Roger W. Ralph, 84, passed away on June 11 at The Sussman House in Rockport. He was born the son of Willis A. Ralph and Gertrude T. (Burns) Ralph on Jan. 18, 1934 in Waldoboro.
Roger worked at the age of 10 in local farmers’ fields and caring for the family chickens. As a teenager Roger worked delivering milk products to local neighborhoods. He had many stories of those early working years.
As a young man Roger delivered race horses for Harold C. Ralph around the country and to Canada. Once Roger met his wife Laura, he worked for Harold C. Ralph Chevrolet. Roger also worked alongside his late dad, Willis Ralph, in his construction business. Roger became known as a talented finish carpenter and was known in the mid-coast area and beyond. Roger went on to have his own crew, teaching many young carpenters their craft. When the economy dropped in the 1970s, Roger went to work for Bath Iron Works. Before retiring Roger worked for Ralph’s Homes in Waldoboro.
Roger had many friends. He was known as ‘a tell it as you see it’ kind of man. You always knew where you stood. He cared deeply for others and had many special memories with his wife Laura, and their friends Wallace and Doris Prock. Roger loved going to camp with his daughter Lynne and the family. He never missed a family event unless his health didn’t allow. He shared a deep love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a wonderful cat, Pudge, his constant companion that he dearly loved.
Roger was fortunate to have special neighbors Rusty and Marissa Murray and their family. Roger’s daughter always knew that Roger was being watched out for by the Murrays.
He was predeceased by wife Laura Barter Ralph; and infant son, Mark Steven Ralph.
He is survived by daughter, Lynne R. Gushee and husband Kendall L. Gushee of Appleton; step-daughter, Sherry L. Helvie of Columbia City, Ind.; grandchildren, Gregory Davis and wife Mindy L. Davis of Thomaston, James H. Gushee and wife Heather V. Gushee of Houlton, and Megan G. Juarez and husband Zechariah E. Juarez; great-grandchildren, Ellaina Wren Juarez and Silas Ezekiel Juarez; step-grandson, Darren Winters of Yarmouth; sisters, Janice Arsenault of Waldoboro, Gail Howard of The Villages, Fla., Bonnie Orff and husband Roger Orff of Jefferson; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Barter of Warren, and Sharon Barter of Waldoboro; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be from 5-7 p.m., Fri., June 15, at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Funeral services for Roger will be held at 2 p.m., Sat., June 16 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro, with Pastor Elizabeth Bailey-Mitchell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049 Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 and Pope Memorial Humane Society, 25 Buttermilk Lane, Thomaston, ME 04861.
Online condolences may be made to hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
