Ralph was born May 13, 1955, in Gridley, California, the eldest of three sons to Ralph

R. “Dick” Cassady and Jerry Ruth Hale Cassady. Starting at age 8 Ralph followed in

his father’s footsteps becoming a 5 th generation farmer. He actively helped on the farm

by driving equipment and tending to livestock. He was active in both 4-H and FFA and

raised swine that he exhibited at fairs. He graduated from Gridley High School in 1973.

He attended Butte College and graduated from California State University Chico in

1978. Upon graduation from college, Ralph spent six years in the Willows area working

for Lewis International, selling farm equipment and pickups. As well as his sales job, he

enjoyed judging swine shows in the North State and serving as Livestock

Superintendent at Yuba-Sutter Fair. In 1984, he returned to Gridley and lived in his

grandparents’ home. 1984-2021, he was a partner in the “Feather Butte Farms” rice

farming operation. Ralph was an avid golfer at Peach Tree Golf & Country Club and

Table Mountain Golf Course. He enjoyed going on golf vacations to Mexico and Hawaii.

His favorite time of year was elk, deer and fowl hunting trips with his friends. The story

telling and laughter when he was with his hunting and golf buddies was never ending.

Ralph met the love of his life, Laurie Rist, in 1982. They married in Willows, California

on December 7, 1985, and have spent last 40 years in Gridley. Together they

diversified their farming operation by establishing a walnut orchard.

Ralph served as Director on California Rice Commission 1988-2006; Butte County Farm

Bureau Member, Director and President 2000-2001; Chair of Rice Advisory Committee;

Vice Chair of Water Committee; and Director, Red Top Rice Growers. He was a

member of various fraternal organizations – Gridley Moose Lodge No. 1594, Willows

Elks Lodge No. 1786, Ben Ali Shriners, North Butte Masonic Lodge No. 230; Chico

Chapter No. 42-Royal Arch Masons, Butte Commandery No. 5-Knights Templar, Knights

Templar Eye Foundation, and Butte Council No. 50-Cryptic Masons. He was also

member of Gridley Monday Night Football Club, Butte County Historical Society, Gridley

Museum, and Butte County Fair Sponsor.

  Ralph passed away peacefully December 3, 2025, after a long illness at home, under

care of his loving wife.

  Laid to rest on December 29, 2025, at Gridley-Biggs Cemetery.

Celebration of Life will be 1:00pm on February 27, 2026, at Gridley Moose Lodge.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Laurie and Sage;

brothers Dr. Joseph Cassady (Debora), Michael Cassady; many nephews, nieces; Aunt,

RuthAnn Cassady King; and cousins. His quick wit and smile will be missed by his

unnumberable family and friends.

  Many thanks to all, for the invaluable care he received from Butte Home Health &

Hospice nurses, Ginnie, Jerry-Faye & Lou-Anne Cassady, Shellie Evenson, and Susan

Jarratt. Thank you to Matt and staff at Gridley Block Funeral Chapel and Angie at

Gridley-Biggs Cemetery.

Celebration of Life will be 1:00pm on February 27, 2026, at Gridley Moose Lodge. In lieu of flowers, Ralph requested donations be made to his favorite “Fair Time is Fun

Time” place to be, at the Butte County Fair, 199 E. Hazel Street, Gridley CA 95948.