Washington, Utah - Ralph Edward Shorten, 90, passed away at his home in Washington, Saturday morning October 22, 2011, after struggling with dementia the last 10 years of his life. He was born May 21, 1921 in Ogden, Utah, to David George Shorten and Minnie Bandley Shorten, the youngest of 5 children. He wasa member of the first graduating class of the new Ogden High School. Ralph served in the U.S. Army duringWorld War II in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged and returned to his hometown and married Helen Gridley, October 10, 1946. He and Helen just celebrated their 65thwedding anniversary this month. Ralph spent most of his workingyears with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1984. In 1995 they moved to Washington Utah. Ralph is survived by his wife Helen and 3 children, Tina (Kent)Rosenlof, Casey (Annagay) Shorten and Kathy (Don) Laub, 14 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. We are so thankful to Lorrie, Tammy, Kris, Patty, Vanessa and Chaplain Gray for the excellent,loving care they gave to Ralph during thefinal stage of his life. We will be forever grateful. Also, thanks to the Washington City Fire Department for being there when we needed them. There will be a private family memorial at a later date. Cremation will be under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary (435) 673-4221.