I have not posted on this site since the election, but the unexpected passing of my wife has made it necessary to express my grief. In 1963, I married a beautiful young lady from North Ogden, Utah, and for the next 52 plus years, we were inseparable. Ranae quit college and worked, so I could complete my degree. She assisted me while I taught high school and college, and she put her heart and soul into my political campaigns. After my election she accompanied me to Washington, where she offered to volunteer as my scheduler and official greeter. This proved to be a brilliant decision as she knew many Idahoans who came to Washington, and she was very effective in making them feel welcome and helping with their schedules.
She was also a brilliant political advisor. Her ideas and suggestions were equal to the professionals, because her ideas came from the heart and not some political poll. She stood with me through thick and thin, lifted me up when I was down, and reminded me when I got a little full of myself that I still had responsibilities to help with the dishes or pick up my socks. She cheered with me when I won and consoled me when I lost.
In 2014 when the Democratic Party asked that I enter the race for Congress, Ranae made it clear that I shouldn’t, but she respected my decision and worked as hard as anyone for the cause. Her passing was unexpected and has left me in shock. She has struggled with diabetes and, while it slowly destroyed her body, it didn’t weaken her resolve to raise her family, to campaign with me, and to do all in her power to serve the people of Idaho. If there are those who feel inclined to send flowers, please make a contribution to the state Democratic Party in her name instead.
We have been together for more than 52 years, and I’m not sure how I will function without her. Life will go on, but in my case it will be lonely, and the hole in my heart may never heal.
Richard Stallings
August 2, 2015