Ralph Leonard Vance, Jr

Ralph Leonard Vance, Jr., age 68, passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Mercy One Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. Ralph was born January 25, 1953, to Ralph L. Vance, Sr. and Mary E. Vance in Des Moines, Iowa and lived in the Saydel area most of his life.

Ralph graduated from Saydel High School in 1972. He worked for AMF Corporation out of high school and then worked for Polk County Secondary Roads from which he retired in 2013 after 36 1/2 years. Ralph was a member of AFSCME Union #1868 and NRA.

Ralph married Joyce Ann Russell on August 18, 1972. They lived in Des Moines after they were married and then moved next door to Ralph’s parents in the Saydel area. Ralph was known as a wonderful friend, for being a jokester and his great sense of humor!

Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, grilling/smoking meats and cheese, cooking (his special “turkey hash”) and many other things. He loved going to and having garage sales. He thoroughly loved his family, friends and his church and pastors. He was a member of New Hope Assembly of God Church in Urbandale, Iowa and loved to greet people and give them a hug with a big smile. He always had mints in his pocket to share. Ralph had a garden and for the last several years grew extra tomatoes “for the ladies” at church. They loved for Ralph and Joyce to bring them tomatoes. He has the tomatoes growing again this year with the help of Joyce, his kids, grankids and many of his friends. Ralph was very proud to turn 65 as that made him the oldest living male in his family.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Joyce; sons, Andrew Leonard Vance, Aaron Matthew Vance (Nicole); and grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Vance and Aaron Matthew Vance, Jr.-AJ. He also leaves behind his dearly loved Beagle, Roy and Dachshund, Bro; as well as a host of many friends who were loved like family.

Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Jacob Vance; parents, Ralph and Mary Vance; his in-laws, Rev. Harry R. and Helen Russell; 3 brothers; and many other family members.

Visitation will be Monday, July 12, 2021, from 4-7 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street, Urbandale. Cremation will follow services.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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