April 23, 1931–Jan. 27, 2013.
Dr. Ralph Rudolph La Varta was born April 23, 1931, in Pagosa Springs, Colo. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1949. He joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Tarawa (CV-40) during the Korean War with honor.
He graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in San Antonio, Texas, and practiced in Memphis, Texas, Amarillo, Texas, and Durango, Colo., for 45 years.
Ralph loved Jesus Christ, working with his patients, and the fellowship of his professional medical colleagues. He enjoyed the great outdoors and occasional hunting and trout fishing adventures.
He will be truly missed by his wife, his family, and a multitude of friends.
Mr. La Varta is survived by his wife, Daphine, with whom he was married to for 50 years; children Carolyn Cook, Tammy La Varta, Charity White, and Rod Cook; Aunt Sophie C. Esch of Canon City; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dea La Varta; aunts, Tillie (Louis) Marquez, Precilla (Frank) Martinez, Inez (Elmo) Dunn, and Corine (Virgil) Stories; uncles, Carlos (Virginia) La Varta, Joe (Nora Bell) La Varta, Julian (Jane) La Varta, and Ted (Doc) La Varta; and grandson Travis Lee Galloway.
At his request, there will be no public services. Online condolences at www.holtfamilyfuneralhomes.com
