Ralph Smith

Ralph Smith, 72, passed away at his home from complications of cancer on Saturday, January 4, 2014 with his wife, Martha, at his side. Ralph was born to Lucille and Ralph Smith, Sr., on September 28, 1941, and graduated from East High School in 1959. Ralph met and fell in love with the love of his life, Martha, in 1961 and they were married in 1963.

Ralph celebrated several important milestones in his life this last year including his 50th wedding anniversary, being inducted into the Greater Des Moines Bowling Association Hall of Fame, taking a trip to see his beloved Dodgers play in Dodger Field in Los Angeles, and being here for the birth of his first great-grandchild as recently as December 23rd. He loved spending time with his family. His daughters will always cherish their memories of their father coaching them at softball for the South Des Moines Girls Softball league. Ralph was also an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, Kings, and Rams fan.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Martha; his daughters, Tami (David) Tweedt and Teri (Paul) Mook; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; as well as his sisters, Paulette Adams, Alice Johnson, Beulah Smith, and Ruby Hodges; and brothers, Eugene Smith, Marion Smith, Charles Smith, Clifford Smith, and Orville Smith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Smith, Sr. and his mother, Katherine “Lucille” Smith.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Ralph.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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