Ralph James Franklin Sheats, 74, of Perkins Oklahoma, passed away on February 20, 2026, at Drumright Nursing Home. A public reception will begin 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026 at Strode Funeral Home Chapel, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.


Ralph was born on March 10, 1951, in Pawnee, Oklahoma to Ralph David Henry Sheats and Imogene Meadows. His highest grade level completed was 9th grade. Ralph worked at World Color/ Quebecor from 1994 until its closing in May 2012. Ralph started working at Cimarron Casino in 2012 and continued until 2024, when he was diagnosed with Dementia, rendering him incapable of working any longer. His wife, Cheryl, and children cared for him until he required more intensive care, at which point he was placed in Drumright memory care in October 2025. Ralph married Cheryl Sheats and enjoyed 30 years of marriage.

Ralph was known for his generosity. He loved horses and fishing. He loved the outdoors where he was always working on something. Ralph enjoyed spending quality time with his beloved family.

Ralph is survived by his wife Cheryl; his sister Carolyn Swigart and her husband Randy, sister-in-law, Carol Brown; and his sons Billy Neely, David Neely, Timothy Leister and his wife Scarlett and Jesse Gossman. Daughters, LaDawna Perkins and her husband Derrick, Kelly Conkling (Fred Rosato), Fleeta Courtright (Dave Bertrand & Nova). Grandkids: Tristyn Cooper, Ryal Cooper, Bianca Conkling, Ashton Conkling, Madison Gray-Conkling, Tamara Gray-Conkling Viveca Rosato, Austin Kinder, Sonya Patterson, Dylan Jones, Bridgett Jones, Emma Jones, Izabella Jones. Many great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Ernest Courtright, mother-in-law, Maxine Courtright; brother, Bill Sheats; sister, Rose Forbes; son, Robert Leister; grandsons, Gage Prough and Trenton Conkling; and granddaughter, Cheyanne Reagan.

After the reception family and friends are invited to join us at 9219 S. Brush Creek Rd, Perkins, Oklahoma.

Now I lay me down to sleep.