Mr. Ralph William Mapes' Obituary
Ralph William Mapes, age 91, passed away Tuesday morning, December 30, 2014. He was born July 17, 1923 to Floyd and Edna Marie (Danner) Mapes in Marion, OH, and lived most of his life in the West Michigan area. Ralph retired as a Dairy Inspector for the State of Michigan, Department of Agriculture, and had also worked at Sanitary Dairy and Farr View Dairy. He enjoyed anything to do with the automotive world, but especially classic cars. He was also an avid reader and Boy Scout leader. Ralph was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. On June 18, 1949 he married Mildred A. Wood, and she preceded him in death on October 6, 2004. SURVIVORS include his longtime dear friend and companion, Elsie Pitts; 4 children, Denise (Jimmy) Newell of LaRue, OH, David (Mary) Mapes of East Grand Rapids, Michael (Charlotte) Mapes of Colorado Springs, CO, Brian (Sue) Mapes of Portage; 6 grandchildren, Jamie (Brian) Farber, Sarah (Donny) Oberg, Jenny Mapes, Jeffrey (Katherine) Mapes, Laura Mapes, and Amy Mapes; 5 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his father and mother; and a daughter-in-law, Debra Mapes in 2009. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, January 3, 2015, at 11:00AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Dennis Remenschneider presiding. Visitation in the church parlor will be from 6-8 PM on Friday January 2, 2015 and 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in memory of Ralph Mapes may be made to St. Paul’s Future’s Fund or the Salvation Army. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565.
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