Ralph Arthur Jackson, the son of John and Edith (Butman) Jackson was born August 30, 1924 at Villisca, Iowa. He passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 on his farm in Pottawattamie County, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 5 months and 20 days. Ralph was raised on a farm in the Villisca area. He graduated from Villisca High School in l941 and continued his education at Frey Aviation Mechanic School in Omaha, Nebraska. Ralph was united in marriage to Marilyn Ann Shields on October 9, 1948 at the Center Ridge Church in Montgomery County, Iowa. They lived on the same farm since making it their home in the late 1940's. Ralph farmed all his life, growing row crops and raising livestock. He was active with soil and wildlife conservation and was honored with District Soil Conservation Awards in 1966, 1972 and in 2004, was named the Wildlife Farmer of the Year. Ralph enjoyed his favorite hobby, farming and dearly loved his family. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn on February 7, 2001; brother, Byron Jackson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Jean Shields. Ralph is survived by five children: Teresa (Walt) Samples of Sacramento, CA; Rodney (Cindi) Jackson of Denver, CO; Victor Jackson; Debra (Mike) Urash of Ft. Worth, TX; and Veta (Lowell) Myers of Sioux City, IA; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Gladys (Bud) Knox of Lenox, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak Burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak Visitation with the family present on Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home Memorials to the Heifer Project. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.