Ralph Bruce Knowles

Ralph (Bruce) Knowles was born in Neihart, Montana, March 8, 1933. He attended school in Neihart, White Sulphur Springs, and graduated in 1951 at Three Forks High School. After graduating, Bruce was hired as a brakeman for the Milwaukee Railroad with Three Forks being his home terminal. He worked the trains between Harlowton, Three Forks, and Deer Lodge. Bruce joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and spent the next 4 years and 5 days serving during the Korean War on the USS Dixie (AD 14) destroyer tender. After discharge, he returned to Great Falls. Bruce held a variety of jobs beginning with Eddie’s Bakery, Okay Tire Shop, Buttery’s Warehouse, Cascade Coach, Malmstrom Airforce Base, HR Welding Supply, Martin’s Service Center, and flooring installer for Central Floor Covering. Due to health issues, Bruce could not continue to work and medically retired in 1980. As a former machinist, Bruce could fix, repair, and build anything. He spent most of his time tinkering in his garage, which is filled to the rafters. In September 1956, he married the love of his life, Jean Lance from Downey, CA. Bruce and Jean had one wonderful daughter, Vicki, who married the love of her life, Charlie Sheets, in 1985. Vicki and Charlie blessed Bruce and Jean with their only grandchild, Ali Jo Sheets on April 13, 1989. Sadly, Vicki lost a battle with breast cancer on April 23, 2013. Bruce enjoyed hunting, fishing, prospecting for Yogo sapphires, cutting gems, faceting, working in his garage, coffee with friends, and spending time with family and friends. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, William and Leona; two brothers, William and Henry; four sisters, May Kielt, Dolly Strizich, Betty Bindl, and Laura Kaiser; and his daughter, Vicki Sheets. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the 3-D International in Black Eagle. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Bruce.