James Michael Marra, known to everyone as “Ralph,” was born on Nov. 22, 1948, in Morristown. He was raised in Ramsey with his older sister, Patricia (Tricia) Marra Hartigan, his younger brother, Kevin, and his parents, Frank and Joan. He grew up in a close-knit community, surrounded by family and a tight group of lifelong friends.
Ralph graduated from Ramsey High School in 1966 and headed west to the University of Wyoming. While in Laramie, he discovered his passion for skiing, beginning a lifelong relationship with the mountains and the outdoor life that would come to define him.
Ralph eventually landed in Aspen, where his love for the mountains continued to grow. After several memorable winter flights from Aspen to Crested Butte in search of powder, he made the move to Crested Butte in 1978.
He worked as a bartender at Jeremiah’s, Wooden Nickel, Oscars, and Powerhouse before spending his final working years at the Cement Creek Tavern and The Grand Lodge. Bartending and managing suited Ralph because they allowed him to spend his days doing what he loved most: skiing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, paddle boarding, biking, and simply being outside.
His appetite for adventure led him to try just about every sport and outdoor activity he could find. He attacked each day the way he skied Headwall or Third Bowl—with enthusiasm and no hesitation. Always quick with a smile and a joke, Ralph could walk into almost any situation and fit in comfortably.
He loved these mountains, and he loved skiing and biking with his friends. More than anything, he loved being outside and sharing adventures with the people around him.
Ralph and Marla met in December 1989, shortly after Marla moved to Crested Butte. They worked opposite schedules—Marla during the day and Ralph at night—which gave their relationship room to grow while allowing each of them to maintain their independent spirits. Twelve years later, in May 2002, they ran off to Santa Fe for a small, intimate wedding.
After Ralph retired from the bar business, he and Marla enjoyed summers visiting his sister Tricia and her family on Block Island. They loved the ocean, evenings and cocktails on the beach, and the wonderful group of friends they made there.
Together, Ralph and Marla built a life that was quiet in the best sense: filled with each other’s company, good friends, adventures, the warmth of the Crested Butte community, and the surrounding mountains. They shared more laughs than probably should have been allowed during their almost 37 years together.
Ralph’s strength, endurance, and energy were limitless and legendary. Three years ago, however, one of the fittest and most active athletes anyone knew began to struggle. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and the disease progressed rapidly.
Eventually, he had to give up biking and skiing, but his need to move and spend time outside never left him. So Ralph walked.
He walked countless laps around town, where friends greeted him along the way. Even as the things he could do changed, he continued to find ways to remain connected to the community and the surroundings he loved.
During his last year in Crested Butte, he was still able to enjoy dinners and hikes with Sheri Covey, her husband Rob Bleiberg, and their daughter Mandala Covey Bleiberg. He enjoyed eating breakfast with Peg and Lucy.
Ralph was able to remain at home in Crested Butte far longer than might otherwise have been possible because of the remarkable, loving, and patient caregivers who helped care for him. In June, he moved to a memory care unit in Grand Junction, where we hoped the warmer climate might give him additional time outside. He received diligent care as he worked to adjust to his new surroundings.
After a hard fall and a broken hip, Ralph passed away on the evening of Sept. 20, 2026, with Marla and her sister Sheri by his side.
He is survived by his wife, Marla Covey; his sister Patricia Hartigan and her husband, James; nephew Colin and niece Kaitlin; sister-in-law Sheri Covey and her family, Rob and Mandala; and sister-in-law Lisa Covey Johnson and her family, Chuck, CJ, Eric, and Alyssa, and their families. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Kevin, and by his parents, Frank and Joan.
He will be deeply missed—and very, very fondly remembered.
A memorial gathering will be held in late spring or early summer. We all know Ralph would want any party for him to be outside.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CB Search & Rescue, Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, or a local nonprofit that is meaningful to you.
