Florence M. Ralph, 88, of Warren, peacefully passed into heaven in the Courtyard at Quarry Hill following a period of declining health, with her family and loving staff at her side on Jan. 16.
Florence was born on July 17, 1930 in Camden, the daughter of Alfred and Frances (Berry) Rawley. She grew up in St. George and the midcoast area. She attended local schools and obtained her GED while in her 60s. She worked at several local businesses including the Holmes Packing Co., Waldoboro Button Factory, and Van Baalens.
She married Richard Ralph in 1961 and they moved to Warren in 1964 where she also managed a hen farm at their home for a few years. Florence was a wonderful homemaker and took great pride in her home and providing for her family. She had a life-long love of the seashore and often revisited St. George and Port Clyde with her family for picnics, and enjoyed gardening, walks in the woods, crafting and reading. Most of all, she took pride and enjoyment from her family as evidenced by the many pictures displayed on the walls of her home and in the family photo albums she assembled which will be cherished for generations.
A faithful member of the Warren Baptist Church for many years, she served on many boards and committees, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School and was appointed Deaconess Emeritus.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Richard Ralph; daughter, Beverly Moody; son-in-law, Dexter Hannan; sister, Dorothy Means; brothers, Raymond Rawley, Ivan Rawley and his wife Sharon; half-sister, Virginia Coffin and her husband Joe; half-brother, Alfred Rawley Jr. and his wife Ruby; and sister-in-law, Connie Rawley.
She is survived by son, Howard “Andy” Severson Sr. and wife Debbie of Waldoboro; daughters, Trudy Hannan and Linda Peabody, both of Warren; brothers, Richard Rawley and David Rawley and wife Marie; sister-in-law, Viola Rawley; brother-in-law, Charles Means; grandchildren, Dwayne Severson, Michael Severson and wife Sarah, Howard “Andy” Severson Jr. and wife Hilary, Jessica Severson, Shawn Kalloch, Dallas Thang and husband Lenny, Michelle Flaherty and husband Daniel, Jaime Hannan-McMurrin, and Kaye (Peabody) Nisbet and husband Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Lucy Severson, Cody, Michael Jr., Kyara and Adrianna, Jacoby and Kasen, Trinity and Angelia, Alex, Cara, Kassidy and Kayla, Kaia and Aria, and Olivia and Hannah; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of Florence’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Wed., Jan. 23 at the Warren Baptist Church, with a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Dr. Linwood Welch officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warren Baptist Church, PO Box 294, Warren, ME 04864.
Condolences may be shared at hallfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Waldoboro, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
