Ralph Elwood Witt

Ralph Witt, 98, was the oldest of nine children born to Ralph and Pearl Witt of Soper, Oklahoma, on December 21, 1917.

Ralph died at Mercy Hospice of complications from a fall, resulting in a broken hip. His family will host a Celebration of Life and share memories on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at Highland Park Christian Church at 11:30 a.m.

Ralph was a 1937 graduate of Valley High School and on May 20, 1941, enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight in WWII. He spent over three years in the European theater of Ireland, England, France (Normandy Beach), Belgium, Holland and Germany, then was honorably discharged on May 20, 1945.

Ralph met his future wife Alice Darr in Des Moines, Iowa, and followed her to Farragut, Idaho, where she was stationed as a Wave. On October 13, 1945, they were married in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and returned to Des Moines where they raised their two children Carol and Trace.

Ralph was employed by and retired from the U.S. Post Office. He built his own house in Saylorville working evenings and weekends and later worked back-to-back eight hour jobs as a letter carrier and truck driver hauling fuel for Craven Transport. Upon retirement from the Post Office, Ralph drove a semi-truck hauling heavy equipment for his friends at Kramme Bridge Builders.

When he finally quit working, he spent many happy days at the Highland Park Senior Center and at Woodside Golf Course. Ralph loved to work, play golf, play cards, and help people.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Carol (Reg) Smith; grandson, Tyler Smith; son, Trace (Susan) Witt; and two sisters, Vera (Bob) Sarasio and June (Ron) Cooper. He was preceded in death by his wife Alice Witt; grandson, Eric Smith; his parents; four sisters, Grace (Don) Wolfe, Corrine (David) Wright, Nellie (Roger) Buchanan, and Willa (Joe) Riera; as well as two brothers, F.A. Witt and Mason Witt.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Mercy Hospice Johnston for their compassion and care in Ralph’s final days.

Ralph was buried with family at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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