Ralph E. Spencer

Ralph E. Spencer, 82, of Gnadenhutten passed away after a lengthy illness on January 19, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Canton. Born on February 12, 1930 at Gnadenhutten, he was a son of the late Earnest and Nellie Allean (Jones) Spencer.

A life resident of Gnadenhutten, Ralph graduated from Gnadenhutten High School in 1948. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home he started his career at Alsco and retired from there in 1993 after 43 years of employment. Ralph was very active in his community, for over 25 years he served the American Cross as an instructor, Gnadenhutten’s Volunteer Fire Department, and volunteered at Indian Valley Schools as a trainer. Ralph enjoyed cheering on the high school sports and never missed a home game. Ralph’s other passions include fishing and working with leather and pewter. Ralph was proud of his nickname “Gopher”, given to him by his Pioneer re-enactment friends. He was a member of the Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church.

On November 25, 1950 Ralph married the former Laura J. Besozzi who passed away on June 18, 1996. They are survived by daughters, Mrs. Harold “Hank” (Debbie) Keathley and Diane Robinson both of Gnadenhutten; grandchildren, Danny (Alison) Keathley of Gnadenhutten and Myra (Terry) Robison-Hamlin of New Philadelphia; great grandchildren, Kylee (Brandon) Thornton, Mathew, Dakota, Dalton, and Zachary Hamlin, and Makayla and Caden Keathley; a great great grandson, Kegain Thornton; a brother, E. Dale Spencer of Gnadenhutten; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife he is preceded in death by brothers, Leonard and Cecil Spencer; sister, Patricia Hupp; brother-in-law, Clarence Hupp; a sister-in-law, Sandy Spencer; and son-in-law, Charles Robinson, Jr.

Services for Ralph, officiated by Pastor Gregg Kelly and Pastor Tom Klaserner, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Interment will follow at Gnadenhutten-Clay Union Cemetery beside his beloved wife. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to a charity of one’s choice or Community Hospice.