Ralph Smith
January 04, 2014
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.
Janet Strickland
01/08/2014
Martha I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Remember the great memories you have in your heart.
Jackie Wilson Jr
01/08/2014
So Very sorry to hear of Ralphie's passing ....our Thoughts & Prayers go out to the family...nothing but good memories of him, Always remembered Me & my Dad (Jack Sr) seeing Ralphie at all the paper machines when I was young & getn caught up there with family stuff then...The Wilson family
Richard & Susie Lasher
01/07/2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Ralph was a great guy!
Bob Bradshaw
01/07/2014
First met Ralph in the late 50s as he was branch manager of the paper route I had. The old paper barn was in the alley off 15th and Grand. My route was up and down Des Moines St and we would fold our papers by the fire before going out. He always had a funny story for us and always kidding around. I grew up on the 1740 E capitol so in the years following Ralph was always organizing Ball games in the neighborhood playing a lot at Lucas School or geeting games with other neighborhoods to try and kick their butts.We usually did. Fond memories of another old friend from the East Side. Sorry about your loss.
Patti Romans Earp
01/06/2014
I am so sorry about the loss of your loved one. I never knew Ralph, but I heard Chuck speak of him often. (Chuck is married to my sister).
If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, then know this, he will be with you in the darkest of nights and joyous of days....always.
Ruby ann
01/06/2014
I'm so sorry for the loss of Ralph, I know I didn't see him much but when I did he always had a big smile on his face and was happy to see me.He was a great brother and I know A great Husband, Dad and Grandpa. He reminded me so much of Daddy, especially when I spoke to him on the phone I thought I was talking to Daddy. I know he will be greatly missed and I'm praying for you all.If we can do anything at all just let me know. I know he loved you all because whenever I'd see him he spoke of you guys.Love, The Hodges