Ralph Lloyd McLane III

Ralph Lloyd McLane III, affectionately known as Shorty, went to be with the Lord on February 24th, 2026 after a courageous struggle with heart failure and COPD at the age of 58.                                                                                                                                                                                          
Born on May 19th, 1967 in Farrell, PA. Shorty grew up in Brookfeild, OH before moving to Montana with his family in 1982. A proud 1986 graduate of Beaverhead County High School, he took great honor in being "the Third" and was even more proud to pass the tradition of the Ralph Lloyd name down to his own son. He was a true "Jack of all Trades". Over the years, he lent his talents to logging, produce agriculture, the restaurant industry, Centennial Foods, and Barry Briggs Construction before his health required him to retire. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple things: hunting with his Dad, and caring for his devoted cat of 17 years (Wally) and spending days by the water with his favorite fishing partner/granddaughter Avery. If you knew Shorty, you knew laughter: he had a genuine sense of humor only a Ralph Lloyd could have and a gift for finding something to smile about in every situation.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
He is survived by his loving parents, Ralph Lloyd Jr. and Hope Elaine (Nagel) McLane; his children Ralph Lloyd McCarthy; Avery, and Mandi Cain (husband Jake); Kinslei. His sister Rebecca McLane; Jedidiah Schwake, Hannah Hein (Cody), Ruth Rehn (Mackenzy); great niece Evelyn Mary. Aunts Cheri McCarthy (Tom), Jeannie Spoon (Earl);Cecilia & William, and Bonnie Barnes (Paul); Barb, Bob, Jay & grandchildren.    

                                      
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Shorty's life at Dillon Baptist Church on March 21st, 2026 at 1:00PM. Family and friends are invited to share coffee, stories, and laughter in his honor- just as he would have wanted.