Ernest Joseph Ralph

Ernest Joseph Ralph, 91, of Loveland, CO, died Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Hospice Care Center at McKee Medical Center in Loveland. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 2, 1917, the son of Joseph Thomas Ralph and Nancy (Alldredge) Ralph. He grew up in Eldorado, Illinois and worked on his dad's orchard and vineyard. Ernie fought for his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army and saw major military action in the country then known as Burma. He married Viola Catherine Zilch on April 29, 1942. She preceded him in death. Ernie worked for several years in McCleansboro and Mt. Vernon, Illinois as a tractor mechanic and as a machinist. He was a devoted husband and father, an extremely hard-working, inventive man, an avid reader, and a member of the Catholic Church. After retirement, he moved to Florida and then Arizona where he enjoyed gold prospecting. He is survived by his two sons, George and wife Janice of Loveland, CO and Gene and wife Alice of North Plains, OR, three grandchildren, Rob Ralph and wife Claire, Mike Ralph and wife Tara and Sarah Reichhardt and husband Aaron, and 5 great grandchildren. Cremation has been completed and services will take place in Ridgeway, IL at a later date.