David Ralph

David Lee Ralph, age 80, of rural Sheridan, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010 at his home under the loving care of his family and Carson Home Health Care. The son of Karl J. & Mildred Pearl (Dickinson) Ralph, he was born on Dec. 15, 1929 on the family homestead in Bushnell Township. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the Lester J. Sitts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5065 in Sheridan. David was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed flying model airplanes, and had attended both the Vickeryville United Methodist Church and more recently the Crystal Lake Community Church. On Sept. 27, 1986 he married the former Ruth Ann Gillman. He retired from the Michigan Department of Corrections after 32 years of service. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Ralph; and a step-son, Harvey Houseman. Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Ruth Ann Ralph of Sheridan; his father, Karl Ralph; his children, Brenda & Ken Gillman, Cheryl & Robert Dobson, Larry & Debbie Ralph, Mark & Leah Ralph, and Tom Ralph. He was a second father to Janet & Lynn Payne, JoAnn Sally Houseman, Larry & Tammy Houseman, Debra Austin, Vivian Ridgeway, and Leora Bain. Also surviving are a sister Sharon & Gene Byers; his childrens mother, Margery (Harrington) Ralph; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Davids life will be at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Crystal Lake Community Church, 122 S. Main Street, Crystal, with the Rev. Stephen Mowat officiating and military honors rendered by the Lester J. Sitts VFW Post 5065. A time of food and fellowship will follow. The Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, is entrusted with the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Ralph, please visit our flower store.