Prominent orthopedic surgeon Litton dies

Monday, Aug. 30, 2004 | 9:57 a.m.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ralph Litton, 71, of Las Vegas died Thursday at his home.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1932, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Ralph and Evelyn Litton.

He graduated from the University of Idaho and George Washington University Medical School.

After completing his surgical internship at the University of California and San Francisco County Hospital, he attended the U.S. Air Force School of Aviation Medicine and was assigned to the F-100 Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach, S.C.

He completed orthopedic residency training at the University of Utah while serving in the Utah Air National Guard.

Litton opened his medical practice in Las Vegas in 1966, retiring in 1996.

He was chief of staff at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, formerly St. Rose de Lima Hospital, in 1971. He was chief of orthopedics at the University Medical Center from 1978 to 1982 and a staff member at Sunrise and Valley hospitals until his retirement.

He was a fellow, a member and held elected offices in numerous national and regional medical organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Western Orthopedic Association.

He was a lifetime member of the Clark County Medical Society and worked actively in its Children's Clinic for more than 25 years.

He was also an active member of the Las Vegas Rotary Club for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, their children, Elizabeth Gibson of Las Vegas and Ralph J. Litton III of Pasadena, Calif.; brothers Randall Litton of Grand Rapids, Mich., John Litton of Lake Mary, Fla.; two children and 10 nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1515 W. Charleston Blvd.

Burial will follow at Palm Valley View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Las Vegas.