Ralph Leach
November 11, 2016
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Service Details
Ralph Leach
Knoxville, Iowa
Ralph Leach, 72, passed away suddenly with his wife by his side on November 11, 2016 in Pella. Ralph was born August 30, 1944 in Indianapolis, IN to Fred and Wilma Leach.
Ralph grew up on a ranch in Arizona and spent his younger years as a cowboy. He was an oil driller for many years and his work took him all over the US as well as Africa. He eventually became an iron worker until he retired.
On May 19th, 1979 he married childhood friend Christine Daniels. They settled in Des Moines where they helped raise their grandchildren; TJ, Shea, Amanda and Ryan and eventually moved to Knoxville.
Ralph loved to watch country western shows almost as much as he loved his family. Which is why he never complained when you showed up unannounced and interrupted his shows and never let you get out of the house without saying ‘come give papa a hug’.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Chris; children, Clark, Tammy, Matt, Ralen, Tonya and Heaven; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Nadine and Patricia; brothers, Ronnie, Phillip and Tony; several nieces and nephews and best friend, Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Richard, Joseph, Larry and William.
Private family services will be held.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dean Self
11/14/2016
Ralph was my friend for the last 30 years. We talked horrible to each other. That's just who were and how we acted. Never in all that time did we truly have harsh words.
Life has a way of putting us in tight spots. When this would happen to us we would call on the other knowing that our friendship was real. We knew that without exception or explanation that the other was there.
Rest well my friend. I'll see you later. Dean
Blain Harold
11/14/2016
I grew up with Clark and most of his siblings. I knew Ralph and most of his siblings and family. My condolences and sorry for his family's loss. Ralph was one of a kind! Rest In Peace.
Lanie Lennex
11/14/2016
I remember mom and Uncle Ralph telling me this story. We had been to Wickenburg and Uncle Ralph had just bought a new Stetson. He always played a game with me to occupy the time. He took my drinker cup and act like he threw it out the window and then bring it back. So this glorious day I played the same thing with his new hat. Needless to say mom had to stop the car. Love him to the moon and back. We used to have some interesting talks. Always had a good laugh. Love u Tio.
Marlaina zimmerman
11/14/2016
I sure will miss my uncle Ralph. He was always a blast to be with. So many fun memories. He loved to sleep out under the desert sky at night. It is one of my fondest memories I will forever cherish about my uncle Ralph. He was a great tough bull rider. Which in my eyes made me very proud to say he was my awesome tough uncle Ralph. I will forever miss you. But I know God only picks the best one first. Prayers and hugs and love to all my family. I wish I was there. But I'm there in spirit. Fly high uncle Ralph. Hug them all up there for me. Muah. I'm always a phone call away to anyone that needs me. Love each of you very much. 602-930-1854. Cousin Marla
DEBBIE LEACH WALTON
11/14/2016
PRAYERS FOR MY PRECIOUS FAMILY THROUGH THIS HARD TIME, WISHI COULD BE THEIR WITH YOU I LOVED UNCLE RALPH DEARLY, JUST REMEMBER I'M ALWAYS HERE IF YOU NEED ME
Stacy (Leach) Clark
11/14/2016
No one will ever be able to replace my Uncle Ralph. Truely one of a kind. Lived his life the way he wanted. May God be with you Auntie Chris and our entire Leach family. Sending my prayers, love and big hugs.