Ralph William Griffith, age 79, of 5088 State Route 39 West, Shelby, died Monday afternoon, May 1, 2006 at Med Central Shelby Hospital after a long illness.
Ralph was born April 17, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the son of the late William Ralph and Elizabeth Regina (Reimenschneider) Griffith. He was a Navy veteran of World War II achieving the rank of Seaman First Class. Ralph was a retired salesman. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and American Legion O’Brien Post #326 both in Shelby. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and especially liked following his grandchildren’s activities. His hobbies included fishing, sports and cars. He was a Nascar enthusiast and will be remembered as quite a story teller.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Joan (Waldenmyer) Griffith, whom he wed on August 19, 1947; 3 daughters and spouses, Nancy Griffith, Darlene and Stan Ingram, and Marlene and Ron Burkhalter all of Shelby; Grandchildren and spouses, Heidi and Chad Niese of Crestline, Bart Ingram and his fiancé, Erica McFarland of Shelby, Randy and Jennifer Shaver of Ontario, and Shelley Wagers of Shelby; Great Grandchildren, Victoria and Sophia Niese, Carson Ingram, Olivia and Griffin Shaver, and Marissa and MacKenzie Wagers; a sister and spouse, Alta and Jay Campbell of Huntington Beach, California; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Charles and Jane Williams of Butler, Pennsylvania; Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, a brother, Elmer Sweeney, and a sister, Margaret Schultz; his faithful companion, his dog, Ginger.
At Ralph’s request, his family will celebrate his life with a private service with Rev. James Smith, officiating. Memorial expressions may be made to Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute or First Presbyterian Church % the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875, who assisted the family with funeral arrangements.