Gust, Kai Gust, Amelia Ralston, and Miles Ralston; his siblings, Phil (Sunny) Ralston, Milann (Dale) Combs, Sally (Bob Matosich) Ralston, Mary Alice (Lee) Wilhelm, E. Cary (Jayne) Ralston, and Joe Ralston; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. 

A memorial service will be held on April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Bullis Mortuary in Hardin, Montana, with a celebration of life to follow at the Brass Rail. He will be taken home and laid to rest on the family ranch in Wise River, MT on May 23, 2026. A reception will follow at Ralston Ranch and all are welcome. 

As we remember Willie and the joy he brought to so many, we can almost hear him one last time: “Sure glad you got to see me.” 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William Francis Ralston, please visit our Tree Store.