Sonny (Ralph) Edward Harms, 76, of Valentine Nebraska, passed on February 13, 2021.

Sonny is survived by his wife Suzie (Sears) Harms of 56 years, sisters Mallene Gilroy and Lesa Harms, daughter Melinda (Jay) Mattson, son Marty (Elycia) Harms and grandchildren Bodie Mattson, Talen, and Braxn Harms, brother-in-law Lawrence Turner, sister-in-law Pat Harms, and many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Sonny was born on September 26, 1944 to Stan and Metta Harms in Valentine Nebraska.  Sonny was the eldest son of five children. He attended Valentine Public Schools.  At a young age, Sonny entered the workforce working at Saint Christophers managing and cooking for Fuddie Ferris.

On June 28, 1964 he was united in marriage to Suzie Sears. They moved to the Sears Ranch south of Valentine in 1965 where they raised two children, Melinda and Marty.  He ranched for 20 years on the ranch near "Goose Creek".  Sonny continued ranching for another four years at Brewster, Nebraska for the Keller Ranch.  Sonny then changed careers , working for Biba Construction for ten years. He traveled across the state mastering the art of painting the highways. When Biba Construction closed their doors, Kirk Barnes Construction purchased Biba's paint truck where Kirk came across Sonny's name on the trucks service records. Kirk reached out to Sonny and hired him where he continued construction work for another 19 years. Kirk and Sonny became close friends.

Sonny will always be remembered for his smile, acts of kindness, and work ethic. His pride and joy were times spent playing alongside his grandchildren. Sonny was a true mentor to the younger generations, always willing to share his knowledge.  He enjoyed ice fishing, watching nascar, rodeos, soccer, and basketball; especially if a family member was competing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Metta Harms; brother Stanley J. Harms; sister Sue Turner; niece Candace Harms; brothers-in-law Ron Gilroy, Jerry Merz, and Larry Hain.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb. 22 at 1:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.  Inurnment to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine.

Memorials in Sonny's memory may be made to the family in lieu of flowers to be given to the American Heart Association.

Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine, NE and Black Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Service were in charge of service arrangements.