Ralph D Whittlesey

DUCKWORTH, WOODS, LODMAN, BUCKALEW, POLSER, DOUGLASS, PASTOR YOUNG

Posted By: Raymond L Munson (email)
Date: 3/3/2010 at 11:43:55

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Ralph D. Whittlesey

What a celebration happened in heaven on Nov. 17, 2006, when Ralph D. Whittlesey crossed over to Heavenly Father. We can only imagine the joy and greetings that happened at the moment heaven received back his this gentle, kind, charismatic son.

In life, Ralph was always an example of Christianity. He was able to put into action the gifts of the Spirit of loving thy neighbor as thyself, showing care and compassion to all who were fortunate enough to have him cross their path. Even though the fog of Alzheimer’s, his quick wit and smile would shine through just to remind us that the spirit of this gracious man was still there.

The friends and family left behind had the privilege of the lessons he taught them. Those lessons include love, compassion, dedication and endurance. For those lessons we are grateful.

Ralph was born in Russell to Chester Earl and Grace M. Duckworth Whittlesey on Nov. 7, 1925. He was born into a family of nine children. On Jan. 27, 1946, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Woods, and later they had three children Rick and his family live in Gillette, Wyo., Kathy Lodman and her family resides in Idaho Falls and Don and his family are from San Diego, Calif.

He served in the United States Army from June 6, 1944, until being honorably discharged on Nov. 15, 1945. His tour of duty took him to France with the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division. He served as a squadron leader while in France.

Ralph’s 30 year career with Cenex include several duties that took him many miles and many days from his family. He was always so glad to get home on the weekends to take care of his family and home, where he loved to cook and enjoyed mowing and manicuring their huge yard. Through his example he taught his children the value of hard work and honesty.

He served several positions for the Montana Federal Credit Union when he and Betty were transferred to Great Falls, Mont., with Cenex. They lived in Great Falls until he retired in 1988. They then bought a motor home and traveled around the United States for the next six years. Retirement included meeting new and old friends and surrounding themselves with family.

Ralph and Betty were lifelong members of the Nazarene Church and served their church in many ways. They were particularly active in the church in Great Falls and after retirement, in Apache Junction, Ariz. In their travels around the United States they stopped at many Nazarene churches and renewed their faith.

Ralph and Betty moved to Idaho Falls in 1998 to be closer to family due to declining health. He dedicated his life to caring for Betty until her death on April 4, 2000. His slip into Alzheimer’s was a confusing and painful descent, but even during those years he endeared himself to the staff and residents of both Fairwinds Sandcreek Retirement Community and Mount Vernon Assisted Living. The family will be forever grateful for the loving care he received from the wonderful staff of both facilities. We are also grateful for gentle care Aspen Home Health and Hospice gave in his final days with us.

Ralph leaves behind his three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. One brother, Cecil, who lives in Iowa, survives him. Ralph and Betty spent many fun years with his nephew, Carl Buckalew and wife Martha, Sun City, Ariz., as well as many other nieces and nephews. Dorthea Polser, Betty’s aunt, and Dixie Douglass, Betty’s sister from Iowa, were also precious family members who will mourn his passing.

Funeral services will be held with Pastor Steve Young officiating at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27 at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls. Please come and share with the family in celebrating this extraordinary mans journey through life.

He will be laid to rest in Goshen Cemetery, Lucas, with full military burial in late Summer 2007.

(From the Chariton Hearld Patriot Nov. 23, 2006)