Ralph Foster

Ralph Thomas Foster was born on January 3, 1930 to homesteaders Grace and John Foster. They lived on their Buffalo Creek ranch north of Leiter in Southeast Sheridan County. The family moved to town and this country boy would have had a much tougher time adjusting if not for FFA, 4-H, and welding class. The Fosters bought acreage near Banner and Ralph worked after school on nearby ranches. In 1947, Ralph began working for his Uncle Lawrence Kennedy near Clearmont, and Ralph retired there on the Flying U Ranch 67 years later. Hired hand turned manager was his first hat. Lawrence died in 1948 leaving the ranch to eight nieces and nephews. At age 18, Ralph became the operator of the ranch. Ralph and Terri acquired sole ownership in 1966. In addition to ranching and cowboying, Ralph raised crops including wheat, hay, barley, oats, and vegetables in a large garden. He did many other jobs required on the ranch including plumbing, ranch vet, heavy equipment operator, electrician, and carpenter. He also enjoyed big game hunting.