After graduating from Commodore Perry High School in 1957, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for 4 years. He then jumped ship and set his sights on the skies and served in the U.S. Air Force for 16 more years. In April of 1961, he met the love of his life, Joan (Church). They married on June 19,1965. His time in the Air Force took him around the world, being stationed in Japan, Korea, Philippines, Iceland, and various states, before arriving in Arizona. After retiring from the Air Force in 1977, with his wife and three children, he settled into life in Phoenix where he worked for Honeywell for 15 years, followed by the Cartwright School District another 5 years before retiring.
Since he was a man who could never sit still, he filled his days with researching genealogy, enjoying time fishing, attending his grandchildren’s events, and lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it. His love of gardening and natural green thumb, led him to be an active member of the Sun City Garden Club.
He was well known to be a jack of all trades and a master of all of them. He had the ability to fix anything and was guaranteed to make you laugh while doing it. Ralph was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Victor, Carl, and Ronald; and his sisters, Marion Robinson and Wanda Slater. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan; his children: Traci & Christian Howard, Kimberly & JD Downes, and Todd & Nicole Redfoot; his brothers, John and Frank “Butch”; his sisters, Eleanor Criddle, Edie Thompson, and Ethel Reagle; as well as his 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ. The Graveside Service with Military Honors will follow at 2:30pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Ralph’s name to the American Cancer Society.
