Ralph Monroe

Published 8:52 am Friday, January 24, 2025

Ralph Monroe, 79, was affectionately known as Slug. Few people knew Ralph, but everyone knew Slug. On January 14th, 2025, he left this world a little poorer. Not only did we lose a husband, father, and grandfather, but we lost the knowledge of how to grow fruit trees, plant a rabbit-proof garden, and keep a 20-year-old truck running. He said one of the tricks to keeping the truck alive was not to wash it. Washing it would make the parts fall off. He was an avid duck hunter, and on most occasions, he returned with ducks and a wet wallet, which we would have to remove all the contents from and lay them out to dry. If he showed you a picture of his kids, it was guaranteed the photo would have water damage around the edges. Ralph loved the outdoors. If you drove past his house, there was a good chance he was sitting in his chair under a fruit tree watching the world go by or puttering around the yard. Ralph leaves his wife, Betty Guzardo Finley, his children: Linda Finley, David Finley (Maggie Arensberg), and Natalie Finley; his stepchildren: Tess Bailey, the late Lettina Labit, and Rule Boutte; his grandchildren: Ashley Finley Montet (Mitch), Aaron Finley (Alison Melancon), Jacob Finley, Chevelle Mederos, and Roman Finley; his step-grandchildren: Chancy Bailey Broussard (Tyler), Kit Cazelot, Charlie Bailey, Tyson Labit, and Dylan Boutte. Ralph was the son of the late Dr. Ralph M. Finley, Jr and the late Alice Speyrer Finley. He was the brother of Nancy Finley (Bob Finley), the late Fr. Tommy Finley, Mike Finley (Kelley Kneupper), and Dr. Mary Finley. Ralph chose to be cremated, and he requested no services. He will be laid to rest at a later date.