Ralph Boone

March 22, 1927 – May 27, 2026

Ralph A. Boone

Ralph A. Boone “Flew West” peacefully at his home on May 27, 2026, at the age of 99.

Ralph, of Anthony, New Mexico, measured his life not by accomplishments, but by the relationships he built with his loving wife, children, and grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papaw.” He was a man who took pride in being self‑taught — building what needed to be built and fixing what needed to be fixed. He died peacefully with his devoted wife of 75 years, Betty, at his side.

Born on March 22, 1927, in the small town of Turnerville, New Mexico, nestled near the foothills of the Black Range Mountains, Ralph was the son of James A. Boone and Aimee Boone. His early years were shaped by the rugged beauty of rural New Mexico, where he learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and family loyalty — qualities that would define him throughout his life.

Inspired by his older brother‑in‑law, Donald Kienholz, who was serving in the African campaign flying P‑38s, Ralph joined the reserves with hopes of becoming a pilot. After graduating from Allen Military Academy in Bryan, Texas, he joined the Army Air Corps and was sent to Scott Field in St. Louis. There, he trained in cryptography as the demand for pilots had slowed. Just days before his deployment to Germany, the war came to an end — a moment that brought both relief and disappointment. He was nevertheless sent to Wiesbaden, Germany, where he served for several months before returning to the United States. He arrived by ship in New York and made his way back home to New Mexico, where he would build a long, full life rooted in family, hard work, and quiet strength.

In 1952, Ralph founded what is now Boone Transportation, Inc., a school bus company dedicated to the safe transportation of children in the Gadsden Independent School District. Beginning with only seven buses, Ralph grew the business to more than 120 buses at its peak. His passion was to ensure that his employees were respected and responsible, and that the children of the district were always safe. Boone Transportation, now owned and operated by his children — Cristie Stuart, James Boone, and Randy Boone — will soon celebrate its 75th year of continuous service to GISD, a testament to Ralph’s vision, commitment, and leadership. Ralph and Betty always felt deeply blessed by God for the opportunity to serve the Gadsden community. They believed their work was a calling — a responsibility entrusted to them — and they carried it out with gratitude, humility, and unwavering faith.

In his active years, Ralph was deeply involved in his community. He served in the Lions Club and Rotary Club. Ralph was also instrumental in helping to establish the New Mexico School Bus Contractors Association and served as President several times. He loved freshwater fishing, enjoyed a good game of golf, loved hunting, and was known for his spirited banter during conversations with friends. Ralph never knew a stranger. An accomplished pilot, he found great joy in flying his private plane with Betty to Mexico and throughout much of the western United States. Together, they loved to travel with family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Betty Boone; his sister Marilyn Coffman; and his children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren: Cristie Stuart, Brandon Stuart (Sharla), Ava and Braydon Stuart; Cathie Scott (Sandy), Camile Reasor (Cole), Blaine Scott (Julie), Huxley Scott; Randy Boone (Debbie), Kevan Boone, Lovett and Finnly Boone, Garrett Boone; James Boone (Jan), Craig Boone (Farrell), Betsy Boone; Alyssa Bloomfield (Tim) Boone and Banks Bloomfield; Cameron Boone. He is also survived by nieces and nephews that he loved.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Arvil and Aimee; sisters Doris Russell and Billy Jo Kienholz; and by his brother Dale Boone.

Services for Ralph will be held June 9, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Anthony, NM, 201 Lincoln St., at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at the Anthony Community Cemetery, 991 N Fourth St.

Pallbearers: Brandon Stuart, Camille Reasor, Kevan Boone, Blaine Scott, Garrett Boone, Craig Boone, Alyssa Bloomfield, Cameron Boone

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to the following…

First Baptist Church Anthony NM

Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn

Wayland Baptist University