Ralph Bolhouse

Bolhouse, Ralph 5/4/1926 - 4/30/2015 Ann Arbor, Michigan Ralph D. Bolhouse, age 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep from congestive heart failure on April 30, 2015 surrounded by his family at Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor, following a 4 year battle with cancer that was in remission for several months. Ralph was born in Grand Rapids to Ivan and Dorothia Bishop on May 4, 1926. He was adopted by his mother's Aunt Permilla and Uncle Jacob Bolhouse of Grand Haven at a young age. He attended Grand Haven High School and graduated in 1944 as the Salutatorian of his senior class, and relocated in Ann Arbor where he attended the U of M for 2 years. He enlisted in the civilian air patrol at Muskegon airport as an aviation cadet in the reserve; he was called to duty directly upon graduation. In 1944-46 he served his country during World War II in the Air Force. After his duty he married Betty Jean Davidson in 1946 and in that marriage 4 children were bornDavid, Barbara, Rick, and Sally. He purchased Freeman's Food Market and renamed it "Ralph's Market" in 1956 later selling it in 1975. In 1960 he married the love of his life Frances Ashbay. In that union they had a daughter Ann Marie. He became a father to Frances's children Steven and Lauren Ashbay. He was also employed by Systems and Forms and went into Real Estate. Ralph joined Don Chesham selling numerous condominiums and lots in the Stonebridge subdivision in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Upon the completion of that development, Ralph became the owner of his own company named Builder's Listing Service. Ralph was elected to the Ann Arbor Public School Board in 1971. He was a founding partner of the Breakfast Optimist Club and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and the Head of Sessions. He was also the Executive Director of the American Flag Foundation, dedicated to the Americanization and inspiration of the people of America through its youth, established in 1950 by Rev. Karl Keefer. He adored classical music and all animals, especially his beloved past pets; cats Rusty and Permilla, and his dogs Cocoa, Mocha, Blitzen, Max, Meisha, Pierre, and Maxine who survives and misses him. Survivors include his devoted wife, Frances; sons David (Suzie) Bolhouse, Rick Bolhouse, Steven Ashbay; daughters Barbara Kelly, Lauren (John) Callaway, Ann (Jeffery) Salter; Brother Delvin (Kay) Bishop. He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothia and Ivan Bishop, his adopted parents Permilla and Jacob Bolhouse, his daughter Sally Oman and her son Bobby Oman, and sister Charlene Schroeder. Ralph had 11 grandchildren including Michael Bolhouse, Sheila Bolhouse Keltsch, Shawn Kelly, Jamie Bolhouse, Mandy Breman, Tomi Block, Steven Ashbay , April Ashbay Russell, Erin Callaway Sadler, Sarah Callaway Brown, Leah Salter and 14 great grandchildren. At Ralph's request, a private family memorial service was held at Muehlig Chapel with Rev. Diane Smith presiding, entombment immediately followed at Washtenong Memorial Park; donations may be made to the local Humane Society of Huron Valleyhe was a fond supporter. Important to the direction of his life was a poem his mother Permilla cut from the Grand Haven newspaper and recited to him in 1942 as he departed for active duty: Four things that I may happy beI pray that God will give to meSomeone to love with all my heart,Something to do by toil or art,Something to hope for further on,A memory sweet to muse upon. Author Unknown Circa 1926

REFLECTIONS You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just like yesterday that I was a youngster, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams but, here it is the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did our children go? And where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that they were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like But, here it is spouse retired and really getting gray moving slower, and I see an older person now. In much better shape than me in some ways but, I see the great change not the one I married who had dark hair was young and strong but, like me, age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore it's mandatory! 'Cause if I don't on my own free willI just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last This I know, that when it's over it's over Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done.things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done It's all in a lifetime. So, if you're not in your winter yet let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do so quickly! Life goes by quickly.so do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember"Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who came after. Make it a fantastic one." Live it well!! ---Author unknown--- www.muehligannarbor.com